First Lady attends performance during Beijing visit

Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended a performance with Jenni Haukio, wife of Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, on Tuesday.

The show, which included poetry reading and musical performances, was held in the stylish bookstore Page One situated in the Qianmen area, a significant symbol of old Beijing.

After having strolled around the bookstore and learning about the history of the bookstore and the surrounding block, Peng and Haukio enjoyed wonderful performances on the top floor. Peng also briefed Haukio on the history and recent renovation of the historic district of Dashilar.

During the show, students majoring in Finnish read Haukio's award-winning poems, catching her by surprise.

Young ladies dressed in ancient costumes sang traditional Chinese poems with the accompaniment of piano and Chinese zither, a traditional Chinese instrument.

The performance ended with a violinist and a pianist playing a piece work composed by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

The show was performed by teachers and students from the Beijing Foreign Studies University and the China Conservatory of Music.

Haukio is in Beijing accompanying President Niinistö who is paying a state visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday.