Over 6,000 miles away on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, one of Seattle's 20 sister cities boasts stunning natural views and an abundance of historical sites.

Chongqing, China and Seattle developed a sister city status in 1983, and the partnership has since resulted in a wide variety of local exchanges and programs dealing with arts, government, medicine, and more.

So, what's this sister city like? And what impacts has it made in our Emerald City?

Rural areas like Fengjie County have stunning geographical features, contrasting with central Chongqing's cityscape. | Photo by Jundong Zhao

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Chongqing shares many similarities with Seattle — from its gorgeous surrounding mountainscape to its significant influences in arts and culture.

Known as the "Mountain City," Chongqing is nestled in southwest China amid steep hills and the banks of the Yangtze + Jialing rivers. Just over 30 million people call this province home, which is similar in size to Maine.

Evidence of organized civilization in the area can be traced back as early as 11th century BCE, followed by a rich history spanning several dynasties and system reforms.

Visitors flock to the area's historical sites and institutions, including the People's Square and ancient Dazu Rock Carvings (an established UNESCO World Heritage Site).

The Dazu Rock Carvings date back as far as seventh century AD, with figures influenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs. | Photo by Dr. Hans-Günter Wagner

Results of the Seattle-Chongqing partnership

The Seattle-Chongqing Sister City Association is responsible for over 200 exchange programs in education, arts, government, trade, medicine, and science in its 40 years.

For example, the five-acre Seattle Chinese Garden was designed and built through collaboration with artists + architects from Chongqing, and now stands as a visual representation of our cities’ strong relationship and shared natural beauty.

Chongqing also played a massive role in one of the Burke Museum's most popular visiting exhibits from the 1980s. Our sister city loaned three large dinosaur skeletons for "Chinasaurs," which drew large crowds and quickly became a local favorite.

Get involved

The Seattle Chinese Garden regularly hosts events where locals can learn more about Chinese culture.

The China Club of Seattle also hosts five membership events every year to increase the awareness, understanding and appreciation of developments in Chinese culture.

The Seattle-Chongqing Sister City Association's Board of Directors meets on the evening of each month's second Tuesday and welcomes anyone interested in China and their sister city activities.