Hangzhou's Global Connections Flourish Through Sister City Relationships

Building Global Bonds: Hangzhou's Sister City Program

In a heartwarming meeting that signifies the spirit of cultural exchange, three-year-old Yu Shuya from Hangzhou welcomed Brazilian lawyer and rising political star Renato de Almeida Freitas Junior. Dressed in a vibrant Brazil jersey, Yu's enthusiasm was palpable, highlighting the warmth that characterizes interactions between citizens of different cultures. Renato, touched by the child's excitement, remarked, "The people of Hangzhou are as hospitable as Brazilians!"

This event shed light on the historic bond between Hangzhou and Curitiba, a relationship that dates back to 2001. Renato expressed confidence that sports, particularly football, could play a significant role in strengthening this connection. His vision includes collaborative training programs for coaches, players, and youth teams, reflecting a commitment to nurturing shared interests.

As of July 2025, Hangzhou maintains a robust global network, boasting partnerships with 31 sister cities and exchanges with 46 friendly cities across all five continents. This extensive network is facilitated by the Hangzhou International Communication Center (HZICC), which actively promotes interpersonal exchanges and cultural dialogues through its series "Story of Two Cities."

The series features engaging conversations between Hangzhou residents and their counterparts from sister cities worldwide. Whether it’s marathon runners from Boston sharing their athletic journeys, orchestral conductors from Bangkok discussing the global impact of music, or tourism experts from Queenstown, New Zealand, exploring collaborative travel models, the program embodies a commitment to cultural understanding and shared experiences.

A recent exchange between Italian documentary filmmaker Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso and Hangzhou local Gu Jiafeng showcased another layer of this connection. Their dialogue wandered from professional trajectories to cultural commonalities, uncovering the unique threads that link the rich histories of Verona and Hangzhou.

Educational exchanges are also pivotal in bridging cultures. In a remarkable event involving Rockwell College and Hangzhou High School Qiantang, students and educators engaged with Neil Charles Clarke, the CEO of the Ireland-China Cultural and Educational Center. They delved into topics such as educational innovation and cultural exchanges in the digital era, facilitating a deeper understanding between Hangzhou and Cork.

The relationship between Hangzhou and Leeds has been highlighted by British youths discussing the cities of the future and entrepreneurship. Max Wheatley, a student from SOAS University of London, noted the powerful potential in shared similarities as a foundation for initial connections, while also celebrating the beauty of differences that strengthen friendships.

In a further testament to this global commitment, a memorandum of understanding for friendly cooperation was signed between Hangzhou and Niš, Serbia, in April 2025. The HZICC facilitated outreach to share the city's vibrancy and greetings from its citizens, which were enthusiastically received by locals. This included conversation with a curator from Belgrade's Estrella Roja Museum and a lotus enthusiast who poignantly expressed, "Friendship is forever."

Marking a decade of friendship with Istanbul, the HZICC brought together eminent Turkish archaeologists like Nezih Başgelen and Murat Sav. Their interest in Hangzhou's Liangzhu civilization underscored the city's rich historical significance and prompted the creation of a commemorative ceramic carving from Göbekli Tepe.

The collaborative efforts spearheaded by Hangzhou through its sister city relationships not only foster global ties but also nurture a spirit of friendship, understanding, and shared aspirations, making it a vibrant hub for international cultural exchange.