Centuries-old trees and ‘most beautiful’ roses take centre stage as US leader taken on rare stroll around secluded, symbolic seat of power
Zhongnanhai, once an imperial garden, now serves as Xi’s official residence and the headquarters of China’s top leadership, housing offices of the ruling Communist Party and the State Council, or China’s cabinet.
Generations of senior party and state leaders have lived and worked within the compound since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949.
For decades, the compound has been among China’s most secretive sites, occupying an almost mythic role in most public imagination of Chinese politics – hidden behind high walls and guarded gates.
On Friday, however, Xi briefly opened part of that world to his American guests, receiving them in a more casual setting than the formal talks on Thursday.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
