Cultural event marks 40th anniversary of Shanghai-Hamburg friendship city ties

english.shanghai.gov.cn| March 17, 2026

图片1.png — Guests and performers pose for a group photo at the German session of the "Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala: The World Watches the CMG Gala Together" event in Hamburg on Feb 12. [Photo/CCTV]

Shanghai and Hamburg established their friendship city relationship in 1986. The year 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the partnership, with a series of events to be held in both cities to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning.

The German session of the "Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala: The World Watches the CMG Gala Together" event took place in Hamburg on Feb 12 local time. The event was co-hosted by China Media Group and the Hamburg China Society.

汉堡1(1).jpg — Performers present songs and symphonic pieces during the event in Hamburg on Feb 12. [Photo/CCTV]

During the event, Chinese songs were performed in both Chinese and German, while an orchestra presented well-known Chinese compositions, highlighting the unique charm of musical exchanges and mutual learning between China and Germany.

Cultural displays and creative products related to the Spring Festival Gala were also showcased, drawing attention from many guests.

Peter Tschentscher, Mayor of Hamburg, said the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac symbolizes pressing ahead with determination and courage, which aligns with Hamburg's plans for port development, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded international cooperation.

He emphasized that China remains one of Germany's most important economic and trade partners, that Hamburg has a long history of exchanges with China, and that the 40th anniversary of Shanghai-Hamburg ties provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation in the economy, scientific research, and culture.

汉堡豫园(1).jpg — Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden is lit up in "China Red" on Feb 12 local time. [Photo/CCTV]

Later that evening, Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden — a symbol of friendship city ties between Shanghai and Hamburg — was lit up in "China Red".

汉堡(1).jpg — A view of Huxin Ting at Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden. [Photo/CCTV]

Modeled after Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden, Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden opened in 2008 and features adapted versions of such iconic structures as the Jiuqu Bridge, or Zigzag Bridge, and Huxin Ting, all redesigned to suit the local environment and meet German construction standards.

Today, it serves not only as a showcase of traditional Chinese architecture and garden art but also as a platform for promoting Eastern lifestyle aesthetics and fostering cultural exchanges between China and Germany.

Source: CCTV