#China #Hangzhou #Global Bonds #Sister Cities

Hangzhou's Global Network of Sister Cities

In a heartwarming display of unity, three-year-old Yu Shuya from Hangzhou greeted Renato de Almeida Freitas Junior, a prominent Brazilian lawyer and political figure, while proudly wearing his Brazil jersey. The encounter marked a celebration of connections that transcend borders, as Renato noted the hospitality of Hangzhou residents, akin to the warmth found in Brazil. This moment captures the essence of Hangzhou’s expansive sister city relationships, which have been growing since its partnership with Curitiba began in 2001.

As of July 2025, Hangzhou boasts 31 established sister cities and interacts with 46 friendship cities around the globe, representing all five continents. The Hangzhou International Communication Center (HZICC) plays a pivotal role in nurturing these international ties, dedicating itself to fostering meaningful people-to-people exchanges. One of HZICC’s notable initiatives is the “A Tale of Two Cities” series, where residents from Hangzhou engage in enriching dialogues with their counterparts from sister cities.

These interactions bring to light shared experiences and socio-cultural dimensions through various events. For instance, marathon runners from Boston exchanged inspiring sports stories, while musicians from Bangkok collaborated on the global influence of music. Furthermore, tourism experts from Queenstown, New Zealand, explored collaborative models to promote travel between their city and Hangzhou.

An intriguing dialogue occurred when Italian documentary filmmaker Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso met with Hangzhou’s producer Gu Jiafeng. Their engaging conversation revealed the common threads that run through Verona and Hangzhou, despite the geographical distance. Similarly, educators and students from Rockwell College in Ireland and Hangzhou High School Qiantang took part in discussions on educational innovation and cultural exchange in the digital age. This interaction was facilitated by Neil Charles Clarke, CEO of the Ireland China Culture and Education Center, further demonstrating the spirit of collaboration.

Hangzhou also strengthened its ties with Leeds, UK, through a round-table discussion among four young British men who delved into topics of urban development and entrepreneurship. Max Wheatley, a student from SOAS University of London, reflected on the conversations by stating, “A similarity between two people might be enough to cause an initial connection and then the difference might actually become the enjoyable thing that solidifies the friendship.”

The journey of friendship continued with a memorandum for friendly cooperation signed with Niš, Serbia, in April 2025. HZICC showcased the unique cultural attributes of Hangzhou, evoking enthusiasm among Serbians eager to share their own insights and connections to China. For instance, a museum curator from the Red Star Belgrade and an elder with a passion for lotus flowers exchanged heartfelt messages emphasizing enduring friendship.

Looking ahead, HZICC prepared for the 10th anniversary of its friendship with Istanbul, engaging influential Turkish archaeologists like Nezih Başgelen and Murat Sav. They expressed great interest in the Liangzhu Civilization of Hangzhou, further intertwining the historical roots of these dynamic cities.

Through these extensive global connections, Hangzhou not only furthers its international objectives but also enriches its local communities, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchange. These relationships serve as a testament to the power of collaboration across different societal sectors, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that bridges cultural divides. Hangzhou’s deepening influence on the global stage exemplifies how cities can come together, promote mutual understanding, and pave the way for future generations to engage in fruitful collaborations.