In the heart of Hamburg stands Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the Jiangnan style, a design tradition associated with the lower Yangtze River region.

Whitewashed walls and dark roof tiles, zigzagging bridges, lakeside pavilions, moon gates, covered walkways, and decorative garden walls have all been carefully recreated within the European cityscape.

Hu Junjie, vice-president and spokesperson of Yuyuan Tourist Mart, said Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden represents more than just a gift from Shanghai to Hamburg — it's also a vivid example of Chinese culture reaching global audiences.

At first glance, Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden may look as if Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden had been moved directly to Germany, but its internal structure differs significantly.

To suit local conditions and comply with German building standards, the Hamburg garden's internal structure underwent an extensive redesign.

Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden uses a reinforced concrete foundation underground, combined with traditional Chinese wooden structures above ground, linked through specially designed joints. Insulation materials, custom-made wooden doors and windows, and concealed heating systems help the garden withstand Hamburg's cold, damp winters.

Hu said Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden is not a simple copy of Shanghai's, but a distinct Chinese garden that has taken root and grown anew in Germany.

This story of cultural exchange comes as Shanghai and Hamburg celebrate the 40th anniversary of their sister-city relationship on May 29.

Forty years ago, the two port cities established a formal partnership. Four decades on, that connection has expanded far beyond shipping, trade, and official exchanges, becoming embedded in everyday life in both cities.

The relationship is also reflected in cultural spaces, youth exchanges, entrepreneurship, and educational cooperation between the two cities.

Musical education institutions in the two cities have established cooperation programs and youth exchange platforms, further deepening cultural ties.

Hamburg's Yuyuan Garden shows how Shanghai-Hamburg ties have moved beyond official exchanges into everyday cultural life.

Source: Shanghai Observer