Support Us Button Widget

Seattle’s sister city: Chongqing, China

Embedded near the intersection of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing has developed a unique relationship with Seattle all the way from southwestern China.

A nighttime view of a skyline in Chongqing, including the Qiansimen Bridge, Hongya Cave, and Chongqing World Financial Centre. Radiating city lights cast a purple-ish hue in the night sky.

The Qiansimen Bridge and Hongyadong commercial district are famous tourist attractions in Chongqing.

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?

Green rolling hills with steep cliffs of rock surround a small rural area of Chongqing, with an assortment of small buildings scattered along its valleys.

Rural areas like Fengjie County have stunning geographical features, contrasting with central Chongqing’s cityscape.

Photo by Jundong Zhao

Let’s chat about Chongqing

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).

Figures in long robes and flowing garments are carved into stone, with some bearing pigment from old coats of paint including faded oranges and blues.

The Dazu Rock Carvings date back as far as seventh century AD, with figures influenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs.

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.

More from SEAtoday
The highly popular doughnut chain will open its new Capitol Hill doors on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Seattle is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
Grind still going well after the sun goes down? These late-night studying spots in Seattle provide a comfy place to get cracking on your project.
Here are a few creative ways to get rid of your Halloween pumpkins and fallen leaves instead of tossing them in the garbage can.
A mysterious aerobics bike at Gas Works Park converted into a secret photo booth — it doesn’t get more Seattle than that.
After a few different plans to fix a $91.5 million budget gap, Seattle Public Schools has announced the four schools it officially intends to close in the 2025-26 school year.
Give Seattle’s vast culinary options a taste test with specially crafted menus at 200+ local restaurants.
Grab your biggest buckets — these Seattle neighborhoods offer the best treats, no tricks needed.
Equipped with a marine-themed playground, tree grove, fountain, and plaza, Pier 58’s rebuild is bringing a whole new community gathering space to Seattle’s Waterfront.