More than 20 mayors and vice mayors worldwide gathered in Guangzhou to participate in?the celebration of 40 years of international sister city relations from October 31st to November 1st. They were treated to various city tours that enabled them to experience both Guangzhou’s latest development and its unique Lingnan culture.

Some of these mayors have been to Guangzhou multiple times while others were completely new to the city. Wrapping up their tours, they were asked to describe their impression of Guangzhou in three words and tell us why they feel this way.

Hospitality, openness and collective sense of honor: Mayor of Frankfurt

Peter Feldmann, Mayor of Frankfurt, is a frequent visitor to Guangzhou as the two cities have maintained a sister city relationship for 31 years now. This time, he was surprised by how fast the city’s public transportation facilities are developing, and hopes to see cooperation in such diverse fields as new energy and education.

Peter Feldmann, Mayor of Frankfurt [Photo\Zheng Yijian]

Feldmann said, “Friendship between Guangzhou and Frankfurt has solid foundations. We have seen many Chinese companies investing in Frankfurt and many Frankfurt based companies also investing in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.”

He believes that the Guangzhou-Frankfurt-Lyon tripartite economic mechanism will bring new possibilities in the future. “The three cities are sister cities of each other. We have more resources share with each other and bring out our respective strengths,” he said.

In addition, Feldmann stressed the cooperation between schools, which is key to ensuring the friendship continues with the next generation. He said, “There are many exchange projects between schools in Guangzhou and Frankfurt. And some kindergartens and schools in Frankfurt have started offering Chinese classes and provide kids with the chance to gain knowledge about China.”