Sister cities program proves bridge for international exchanges

Yantai in Shandong province and San Diego in the United States became sister cities in July 1985. Since this initial twinning, Yantai has established friendly and cooperative relations with 17 overseas cities in 11 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Russia and Britain.

Song Haiping, vice-chairman of Yantai Friendship Association, said: "The bridge of friendship linking Yantai and its sister cities has served as a key means for the city to strengthen international exchanges and cooperation."

Since Yantai was twinned with San Diego, the two cities have launched a range of exchange activities, across the fields of economics, culture and education.