Italian President Giorgio Napolitano arrived here Sunday, kicking off his first state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Napolitano's visit includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Macao, and Hong Kong. During his stay in Beijing, Napolitano will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and meet with other Chinese leaders including top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

Napolitano will travel to Shanghai to attend events at the ongoing World Expo.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the Year of Chinese Culture in Italy.