Max Baucus, the current US ambassador to China, will leave Beijing for home next Monday.
In a video bidding farewell to China and its people, Baucus said he saw huge potential for cooperation between the US and China.
"It's really not easy for us to leave," said his wife Melodee Hanes. "We have made so many good friends here...I'm absolutely certain we will be back."
Baucus also sent New Year wishes through the video as the Chinese New Year is approaching.
President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has issued a mandate requiring politically-appointed ambassadors like Baucus who were installed by President Barack Obama to leave their posts by Inauguration Day (Jan 20).
Trump has nominated Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to become the next ambassador to China.