Leeds’ partnership with the city of Hangzhou is an active and thriving collaboration in the fields of culture and business. 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of the relationship, which was celebrated widely and colourfully across the city, and as Beijing prepared to host the 2008 Olympic games China and Chinese culture became the focus of international attention.
China in Yorkshire
Museums and galleries across Yorkshire worked together in 2008 to display some of their finest collections of Chinese work and artefacts as part of a six month Heritage Lottery funded project. Leeds, with the largest collection of Chinese art in the region, played a prominent role in the project.
The focus of attention was Lotherton Hall, where a large collection of Chinese artefacts exploring the theme of mythical beasts and legends and the ancient costumes and traditions of China will be on display until the end of the year.
A smaller exhibition featuring interesting artefacts from the city of Hangzhou was run alongside this at the Central Library. The articles were on display for 6 months during the summer of 2008.
20th Anniversary Celebrations
2008 sees the 20th anniversary of the sister city agreement between Leeds and Hangzhou and to mark it the former Vice-Mayor of Hangzhou led a small delegation of officials to Leeds to see old friends and to review the success of the partnership they started. Business people, officials, school teachers and former Lord Mayors of Leeds greeted the delegation at a special dinner in their honour.
Festival of Ancient Chinese Culture
Leeds recently played host to a first time visit of Daoist musicians and professors from Shanghai and surrounding areas of China. The Leeds based International Daoist Society and College of Chinese Physical Culture charities arranged the visit which included a 14 person Daoist orchestra, 4 professors and 2 officials. The focus of the day was some of the most ancient aspects of Chinese culture and its relevance to contemporary life today.
Get involved
If you would like more information on the Hangzhou – Leeds partnership or if you would like to get involved, please contact us using the contact details on the top right hand side of this page.