German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived here Thursday night, starting a four-day official visit to China.

During Merkel's stay in Beijing, Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet with her. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will hold talks with her. And Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping will also meet with her.

Besides Beijing, Merkel will pay a visit to Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

In 2005, Merkel became the first female chancellor of Germany and was reappointed in 2009.

Merkel has made four visits to Chinaas minister for environment, nature protection and reactor safety in August 1997; and as chancellor in May 2006, August 2007 and October 2008.