Klaus Meine, lead vocalist of German rock band Scorpions, is seen in an undated photo. Meine visited Beijing for the first time on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. [Photo: jinghua.cn]

Klaus Meine, lead singer of the legendary rock band Scorpions, thinks Beijing is an impressive city and looks forward to performing there someday.

The veteran German rocker drew the conclusion on his first visit to the Chinese capital, where he was invited to the foundation-laying ceremony of a Sino-German medical research program on Tuesday, Beijing Times reports.

Meine, 60, told the newspaper that he was impressed by many stunning buildings on his way to the hotel. He was also amazed by the Capital Airport's new Terminal 3.

However, Meine rued his tight schedule wouldn't allow him time to visit the Forbidden City or the Great Wall.

When his band mates learnt he was coming to Beijing, "they were all jealous," Meine says. "We are all looking forward to playing here someday."

If a Scorpions concert happens in Beijing, Meine hopes it will be held in a small venue so that the band can get close to their Chinese fans. He also hopes to invite Jackie Chan to the gig because "he is a legendary figure."

Scorpions were founded in 1965. The band is hailed as one of Germany's most successful rock outfits.

(CRI June 11,2008)