President Donald Trump wrapped up his two-day state visit to China on Friday, May 15, with a rare personal tour of Zhongnanhai, the walled-off leadership compound where Xi Jinping lives and works. Trump later called the invitation a special honor that “doesn’t happen to everyone.”
The visit to the secretive compound came on the final morning of talks as Trump and Xi strolled through its gardens, admired ancient trees and blooming roses, and sat down for tea and private discussions.
Images released by both sides showed the two leaders walking side by side in the lush grounds, a setting few foreign leaders ever see.
Xi’s Zhongnanhai Compound
Zhongnanhai sits next to the Forbidden City in central Beijing. It serves as the headquarters for China’s Communist Party leadership.
High walls and tight security keep it off-limits to most people. Even photos and maps of the area are heavily controlled inside China.
Trump spoke about the experience shortly afterward and said, “I went over to where President Xi lives, which is something that rarely happens.” “People have never seen it before. It’s amazing, actually. It’s a very positive thing to have these two nations getting along.”
During the tour, Trump asked Xi whether he brings other presidents into the compound. Xi replied that it happens “very rarely,” according to a hot-mic recording captured by reporters.
The gesture came as the two leaders tried to ease tensions after months of trade disputes. Trump has long pushed for better deals on everything from tariffs to fentanyl and technology. Chinese officials described the meetings as “constructive.”
Also Read: Merz Finally Bends the Knee to Trump on Iran Days After ‘Ineffective’ Attack
White House officials said the visit produced progress on agricultural purchases and steps to curb fentanyl flows into the United States.
No major new trade agreement was announced, but both sides spoke of avoiding a return to sharp tariff hikes.
Trump told reporters the talks settled problems “that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve.” He praised Xi as a strong leader and said personal rapport matters in diplomacy.
For Xi, hosting Trump at Zhongnanhai carried its own message. Chinese state media called it a sign of respect and reciprocity after Trump hosted Xi at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida during his first term.
Xi pointed out historic features in the gardens, including a pair of ancient cypress trees whose trunks have grown together.
Security around the compound remained intense, whereby only a small group of American and Chinese officials joined the walk. Most staff and journalists waited outside the main areas.
Also Read: Trump Brags About China Ordering 200 Boeing Jets — Then Boeing Loses Billions in Market Value
The visit ended with a stop at Zhongnanhai after a hectic schedule. Trump was formally greeted at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday with military honors and meetings with Chinese business leaders. Topics included market access for U.S. companies and Taiwan’s stability.
Trump’s supporters called the visit a win for personal diplomacy. They pointed to past meetings where direct talks between the two men produced temporary deals on soybeans and other goods.
Trump left Beijing on Air Force One on Friday afternoon. Before boarding, he repeated that the relationship between the world’s two biggest economies had improved.
“Great things can happen when leaders get along,” he said.
Trump to Get Rose Seeds From Zhongnanhai Garden
The trip marked Trump’s second major visit to China as president. His first came early in his initial term and ended with a big trade speech in Beijing.
This time, the setting inside Zhongnanhai gave the final day a more intimate feel. Trump appeared relaxed as he walked the grounds and later described the experience as unforgettable.
Xi told Trump the visit showed both countries can work together despite differences.
He offered to send rose seeds from the Zhongnanhai gardens to the White House as a personal gift.
