Michelle Obama visits with Chinese students in Chengdu

First lady Michelle Obama continued her tour of China Tuesday with a visit to a school in Chengdu, where she spoke about the importance of education.

At the No. 7 School in Chengdu, the first lady delivered a speech in the school's auditorium to promote education. Reflecting on the message she delivered, she wrote in her online travel journal:

"I talked with the students about how, when we live so far from each other, it’s easy for us to develop all kinds of misconceptions about each other -- but it often turns out that we have so much in common. I cited my own experience growing up in America as an example and pointed out that many parts of my story -- my humble background, the closeness of my family, my parents’ determination to see my brother and I get a good education -- are similar to their life stories."

The first lady met later with students in an English class, engaging in "a lively discussion on topics including the following: how schools can encourage creativity in students; how students can deal with competition and failure; the value of studying abroad; the importance of challenging yourself and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone; and my impressions of China and Chinese culture."

Michelle Obama capped her visit to the school with a lesson in Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art. "It is a truly beautiful form of physical activity, and I loved giving it a try," she wrote.

The first lady, who is accompanied by daughters Malia and Sasha and mother Marian Robinson on her education-focused trip, will depart China on Wednesday.

[White House]