Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he had the rare opportunity to visit Chinese President Xi Jinping's private residence in Zhongnanhai, a highly restricted political compound in China. He described the experience as something "that hardly ever happens."
"I went to his living quarters, which is something that is rarely done. It was beautiful. It was amazing. People have never seen it before. It's truly incredible. We had lunch together. We have a great rapport," Trump stated at the conclusion of his state visit to China.
Located next to the Forbidden City in Beijing, Zhongnanhai serves as the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party and the official residence of the head of state.
Exclusive Access for Foreign Leaders
Foreign leaders rarely gain access to this area, as diplomatic summits are typically held in the Great Hall of the People or other designated venues.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Xi hosted Trump in the morning, where they held a private meeting and strolled through the compound's gardens.
Trump's Reflections on Xi's Praise
Trump also recounted that Xi credited him with reversing America's decline. According to Trump, the Chinese leader publicly stated that "the U.S. was in decline over the last four years"—a nod to the Biden era—and that what Trump accomplished in his "15 or 16 months" in office was "virtually a miracle," asserting that the U.S. was "the hottest country in the world."
"At that moment, he was 100% right," Trump wrote on Truth Social, interpreting Xi's comments as a direct critique of the previous administration.
Historic State Visit
Trump's state visit to China took place from May 13 to 15, marking the first by a sitting U.S. president in nearly nine years and Trump's first since November 2017.
The main day on Thursday featured a welcoming ceremony with a 21-gun salute at the Great Hall of the People, a bilateral meeting lasting about two hours, and a state banquet hosted by Xi.
Commercial Deals and Future Invitations
On the trade front, Trump announced deals including China's commitment to purchase over 200 Boeing aircraft, with a potential for up to 750 planes if the initial delivery proves satisfactory, representing the largest order in the company's history.
Traveling with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a delegation of approximately 30 top executives from American companies, the summit aimed to solidify the trade truce agreed in Busan, South Korea, in October 2025, which suspended tariffs that had risen to 145% by Washington and 125% by Beijing.
Trump also extended a formal invitation to Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan to visit the United States on September 24, 2026, during the state banquet in Beijing.
Bidding farewell to China with his signature fist-pump as he ascended the steps of Air Force One, Trump deemed the summit "probably the greatest in history" and described his time there as "an incredible and historic period."
FAQs About Trump's Visit to China
Why is Zhongnanhai significant in China?
Zhongnanhai is significant because it is the central headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party and the official residence of China's head of state. It is located adjacent to the Forbidden City in Beijing.
What were the key outcomes of Trump's China visit?
Key outcomes included a commitment from China to purchase over 200 Boeing aircraft, discussions to solidify a trade truce, and the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the United States and China.