Feb 2, 2012
Translated by Zhu Na

After arriving in Beijing early this morning for a 3-day official visit to China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel wandered a narrow shopping street close to the center of China's capital this afternoon.

Although Nanluoguxiang has a long history, it's now a mix of boutique stores, cafes and bars as well as a major attraction for tourists looking to get away from the more traditional tourist draws such as the Forbidden City or Great Wall, and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden called in to a nearby fried liver cafe on his visit to Beijing over the summer. 

During the day, Chancellor Merkel also gave a speech on international economic policy and China-German relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

This is the fifth time that Merkel has visited China since she became chancellor.

After meeting with China's president and premier in Beijing, Chancellor Merkel will head south to Guangdong, the country’s major manufacturing hub.

Together with Premier Wen Jiabao, she will attend a seminar for German and Chinese entrepreneurs in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong.

Chancellor Merkel’s visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of her country’s resumption of diplomatic relations with China.

Links and Sources
Xinhua Net 德国总理默克尔抵京访华
China News.com 德国总理默克尔游览北京南锣鼓巷文化街