An ancient dam, pandas and ping-pong: French leader Emmanuel Macron concluded his fourth state visit to China on Friday, striking a more relaxed note in Chengdu after tough discussions on Ukraine and trade with President Xi Jinping a day earlier.

Far from the imposing Great Hall of the People in Beijing where the two leaders held talks on Thursday, Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were warmly received by Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan on arrival at Dujiangyan.

Welcoming them to Sichuan, known as the "Land of Abundance," Xi recalled his visit last year to the Hautes-Pyrenees Department at Macron's invitation, saying he believed Macron's visit would help deepen his understanding of China.

The Dujiangyan irrigation system is the world's only ancient irrigation project still in operation today, and also one of the earliest successful practices of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, Xi said, adding that its construction process fully reflects the nation's spirit of constant self-improvement, fearlessness in the face of hardship, and courage to forge ahead.

Xi and Peng showed Macron and Brigitte around the centuries-old Dujiangyan Dam, a World Heritage Site set against the mountainous landscape of Sichuan.

Macron, who was earlier filmed going for a morning jog near a lake alongside his security detail, was told through an interpreter about the ancient irrigation system, which dates back to the third century BCE and continues to provide water to the Sichuan Basin plain.

The French president said he was "very touched" by the gesture, a departure from official protocol.

He said the trip was a sign of mutual trust and a desire to "act together" at a time when international tensions and disputes over global trade are rising.

The two presidential couples parted ways after a lunch, with the Macrons continuing the trip independently.

Macron met with students in Chengdu, with hundreds of people, including students and residents, cheering to greet him on arrival near a sports stadium.

Macron's call for increased Chinese investment in France appears to have been heeded.

A letter of intent to this effect was signed on Thursday, with Xi Jinping stating his readiness to "increase reciprocal investments" for a "fair trading environment". (AFP/Xinhua)