First lady takes in some Peking Opera

US first lady Michelle Obama (1st R) talks to American children visiting China on their spring break in front of a Chinese traditional building at the Summer Palace in Beijing, March 22, 2014. US first lady met her Chinese counterpart on Friday, a long-anticipated encounter during a week-long trip to promote education and cultural ties.[Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

"Learning Chinese is a cool thing in school. It is good for business and job opportunities," he said. 'It is a hard language, but it is never too early to start learning it."

The students introduced themselves to Obama and talked about their courses in school.

Most students and teachers are aware of Obama”s Let”s Move campaign to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity and her devotion to education.

"She has been promoting important things and good values, and does a great job communicating with children," said Kathy Durand, a businesswoman from Chicago.

Durand joined the trip with her daughter, 13-year-old Claire, a student at Thomas Middle School. Claire was born in China and adopted by the Durand family when she was one year of age.

"We want her to learn as much about Chinese culture as possible and it is fun we learn it together," she said.

Michelle Obama visits Summer Palace	US first lady shows character during maiden visit to China