US President Barack Obama, onhis first visit to China since 2009, went on a relaxed stroll with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Zhong nanhai, the area of Beijing known as the heart of the government. The stroll after the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting was followed by a brief meeting and dinner, and gave rise to expectations that the unusually informal atmosphere would help the two leaders tackle high-stakes issues at a formal meeting on Wednesday.

Standing on a traditional Chinese bridge, Xi introduced Obama to the history of Ying Tai, an ancient imperial palace where they later met.

Knowing China's modern history is important for under standing Chinese people's current aspirations and path forward, Xi told Obama.