BEIJING, Aug. 26 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived here Sunday night, kicking off her official visit to China from August 26 to 29.

       During her visit, Merkel will meet Chinese President Hu Jintao, top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

       Merkel will also attend the opening ceremony of a series of cultural activities that will be held in major Chinese cities including Nanjing, Guangzhou and Chengdu to mark the 35th anniversary of Germany-China diplomatic ties.

       Besides Beijing, the German chancellor will also visit Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province.

       This is Merkel's second China tour since she took the post of German chancellor. Her last visit to China was in May of 2006.