President Trump’s Visit to Beijing

President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday morning to a warm reception, stepping off Air Force One alongside high-ranking government officials and American business leaders.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, along with Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Fendt, was on hand to greet him. Mr. Han, a member of the influential Politburo Standing Committee until his vice presidency in 2023, made history by being the first senior Chinese official to attend an American presidential inauguration at Trump’s second inauguration in January 2026.

This marks the first visit by an American president to Beijing in nine years. Trump was the last to do so during his first term in 2017.

The arrival ceremony featured a military honor guard and a band, with about 300 Chinese students waving both Chinese Communist and American flags, enthusiastically chanting “Welcome!” in Mandarin. In a typical Trump fashion, he responded with a fist-pump.

As Trump traveled from the airport to his hotel, the phrase “Welcome to Beijing” lit up on various skyscrapers along the way, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

A crowd of local residents gathered to catch a glimpse of the president as he passed, with some recording the moment on their smartphones. Many expressed a sense of optimism about the relationship between the U.S. and China. Comments like “China and the United States moving forward together and building a bright future!” reflected hopeful sentiments, and state media shared videos of his arrival.

Security measures in Beijing have been markedly increased in anticipation of the visit. While there hasn’t been an official announcement regarding Trump’s accommodation, speculation suggests he may stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in northeast Beijing, with other members of his entourage possibly at the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Yansha Center. Reports indicate that both hotels suspended reservations from Tuesday to Thursday, which adds to the intrigue of his stay.

Two U.S. officials mentioned that Trump is likely to indeed be at the Four Seasons, located less than half a mile from the American Embassy in Beijing.

Additionally, the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant tourist attraction built in the 15th century, was closed to visitors ahead of Trump’s scheduled visit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday.