Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Sochi, Russia, Feb 6, 2014. Xi will attend the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping arrived Thursday afternoon at the resort city on Russia's Black Sea coast to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games.

It is the first time a Chinese president will attend a major overseas sports event, signaling Beijing's strong support for the Olympics and Russia's efforts to host the games.

It is also the second consecutive year that Xi had made Russia his first overseas trip of the year, which experts say reflects the special nature of the Sino-Russia relationship.

During his three-day stay at the Olympics, Xi is expected to attend the opening ceremony and hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Besides Xi's state visit to Russia in March, the two presidents met four times last year at international events.