Community members came together last month to celebrate the sister cities Richmond and Qingdao, China.
The event, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the relationship, featured a tea art performance showcasing Qingdao’s Laoshan green tea, Peking opera, dance and songs.
Performers also recited literary works about Qingdao and the connection between Richmond and Qingdao.
“The two cities share many similarities in terms of geographical landscapes and economic, tourism, and cultural exchanges,” said Changfu Han, spokesperson of organizer Shandong Business Association.
“Richmond is a major gathering place for the Chinese community. The friendly exchanges between the two cities have played a crucial role in the lives of overseas Chinese.”
Richmond and Qingdao were also coined the “Olympic Twins,” according to Lisa MacNeil, chair of the Richmond Sister Cities Committee, as both cities have hosted Olympic events.
In the past, Richmond had gifted Qingdao nine Canadian maple trees to celebrate the first anniversary as sister cities. Qingdao also hosted a youth table tennis championship in 2016 for sister cities
The event was jointly hosted by the Shandong Business Association and the Canadian Recitation and Performance Society.
Future events are being planned to encourage cultural exchange between the two cities, including a photo exhibition showcasing fire halls in Richmond and Qingdao, as well as a virtual cook-along.
