First lady Peng Liyuan poses with Australian youngsters from Tasmania for a group photo on Thursday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi once said that the handwritten letters by these pupils introduced him to the unique and spectacular views of their hometown, and the invitation was too good to refuse.

In response, the couple met the pupils and planted a yulan magnolia together at Government House in Tasmania months later.

On Thursday, Peng encouraged the children to stay in touch with friends they met in China, continue to study Chinese and China's culture, and to be young ambassadors for friendly China-Australia exchanges after they return home.