Obamas visit ancient guards, modern kids

US first lady Michelle Obama (2nd R), her daughter Sasha (L) and her mother Marian Robinson listen to a guide as they visit the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, March 24, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Michelle Obama sees Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

Must-see cultural sites for foreign dignitaries visiting China

Li Ye, assistant principal of the middle school, said Obama, who is promoting education exchanges between the United States and China during her weeklong visit, frequently brought up the importance of school as she interacted with the students.

She said Obama told many of the students to have courage as they grow up and added that the US first lady was impressed by the English fluency among the Chinese students.

Obama, who told many of the students that she will try to encourage more US students to come to China, impressed Li with her personal touch and amiable character.

"I didn't expect her to have such a wonderful interaction with our students. It felt like there were no boundaries between them," she said.

The US first lady and her family took a break at a cafe atop the Yongning Gate before they were invited to a drum dance presented by the Shaanxi Song and Dance Troupe.

Reggie Gray, a tourist from Houston, Texas, who was visiting the Terracotta Warriors on Monday, said the US first lady made the right decision in choosing Xi'an.

"The city has a great preservation of historical heritage and is definitely worth a visit for a foreign tourist," he said.

Diane Rose, who is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was visiting Xi'an with her two daughters and family members, said she did not expect her schedule to be so similar to Obama's.

Rose said she was in awe of the preservation of Xi'an's historical sites.

"I was impressed that the city has modern buildings next to ancient ones. Riding bicycles on the city wall is a great experience," she said.

The Obama family arrived at Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, on Monday night and will conclude their visit there with a visit to a middle school and a panda reservation.

Special: US first lady visits China