US First Lady visits Chengdu

US First Lady Michelle Obama and her family have spent the last two days of their trip to China in Chengdu in Sichuan Province. The city is famous for its cuisine and pandas.

US First Lady Michelle Obama accompanied by her two daughters and mother arrived at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Sichuan Province, southwest China.

They were welcomed by local government officials and consular staff.

The First Lady promoted the importance of educational exchanges at Chengdu No. 7 High School, which has over 100 years of history. In a speech to the students, she first expressed her support for the families of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

“Now before I get started, on behalf of my husband, I want to say that our hearts goes to all those with the loved ones on Malaysia airlines flight 370." Michelle Obama said.

The first lady spoke to the students about the importance of people to people exchanges and said she hopes there will be more between the two countries.

"And over the past week, as I have seen both the ancient wonders and the modern achievements of your fascinating country and as I have met with extraordinary young people like all of you, I am more confident than ever before in our shared future." Michelle Obama said.

During the US first lady’s trip to China, she visited schools, tried out Chinese calligraphy, and learnt tai chi - a form of martial arts based on ancient Chinese philosophy.

The main purpose of her visit has been to promote educational and cultural cooperation between China and the United States.

"I think it’s significant that the First Lady Michelle Obama has visited our school. This will promote communication and trust between our two countries. Our school has many international exchange programs." Liu Guowei, Principal of Chengdu No. 7 School said.

Chengdu is a fast developing city. It has invested nearly 20 billion Yuan to improve school facilities over the past 10 years.

In 2012, the municipal government of Chengdu decided to invest over 4 billion yuan to improve the overall academic levels of teachers, and school facilities.

“On Wednesday, the first lady and her family will visit one of the city’s iconic spots and come face to face with China’s symbolic animal: the panda. Later that afternoon, she will return home, concluding her first solo trip to China.