PM Modi Spends Day One of His China Visit in President Jinping's Hometown

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Beijing from Xian.

Dancers perform on a song from a Bollywood film during the cultural function in Xian.

Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "The cultural programme in Xi'an is wonderful."

It seems even rain could not dampen the spirits at the cultural extravaganza organised in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's honour.

Prime Minister Modi describes the cultural programme as spectacular in his tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's day one in Xian ended with a colourful cultural programme.

Chinese vegetarian specials for PM Modi's banquet dinner menu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys the traditional performance during the ceremonial welcome in Xian.

A traditional performance was organised in Xian in honour of PM Modi.

A warm ceremonial welcome was organised for PM Modi, in Chinese President Xi Jinping's hometown Xian.

The Prime Minister presented President Xi Jinping replicas of a stone casket of Buddhist relics and a stone statue of Buddha that were excavated from a 3rd-4th century AD stupa at Dev-ni-Mori - a site 80 kms east of Vadnagar, Gujarat - in 1957.

The Prime Minister also presented archaeological drawings of excavations at Vadnagar which was one of the places visited by the great Chinese traveller Xuanzang - also known as Hieun Tsang - around 641 AD.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi gifts Bodhi sapling to the temple. In return, the Abbot of the monastery gifts a figurine of Xuan Zang to the Prime Minister.

"Will always cherish this token of appreciation", tweets Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping holding summit talks in restricted format in the ancient city of Xian. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping shaking hands before their meeting in Xian, in China's Shaanxi province. PM Modi began a three-day trip to China by inspecting the Terracotta Warriors and paying visit to the Da Xingshan temple. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)

PM Modi interacting with people in Xi'an. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)

Traversing centuries. From the 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE. After a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum at Xi'an, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid a visit to the Da Xingshan temple and offered prayers. PM Modi stood with his hands folded in front of Buddha statues as monks chanted prayers. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)

In the visitors book at the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xian, PM Modi wrote that he was "deeply impressed" by the extraordinary care with which the museum has been preserved.

PM Modi observing the terracotta figurines at Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.

PM Modi is seen here viewing the exhibits at the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

PM Modi at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, which has a large collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)

PM Modi's arrival in Xian is significant and a departure from protocol by the Chinese government. It is being seen as a sign of the importance China is attaching to this visit and a reciprocal gesture after President Xi was first hosted by PM Modi in Gujarat last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being warmly welcomed by a little girl on his arrival at Xi'an Xiangyang International Airport. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)

PM Modi being received on arrival by Governor of Shaanxi Province Mr. Lou Qinjian at the airport. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)

Chinese traditional dancers welcoming PM Modi at Xi'an Xiangyang International Airport, through various performances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in China, his first stop is the ancient city of Xian, also the hometown of President Xi Xinping. PM Modi will hold talks with President Xi and will visit the famous Wild Goose Pagoda, the spiritual structure built to highlight famous Chinese Buddhist monk Xuan Zang's journey to India in 645 AD through the ancient Silk Road. (Photo Courtesy: Agence France-Presse)