Global Connections Flourish in Hangzhou Through Sister Cities Program
Global Connections Flourish in Hangzhou Through Sister Cities Program
Hangzhou, known for its rich culture and history, is increasingly gaining recognition for its global outreach and international relationships. Central to this initiative is the Hangzhou International Communication Center (HZICC), which has been tirelessly working to strengthen the ties with cities around the world. As of July 2025, Hangzhou has established sister city partnerships with 31 cities and maintains connections with 46 friendly cities, creating a dynamic network that promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
One of the highlights of this initiative recently featured a delightful event where three-year-old Yu Shuya wore a Brazilian jersey to welcome Renato de Almeida Freitas Junior, a 42-year-old lawyer and rising political star from Brazil. Their interaction, sparked by a shared love for football, set the tone for discussions about how sports can unite communities. Renato remarked on the hospitality of the Hangzhou residents, drawing parallels between their warmth and that of the Brazilian people.
The sister city relationship between Hangzhou and Curitiba, which has existed since 2001, serves as a foundation for mutual cooperation. Renato envisioned launching joint training programs aimed at coaches and young athletes, fostering grassroots connections through sport. This is just one example of how football represents a universal language—one that fosters friendships and builds bridges that transcend geographical boundaries.
Through the HZICC's series “A Tale of Two Cities”, residents of Hangzhou engage in deep dialogues with their counterparts from around the globe. This initiative has welcomed marathon runners from Boston, who shared their sporting experiences, and conductors from Bangkok, who explored the global dimensions of music. Tourism experts from Queenstown, New Zealand, have also participated, discussing collaborative travel models that emphasize cross-cultural exchanges.
The cultural exchanges are not limited to sport. When Italian documentary filmmaker Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso met filmmaker Gu Jiafeng in Hangzhou, the discussion revealed rich cultural similarities between Verona and Hangzhou. This facilitated deeper collaboration and understanding between these culturally vibrant cities, showcasing how films can bridge cultural gaps.
In an educational context, students from Rockwell College in Ireland and Hangzhou High School Qiantang participated in a dialogue with Neil Charles Clarke, CEO of the Ireland-China Culture and Education Center. They discussed digital-age educational innovations and cultural exchanges, paving the way for future collaboration between Hangzhou and Cork. This engagement illustrates the potential for academic connections to flourish when cultures come together.
As Hangzhou's bond with Leeds strengthens, discussions on future cities and entrepreneurship emerged. Max Wheatley, a student from SOAS University in London, emphasized the significance of initial similarities between two people, revealing that these connections can evolve into cherished friendships that celebrate differences.
A pivotal moment came in April 2025, when Niš in Serbia and Hangzhou signed a memorandum of friendly cooperation. Through HZICC, promotional materials were exchanged, and local residents of Niš shared their enthusiasm for building relationships with China. A heartwarming message from an elder lotus enthusiast highlighted that **
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