In the heart of East China’s bustling metropolis, Shanghai, lies the magnificent Yuyuan Garden—a shining beacon of cultural heritage. As the largest, oldest, and best-preserved traditional Chinese-style garden in the city, Yuyuan Garden has stood the test of time. Not far away, in the vibrant city of Hamburg, a tribute to this masterpiece takes shape in the form of another Yuyuan Garden. Mirroring its Shanghai counterpart, this charming oasis boasts typical Chinese-style pavilions and graceful zigzag bridges that meander over serene ponds. Since its doors opened to the public in 2008, Yuyuan Garden in Hamburg has served as a captivating window into the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture.
Yet, the commonalities between these two cities extend far beyond their shared admiration for Yuyuan Garden. Shanghai and Hamburg both hold the distinguished title of being the largest harbor cities in their respective countries. The Port of Hamburg, a vital gateway to Europe, connects with China through 15 active shipping routes. Remarkably, approximately one-third of the freighters docking at the Port of Hamburg either originate from or are destined for China. This robust trade relationship is further bolstered by the “Shanghai Express,” a pioneering cross-border railway service inaugurated in 2021, which has been nurturing economic and trade cooperation between these two dynamic cities.
A pivotal moment in their partnership occurred two years ago when the inaugural “Jinbo” (a transliteration of the shortened name for the China International Import Expo, CIIE) China-Europe freight train embarked on its journey from Hamburg to Shanghai. This marked the first time that exhibits for the CIIE were transported via freight train to the hosting city of Shanghai. In 2023, the “Jinbo” train made its third consecutive journey, laden with exhibits for the 6th CIIE, cementing the significance of this connection.
Having been partner cities since 1986, the future holds even closer collaboration between Shanghai and Hamburg. Solid reciprocation will undoubtedly be the driving force behind their enduring partnership, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity for years to come.
