The two leaders shook hands in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing before walking down a red carpet and listening to the national anthems of their respective countries.
At the meeting, Xi praised the "unwavering relationship" between China and Russia "despite trials and setbacks," according to the state-run Xinhua news agency, AFP reports.
Putin also praised the countries' relationship, saying it has reached "an unprecedented level."
Putin's visit to China comes less than a week after US President Donald Trump visited the country.
