Obama feels lonely at home as Michelle, daughters en route to China

US President Barack Obama has said that he feels a little lonely at home as the US first lady and his two daughters Sasha and Malia are off to China, adding that he plans to watch an inspiring movie over the weekend.

US President Barack Obama has said that he feels a little lonely at home as the US first lady and his two daughters Sasha and Malia are off to China.

As such, he told a White House audience, he plans to watch the movie "Cesar Chavez: An American Her" over the weekend.

"I'm going to watch it this (movie) weekend," Obama said at the White House screening of the movie on Wednesday.

"Michelle and the girls are on their way to China. It's very lonely at home, so nothing better than to see an inspiring film," Obama said.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing a chronicled life of one of my heroes and one of the people who inspired me to get into the work that I've gotten into," he said.

This week, first lady Michelle and her two daughters are travelling to China for an official visit.

During her trip, the first lady will meet with students at the Stanford Center at Peking University, Beijing Normal School, and Chengdu No 7 High School to discuss the power and importance of education, both in her own life and in the lives of young people in both countries.

She will also visit historical and cultural sites, from the Great Wall to the Terra Cotta Warriors.