Snapshot of China-UK relations

President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from Oct 19 to 23, which will be the first official visit by Chinese President over the past 10 years. Since China and Britain established the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004, both countries have made great contributions to the development of bilateral ties. Let's take a look back at major moments of China-Britain relations.

March 2015

British Prince William visits China

President Xi Jinping meets with Britain's Prince William at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 2, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Prince William's visit marks the highest profile royal visit to China since 1986, when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip travelled to the country.

The second-in-line to the throne was on a three-day trip to China on behalf of the UK government to open a festival celebrating British creativity and innovation, the first major event in a year of cultural exchange between the countries.

William has been to Beijing, Shanghai and Yunnan province during his visit.

Prince William paints a leaf on the back of a model of a baby elephant during his visit to Wild Elephant Valley in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, March 4, 2015. [Photo by Zhang Wei/China Daily]

Related: Prince William embarks on cultural tour of China