President Xi Jinping held a luncheon for former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing after their meeting on Thursday. Photo: VCG

To wish the 100-year-old Kissinger a long life, his hosts served steamed buns shaped like peaches, known as “longevity peaches.” Photo: VCG

A flower arrangement decorates the dining table on Thursday. Photo: VCG

A flower-arrangement crafted from sugar decorates the dining table. Photo: VCG

A gourd-shaped wooden fastener binds a napkin on a place setting. The fastener, called a “hulu” in Chinese, symbolizes happiness and good fortune. Photo: VCG

Traditional Chinese fruit baskets sit next to the dining table. Photo: VCG

The luncheon was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Photo: VCG

Xi speaks to Kissinger Thursday during their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Photo: Huang Jingwen/Xinhua