Published : 2024-10-12

From October 12 to 18, 1986, Queen Elizabeth II of England visited China for the first time.

Queen Elizabeth II was invited by the then Chinese President Li Xiannian (李先念) for a week-long state visit to China, which was the first time in history that a British monarch visited China, and also the only one to date.

Queen Elizabeth II presented Li Xiannian with a letter that was "late" by 390 years, written by the then Queen Elizabeth I in 1596 to the Emperor Wanli (萬曆) of the Ming Dynasty.

The letter expressed hopes of trade development between Britain and China. Unfortunately, due to the misfortune faced by the delivery person, the letter never arrived.

During this visit, Queen Elizabeth II stayed for one week and visited various places including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Kunming, and Guangzhou.

She also toured attractions such as the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and the Great Wall.