A delegation led by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham has completed a week-long visit to Nanjing, Guangzhou and Zhuhai, marking an important moment on the city’s long-standing relationships with Chinese cities. The visit, which took place from 27th February to 7th March 2026, coincided with the 20th anniversary of Birmingham’s sister-city partnerships with both Nanjing and Guangzhou.
Alongside the Lord Mayor, the delegation included civic support from the Lord Mayor’s Office and Birmingham-based concert pianist Di Xiao, who joined to support the city’s expanding programme of cultural and educational exchange.
Celebrating two decades of partnership
Birmingham’s relationships with Nanjing and Guangzhou date back to 2006. The 20-year milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on shared achievements and explore new areas of collaboration. Meetings with senior municipal leaders focused on the next phase of cultural, educational and research-driven exchange, with particular emphasis on opportunities for young people and shared commitments to innovation.
In Nanjing, the delegation visited Phoenix Publishing & Media Group, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum VR Centre, the Nanjing Borui Life Science Research Institute, all of which have existing or emerging links with Birmingham’s cultural, academic and creative sectors. In Guangzhou, the programme was shaped by partners from the University of Birmingham, Jinan University and the British Consulate General. The visit concluded in Zhuhai, where civic leaders welcomed the delegation for discussions on future cultural and youth-focused collaboration.
UK-China Sister Cities cultural exchange programme
A key element of this year’s visit was the continued development of the UK-China Sister Cities Cultural Exchange Programme, led by internationally acclaimed pianist Di Xiao. The initiative builds the success of last year’s Birmingham Chinese Musical Festival, which brought 120 young musicians from China to the city for a week of performances, workshops and community engagement.
Di Xiao has played a central role in driving these cultural links. Her October 2025 visit to China laid the groundwork for partnerships in Birmingham’s sister cities, and she continues to collaborate with institutions in both countries to widen participation in music education. Her annual Chinese New Year Concert, held on 11th February, now forms a regular part of Birmingham’s cultural calendar and highlights the city’s strong Chinese heritage.
Showcasing cultural identity
The visit also shone a light on Birmingham’s diversity and the contribution of its Chinese community. Cultural performances and exchanges were woven into the programme, emphasising the shared values and artistic traditions that underpin the sister-city relationships.
Building on shared values
The visit has reinforced Birmingham’s position as a confident and outward-looking city, deepening relationships that matter for its cultural, educational and civic life. Through renewed engagement with partner cities, the delegation helped strengthen channels of cultural diplomacy and highlighted Birmingham’s evolving role as a hub for UK-China cultural cooperation. The programme underscored shared commitments to educational links, youth opportunity, and the exchange of artistic and academic expertise—areas that continue to shape the city’s global identity.
By showcasing Birmingham as a place of creativity, learning and diversity, the visit has contributed to rising the city’s profile internationally and reaffirmed the value of sustained partnership working. The outcomes will continue to inform ongoing conversations with cultural, academic and international partners across the city, ensuring this renewed momentum is carried into future collaboration.
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