Merkel's footprints in China

German Chancellor Angela Merkel eats kung pao chicken, a spicy Sichuan dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers, at a Sichuan restaurant during her visit to Chengdu, the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, July 6, 2014. [Photo provided to China Daily]

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has made her seventh visit to China since taking office in 2005. Apart from Beijing, the "travel-lover" has been to many other Chinese cities.

First visit in May 2006: Beijing, Shanghai

During her visit to Shanghai, Merkel visited the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and St. Ignatius Cathedral. She spoke at a meeting of the German Chamber of Commerce in China, and rode the world's only commercially operational maglev rail line.

Second visit in August 2007: Beijing, Nanjing

Merkel visited Nanjing in Jiangsu Province to launch a three-year campaign called Germany and China–Moving Ahead Together. During her stay, she visited the Sino-German Law Institute in Nanjing University, attended the opening of the campaign accompanied by leaders in Jiangsu Province and visited the Siemens plant.

Merkel also earned a good reputation in China as she chose to stay in a junior suite rather than a presidential suite.

Third visit in October 2008: Beijing

Merkel attended the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 7) from October 24 to 25.

Fourth visit in July 2010: Beijing, Xi'an

During her visit in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province, Merkel held talks with then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and heads of German and Chinese firms. The two also visited Siemens Signaling Company Ltd., a Sino-German joint venture.

Merkel also visited the mausoleum of Qinshihuang, the first emperor of a united China, where the famous terracotta warriors and horses are located.

Fifth visit in February 2012: Beijing, Guangzhou

After her stop in Beijing, she visited Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong, where she and then Premier Wen Jiabao attended a trade seminar for Chinese and German businessmen, and visited the Chinese branch of Herrenknecht AG, a leading German manufacturer of tunnel-drilling machines.

Sixth visit in August 2012: Beijing, Tianjin

As a Tianjin native, then Premier Wen Jiabao accompanied Merkel from Beijing to Tianjin by high-speed rail. Merkel held talks with entrepreneurs of both countries and attended the launch ceremony of the 100th Airbus A320.

Seventh visit in July 2014, Chengdu and Beijing

Merkel kicked off her 7th China trip July 6 in the Southwestern city, a place that German companies regard as a springboard to the relatively underdeveloped western parts of China.