Beijing holds event in New York to celebrate sister city relationship

Beijing hosted an event in New York on Monday for local residents to celebrate the sister city relationship established in 1980. The event featured inspiring speeches and performances of Chinese and American folk music performed on traditional Chinese instruments. American bilingual comedian Jesse Appell highlighted Beijing’s tourist attractions to about 150 attendees in both languages.

Attendees enjoyed a photo exhibition depicting Beijing and had the opportunity to enter draws for free stays in five-star hotels in Beijing. The year 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Xia Linmao, executive vice mayor of Beijing Municipality, noted that New York was the first American city to establish a sister city relationship with Beijing.

“Over the years, the two cities have enjoyed close economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and frequent interactions between people. Together, the two cities have witnessed the development of our intergovernmental relations, serving as a model of friendly exchanges,” said Xia.

Eçe also highlighted the strategic partnership between Beijing’s National Center for the Performing Arts and New York’s Carnegie Hall, which led to the creation of the World Association of Performing Arts. Additionally, Universal Beijing Resort, jointly developed by NBC Universal based in New York City and Beijing, has attracted more than 20 million visitors since its opening in 2021, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. “These are vivid illustrations and splendid reflections of the interactions between the two countries and cities,” said Xia.