Trump invited Xi in early November, shortly after the US election, sources said, but it was not clear whether he has accepted the invitation.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.
In addition to Xi, Trump's team has raised the possibility of hosting other leaders at the Capitol on January 20.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is reportedly considering attending the inauguration. (AP PHOTO)
Hungary's far-right leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has a warm relationship with Trump and visited him at Mar-a-Lago this week, is "still considering" whether to attend, according to a source familiar with Orbán's plans.
"World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said.
Ambassadors and other diplomats are typically invited to inaugurations, but State Department records dating back to 1874 show that a foreign leader has never attended a transfer-of-power ceremony.
Members of Trump's inner circle remain sharp critics of Xi's government, including Senator Marco Rubio, his pick to be secretary of state, and incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz.
Trump himself has threatened to increase tariffs on goods from China.
Agencies
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