(Yicai Global) March 22 -- Tim Cook, chief executive of Apple, has confirmed on social media that he is back in Beijing after six months away to take part in events in China's capital to promote the US tech giant's music streaming service.

Cook took to Weibo to share music and reveal that he met with Chinese artist Corsak at the Californian firm's flagship store in Beijing's central Wangfujing area. He is expected to be back in the US in time for Apple's spring product release event on March 25.

The event is expected to focus on the firm's video-streaming service and news client. Apple has already provided details of new generations of its iPad Air, iPad mini, iMac and AirPods products online.

Cook also took in the Palace Museum at the Forbidden City and met with curator Shan Jixiang this morning. The tourist spot's app allows visitors to experience the ancient culture of the palace in an immersive, virtual way, domestic news outlet Sina reported Cook as saying during his chat with Shan.

The firm's ARkit developer package helped to make the app possible. It can be used in children's education, Cook said adding that it could be used in home decorating, where the effects of furniture placed in houses can be shown virtually.

Cook also visited educational startup iHuman and Perfect Future Education today and spoke with Chi Yufeng, founder of the Tianjin-based firm.

Editor: William Clegg