Chinese President Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday.

A 21-gun salute was fired at Tian'anmen Square and a military band played the national anthems of Russia and China during the ceremony.

Accompanied by Xi, Putin reviewed the guard of honor of the People's Liberation Army and watched a march-past and performances from the military band.

Children waving Chinese and Russian flags greeted the leaders during the ceremony. Putin is visiting China for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Xi.