U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has arrived in Beijing Thursday for a week-long trip. Here, she will meet Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan. Michelle Obama will also visit the central city of Xi'an and the southwest city of Chengdu.

An unprecedented and historical moment in the chapter of China-U.S. Relations.

It is the first time a U.S. First Lady has visited China by herself. Experts say that it is also a soft move of U.S. public diplomacy to make amends with China.

"Last time, when President Xi Jinping went to Sunnylands in California, Michelle Obama wasn't there. I think many Chinese viewed that as a deep disappointment; so this time, she is coming over to China. I think this is to make-up for her absence in California last year. There is an increasing importance of the China-U.S. relationship, but also increasing tensions in bilateral ties. So it's very crucial that the U.S. leaders or people who have an unofficial position like the first lady come over to China and meet Peng Liyuan. This is an excellent example of public diplomacy by the U.S. government." Professor Xie Tao with Beijing Foreign Studies University said.

The U.S. first lady is looking to talk with young people to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries. She is promising to keep people informed about her trip by updating her blog every day. She hopes the visit will help young people in the U.S. gain a better understanding of China.

Michelle Obama's visit will focus on education and youth issues that the U.S. and China have in common. Communication between the two first ladies send a message that the relationship between the two countries is not just between leaders, but also between the two peoples.

(CNTV.cn March 20, 2014)