The cities were twinned in 2001 and recently celebrated their economic and business ties

Bristol is planning to bolster its trading relationship with China’s Guangzhou as the two cities mark 25 years of twinning. A delegation from the Chinese port city, which is based to the north west of Hong Kong on the bank of the Pearl River, visited the West of England to celebrate the economic ties between the two locations.

The five-strong group from Guangzhou’s municipal government spent three days in London before travelling to Bristol to meet members of the city’s business, political and academic community.

Also present was Peter Insole, principal historic environment officer and urban design team manager at Bristol City Council, who created the Bristol history mapping resource Know Your Place.

The visit – organised by Bristol & West of England China Bureau – involved visits to the Clifton Suspension Bridge; Ashton Court; Wong’s Restaurant, on Denmark Street; and the Guangzhou Garden at the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden.

During the visit, Wen Yanji, deputy secretary-general of Guangzhou municipal government, proposed increased cooperation with Bristol across economic and trade activity, education and urban governance.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Guangzhou and Bristol,” he said.

“Over the past quarter of a century, our two cities have advanced hand in hand, witnessed each other’s development and forged a deep and enduring friendship.

“From trade and business to people-to-people exchanges, from educational cooperation to urban governance, our collaboration has delivered fruitful results and stands as a fine example of local cooperation between China and the UK.”

Councillor Yassin Mohamud, Lord Mayor of Bristol, said: “As we mark this anniversary year, we do so with pride in what we have achieved together, and with confidence in what the future holds.

“Bristol values its friendship with Guangzhou deeply, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

Dianne Francombe, chief executive of Bristol & West of England China Bureau, added: “We look forward to the next 25 years of engagement with Guangzhou and our partners in the Greater Bay area.”