Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in Beijing Wednesday afternoon, kicking off a five-day official visit to China.

The tour marked Harper's first China visit since he came to office in 2006.

During his stay in Beijing, Harper is scheduled to meet with Chinese leaders and visit the Great Wall, one of China's most cherished heritage sites.

Besides Beijing, Harper will also visit Shanghai and Hong Kong.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry, Harper was accompanied by his wife Laureen Harper, and his 40-strong member entourage included Canada's International Trade Minister Stockwell Day and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

Leaders of both countries will have wide-ranging and in-depth discussion on strengthening trade relations and international issues of common concern, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Tuesday when asked to comment on the visit.

Qin said China expected and believed Harper's visit would "deliver positive results and boost bilateral relations."

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2009)