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Since September, London's Chinatown has been festively decorated to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese National Day. Now the busy streets have become even more colorful, with additional red lanterns and more than 1,000 Chinese and UK national flags added to celebrate President Xi Jinping's visit to the UK.

London's bustling Chinatown is located on the city's Gerrard Street. It remains a popular tourist attraction; its crowded streets, traditional Chinese goods and ongoing construction works all signify a close and developing relationship between China and the UK.

Good wishes displayed on large banners can be seen everywhere these days. Many are excited by Xi's visit and a rapport both countries have enjoyed for long. 

"I feel very excited. As President Xi proposes in the‘Belt and Road’ initiative, we hope that the Chinese and UK governments could have more economic and cultural exchanges and mutual understandings," said Song Chuanlong, a Chinese tour operator.

"I study in Imperial College and he is visiting our school as well. Imperial does lot of research for China, has really good connection to China. So I am really excited to see what's going to happen," said a Hong Kong student in London.

A London resident says he looks forward to seeing more pragmatic cooperation between the two nations.

"I think the areas we are looking at are nuclear power, transport, infrastructure and general investment and also most importantly London is the center for recognition of the RMB. The RMB is another example how China is led ahead in the last 20 years. It's now being considered part of the IMF's basket currencies, five currencies. That is the amazing feat, so we look forward the visit," said a London resident.

With Prince William inaugurating the UK season in the China-UK Cultural Year 2015, UK politician Michael Walton Bates says cultural links between the two countries contribute to their close friendship.

"We want to forge a much closer link between China and the UK based on trade but also on culture, education, also celebrating the wonderful Chinese community here in the UK. These are all reasons why I am sure the visit will be a great success," Bates said.

And cabs are also bringing the beauty of China to London streets, with photos selected from a photo contest that encouraged tourists worldwide to discover the beauty of China by sending in photos for prizes. One hundred best photos are being displayed on 50 London's cabs, owned by China's Geely. And the automaker wants to turn the iconic London black cabs to green.