With the conclusion of Merkel’s 16 years in government，Sino-German relations have entered into a new era. Although economic and trade relations between China and Germany are increasingly integrated，non-economic factors intervene more frequently in economic decisions. Germany’s new federal government prepares to take a tougher stance towards China，thus adding uncertainty to future relations. This paper reviews the development of trade and foreign direct investment between both countries during the Merkel era and analyzes opportunities for economic and trade cooperation as well as possible challenges in the post-Merkel era. Its conclusion is that China’s all-round opening provides political opportunities for the economic relationship of both countries. Both can make use of great possibilities for cooperation in the automotive sector，services and the green and digital economy. The uncertainty regarding the policies of the new German government towards China and the adjustment of the EU’s foreign economic policy will however also affect the cooperation between the two sides.