This year marks 44 years of sister city partnership between Chengdu and Montpellier, two vibrant economic hubs separated by over 10,000 kilometers yet united by a shared passion for culture and quality of life.
In Montpellier, French-language teacher Vigdis Morisse wanders through sunlit streets, from the bustling Place de la Comedie to hidden cafes along the Lez river. She chats with locals about their weekend routines: beach volleyball on the Mediterranean coast, open-air film festivals and late-night aperitifs that stretch into the evening chill. Morisse observes that people make time to enjoy life, whether dancing at a pop-up concert or sharing a meal at a local market.
Half a world away in the southern and western region of the Chinese mainland, Celine highlights Chengdu's famed laid-back pace, taking visitors to leafy teahouses where elders play mahjong, to street food stalls serving spicy hotpot, and to riverside parks where young professionals gather for live music sessions. According to Celine, locals value simple joys like a cup of tea with friends or an afternoon stroll under blooming trees.
Despite differences in language and geography, both cities share a warm climate, rich cultural scenes and a dedication to strengthening ties in education, trade, healthcare, sports and beyond. From language exchanges and joint research projects to youth football tournaments and art exhibitions, the Chengdu-Montpellier bond continues to evolve, fostering global citizenship and mutual understanding.
For today's young travelers, entrepreneurs and changemakers, the story of these two sister cities offers more than a cultural exchange; it's a reminder that, even across continents, we can find common ground in everyday moments. As we look to the future, the Chengdu-Montpellier partnership stands as a testament to the power of friendship, collaboration and the simple delight of discovering another city's heartbeat.
Reference(s):
We Talk: When Chengdu meets Montpellier – a tale of two cities
cgtn.com
