Chongqing - In recent years, Chongqing has seized the opportunity to accelerate the pace of building the city into a Hub for International Exchanges in Central and Western China, continuously integrating and expanding foreign affairs resources.

The city has increased efforts to invite foreign entities in and expand its presence globally. As a result, Chongqing's international network has grown, fostering broader exchanges with sister cities, solidifying partnerships, and paving the way for a broader path of friendship.

Chongqing established sister city relations with Toulouse in 1982

On December 10, 1982, the official establishment of the sister city relationship between Chongqing and Toulouse began Chongqing's international engagement. Toulouse, located in southwest France, is renowned for its Romanesque architecture, predominantly built with pinkish terracotta bricks, earning it the nickname "Pink City." The city serves as a significant hub for administration, culture, and commerce in the southwest region of France. Toulouse also holds strategic importance as a major transportation hub and a key center for aerospace, aviation, and electronic component production in France.

The cityview of Toulouse. (Photo/The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government）

Highlights of Chongqing-Toulouse exchanges

Since establishing the sister-city relations, Chongqing and Toulouse have witnessed numerous cultural exchanges and collaborations. Notable events include exhibitions like "Chongqing Museum Yuan Ming Qing Collection," the Sichuan Opera "Jinzi" tour, the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute's "Contemporary Art Exhibition," and "Qijiang District Peasant Woodcut Exhibition." These cultural activities have attracted a considerable audience, strengthening the cultural ties between the two cities.

Chongqing has reciprocated by participating in the Toulouse International Badminton Invitational and establishing a dedicated Chongqing-Toulouse exhibition garden within the Chongqing Garden Expo.

The Toulouse Garden within the Garden Expo Park showcases the medieval Toulouse style. (Photo/The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government）

Accordingly, Toulouse has organized events such as the "17th to 20th Century French Painting Exhibition," "Contemporary Art Exhibition," and the "Vibrant Toulouse City Comprehensive Exhibition." These activities allowed Chongqing residents to experience the artistic charm of France up close.

Economic and trade collaborations have also flourished, with Chongqing participating in the Toulouse International Trade Fair and hosting exhibitions to promote trade and economic exchanges. 

Additionally, both cities have engaged in multiple educational initiatives, fostering collaborations between universities, high schools, and even primary schools.

Chongqing's notable institutions include Chongqing University, Southwest University, Sichuan Foreign Studies University, Chongqing University of Business and Technology, Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, and Chongqing Medical University. Conversely, Toulouse boasts institutions such as the University of Toulouse I, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse Agricultural University, Toulouse School of Fine Arts, and the University of Toulouse-Mirail. These universities have signed agreements for friendly inter-school relations, leading to fruitful exchanges and collaborations in fields such as life sciences, plant genetics, chemistry, medicine, fine arts, and literature.

Moreover, Chongqing No. 8 High School and Chongqing Nankai High School have established friendly inter-school relations with Toulouse Saint-Louis High School and Ozenne High School, conducting numerous teacher and student visits and exchanges.

Beyond cultural and educational ties, Chongqing and Toulouse have collaborated in fields like firefighting and urban traffic planning, resulting in successful joint achievements. Recognizing these efforts, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries has awarded Toulouse the "Friendship City Exchange Cooperation Award."