Chongqing - The year 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the Chongqing-Seattle sister city relationship, which was established in 1983. This milestone reflects their dynamic, multifaceted cooperation over the decades. 

To commemorate, Chongqing's Vice Mayor Dan Yanzheng and his delegation recently visited Seattle, discussing future collaboration prospects with Seattle's Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess and Adam Emery.

The formal meeting between Chongqing's Vice Mayor Dan Yanzheng and Seattle's Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess and Adam Emery. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)

Chongqing and Seattle's partnership involves IT, architecture, education, healthcare, and cultural exchanges. A testament to this vibrant partnership is the Seattle Chinese Garden, a Sichuan-Chongqing style of garden in the US, symbolizing their strong cultural ties. 

Chongqing's delegation in Seattle also organized cultural events like a photographic exhibition of Chongqing, traditional music, and tea art demonstrations, highlighting Chongqing's cultural heritage.

A memorable photo of Dan Yanzheng, Vice Mayor of Chongqing, Tim Burgess and Adam Emery, Deputy Mayors of the City of Seattle, Stafford, the former Deputy Mayor of Seattle, Scott, President of the Seattle-Chongqing Sister City Association, Dawson, the founding president of the Seattle Chinese Garden, and its Vice President, Paige. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)

Zhang Jianmin, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco, celebrated the new milestone in the Chongqing-Seattle friendship, expressing his gratitude to all advocates of China-American friendship. 

Zhang referenced the recent pivotal summit in San Francisco between the leaders of China and the United States, which charted a strategic blueprint for the advancement of bilateral relations. Zhang underscored the Consulate General's commitment to fostering local exchanges and collaborations between China and the US, aiming to facilitate a multitude of achievements between the two nations.

In his speech, Dan thanked those who have fostered and supported the Chongqing-Seattle partnership and highlighted the Seattle Chinese Garden as a symbol of their friendship and a key channel for cultural exchange between China and the US This garden, he noted, epitomizes the profound cultural ethos of "appreciating the culture/values of others as do to one's own, and the world will become a harmonious whole."

Field survey of the Seattle Chinese Garden. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)

Bill Stafford, former Deputy Mayor of Seattle, reminisced about the first Seattle delegation to Chongqing in 1984, which initiated collaborations involving museums, zoos, and gardens, boosting mutual understanding. He stressed the importance of China-U.S. relations and affirmed that these projects have significantly strengthened the long-standing Seattle-Chongqing friendship.

Paige Miller, Vice President of the Seattle Chinese Garden Society, recounted the creation of the Seattle Chinese Garden as a symbol of the Seattle-Chongqing friendship. She noted that since 1991, Chongqing's architects and materials, along with Seattle's community efforts, were key to building the garden. Miller expressed hopes for deeper architectural collaboration between the cities, enhancing future cooperation and cultural exchange.

Celebrating the 40th-anniversary reception of Chongqing and Seattle's sister-city relationship. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)

The strengthening bond between Chongqing and Seattle has led to significant economic, cultural, and educational achievements. This relationship has opened doors for enterprises and academic institutions, enhancing their development. Their cooperation has not only reinforced their connection but also brought tangible benefits to both cities, highlighting the mutual gains of their ongoing partnership.

Captivating vistas of Seattle. (Photo/Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government)