KATHMANDU — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here on Saturday for a state visit to Nepal. It is the first visit by a Chinese president to the South Asian country in 23 years.

President Xi along with his delegation will stay in Soaltee Crowne Plaza located at Tahachal in the capital city during their two-day visit.

The Chinese President will call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at 6:30 pm today at Shital Niwas following which he is scheduled to meet with the president of the main opposition party (Nepali Congress), Sher Bahadur Deuba, at 7:15 pm.

President Bhandari will host a state banquet in honour of her Chinese counterpart and visiting dignitaries at Megha Malhar Hall inside Soaltee Crowne Plaza at 7:30 pm.