Chongqing - During the Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 (CIFC 2026), iChongqing spoke with Lincoln Ferris, President of the Seattle Chinese Garden Association, about cultural exchange, tourism cooperation, and Chongqing's remarkable transformation.

"We are a very small staff but a big mission," Ferris said. He noted that Asian Americans, particularly Chinese Americans, are among the fastest-growing communities in the Seattle area. With many families now reaching the fourth generation, he believes the garden has an important role in helping them reconnect with their cultural roots while also understanding modern China.

Ferris was especially impressed by Chongqing's rapid development. Some members of his delegation first visited the city in 1986. Since then, he said, Chongqing has built around 22,000 new buildings. "Chongqing is the untold story of China in the United States," he said, adding that he hopes to help introduce that story to more Americans.

He also highlighted the potential for stronger two-way tourism. Seattle receives millions of international visitors each year, but only a small share comes from China. Ferris believes an authentic Chinese garden could encourage more Chinese visitors to Seattle, while more Americans should also be encouraged to discover Chongqing, including sites such as Dazu Rock Carvings.

For Ferris, cultural understanding begins with people meeting one another. "You can't trust other people if you haven't met them," he said. "And you can't build a better world if you don't all pull together."

Lincoln Ferris, President of the Seattle Chinese Garden Association