LONDON -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, arrived in London on Monday evening for a state visit to Britain at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive for a a four-day state visit at London's Heathrow Airport, October 19, 2015.??[Photo/Xinhua]

Prior to his visit, Xi said he looked forward to having discussions with British leaders and engaging the British public on the bilateral ties.

"I hope this will chart the course for the future growth of China-UK relations, inject new impetus in practical cooperation between our two countries in all fields and enable us to jointly usher in a 'golden time' for China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership," he said in a written interview with Reuters on Sunday.

Xi's state visit, which will conclude on Friday, is the first by a Chinese president since 2005. Besides London, Xi is also scheduled for a trip to Manchester.