US President Barack Obama arrived in Beijing Monday afternoon to continue a four-day state visit to China after meetings with officials and students in Shanghai.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping greeted him at the airport.

During his stay in Beijing, Obama is to meet with Chinese leaders and exchange views on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern. He will also visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, two of China's most cherished heritage sites.

Obama arrived in Shanghai Sunday night, the first stop of his maiden trip to China since taking office in January. He met with Shanghai Party chief Yu Zhengsheng and had a dialogue with Chinese youth earlier Monday.

China is one leg of Obama's Asian tour, following his visit to Japan and Singapore. He is slated to leave Beijing for the Republic of Korea Wednesday afternoon.

US President Barack Obama arrives at the airport in Beijing, capital of China, on November 16, 2009. Obama arrived here Monday afternoon to continue his four-day state visit to China. [Xinhua]

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping walks with US President Barack Obama at the airport in Beijing, capital of China, on November 16, 2009. Obama arrived here Monday afternoon to continue his four-day state visit to China. [Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2009)