This year marks the 76th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. Over the decades, dozens of neighboring cities have teamed up as friendly cities, promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Among these partnerships, Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province on the Chinese mainland, and Yekaterinburg, capital of Sverdlovsk Oblast in Russia’s Ural region, signed a friendly cities treaty in 2002. As two regional centers, they rank among the largest cities in their countries, drawing visitors with their dynamic industries and diverse cultures.
On the economic front, both hubs leverage their strategic locations to boost trade and innovation. Guangzhou’s historic Canton fair and growing tech startups find new markets in the Russian heartland, while Yekaterinburg’s manufacturing and logistics sectors tap into Chinese demand for goods and services.
Cultural bridges thrive through student exchanges, art festivals and culinary tours. Delegations of young entrepreneurs and artists have brought Cantonese opera to the Volga and Ural craftsmen to the Pearl River Delta, showcasing how shared creativity can spark fresh ideas.
Looking ahead, these sister cities illustrate the power of local collaboration in a complex global landscape. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and travelers, Guangzhou and Yekaterinburg offer living labs where cross-border friendships and sustainable growth go hand in hand.
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A look at two Sino-Russia friendly cities: Guangzhou and Yekaterinburg
cgtn.com
