A rendering of the Ningbo Friendship Garden under construction in Rouen, France. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The Ningbo Friendship Garden has recently broken ground in Rouen, France. The 2,000-square-meter establishment will provide a setting to showcase the vibrant tapestry of Chinese culture and the essence of Ningbo to the people of France.

The roots of the initiative can be traced back to March 1990, when the cities of Ningbo and Rouen formalized their sister city relationship, sowing the seeds for years of fruitful interaction. In a nod to their longstanding bond, the mayors of both cities proposed the creation of reciprocal gardens in 2020 to commemorate their 30th anniversary. The plan led to the inception of the Sino-French Friendship Garden in Ningbo and the now flourishing Ningbo Friendship Garden.

In October 2020, the Sino-French Friendship Garden in Ningbo, a sprawling 7,650-sq-m oasis, broke ground and welcomed the public in April 2021. Nestled within Ningbo's Eastern New City, the garden exudes the charm of a traditional French garden, with its blooming roses in May becoming a cherished attraction among locals and tourists alike, capturing the essence of the changing seasons.

The enduring partnership between Ningbo and Rouen has blossomed over the years, giving rise to extensive collaborations across a multitude of sectors, including the economy, trade, ports, education, culture, sports, health, urban governance, and talent development.

Most recently, a Maritime Silk Road-themed exhibition hosted by Ningbo in Rouen garnered a warm reception from the local community, standing as a testament to the friendship and cultural exchange that continues to thrive between these two cities.