Reflections of the SCAS Visit to China in September 2024

By Kun Shi, City Director for Xiamen (Siming)

 

Sarasota has enjoyed a sister city relationship with Xiamen (Siming) since 2007, which has been marked by numerous exchanges fostering cultural ties and mutual understanding. Notable moments from our past include recognizing SHEN Hongying, a first grader in Xiamen, for her artwork in Sarasota’s “Embracing Our Differences” program in 2009, and hosting an exhibition featuring eight Xiamen artists at the Ringling College of Art and Design in 2011.

With the renewal of our sister cities agreement in early 2023 and the lifting of pandemic restrictions, we are excited to re-engage with our partners in Xiamen to promote even more exchanges.

A Productive and Enjoyable Visit to Xiamen

From September 7 to 10, four SCAS members—Kun Shi, Luz Maria Leszczynski, Diana Stoker, and Thuan Hong Tan—visited Xiamen at the invitation of our partners in the Siming District. Officials and organizations warmly welcomed us at every stop, and we extend our special thanks to Vice Mayor WANG Huaqi and his staff, particularly YANG Jia, for their excellent arrangements, accommodations, and opportunities to explore future collaborations.

Our visit to Xiamen was both productive and enjoyable. We toured Gulangyu Island, a famous World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking scenery and historical significance, as well as the Xiamen Botanical Garden and the ancient Buddhist temple, Nan Putuo.

The students at Ruijing Middle School, affiliated with Xiamen Foreign Language School, and the Xiamen-Siming Youth Palace, a prominent educational center for talented K-12 students, left a lasting impression on us. The similarities between Sarasota and Xiamen present a tremendous opportunity for building partnerships between our schools and botanical gardens.

In addition to our school visits, we had fruitful meetings with representatives from Xiamen University’s Institute of Creativity and Innovation and the College of Art. These discussions revealed a strong interest in academic exchanges with Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD). RCAD had previously engaged in exchanges with Xiamen University’s College of Art over a decade ago, and the potential for expanded collaboration promises mutual benefits. SCAS is proud to help reconnect RCAD with Xiamen!

During our trip, we attended the 24th annual China International Fair of Investment and Trade (CIFIT) to promote Sarasota’s economy and tourism. Armed with materials from Visit Sarasota and the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation, we engaged with hundreds of exhibitors and explored opportunities for global trade and investment.

Exploring Other Cities and Cultural Heritage

After our time in Xiamen, the delegation continued their journey, visiting three other cities—Quanzhou, Hangzhou, and Beijing—until September 18.

Each city offered remarkable World Heritage Sites, including the historic sites in Quanzhou, the beautiful West Lake in Hangzhou, and the iconic Great Wall in Beijing. We were deeply impressed not only by the cultural and historical significance of these locations but also by the friendly nature of the locals and the modern infrastructure, including an efficient subway system and bullet trains.

We were pleasantly surprised by the crowds we encountered, all while feeling safe during our travels.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

As our time in Xiamen came to a close, it was hard to bid farewell to our partners and friends. We sincerely appreciated the warm hospitality and friendly encounters we received throughout our stay. We hope to reciprocate this kindness when our Xiamen partners visit Sarasota next year, and we eagerly anticipate future visits to Xiamen.

Xiamen is recognized as one of the most livable and well-developed cities in China, with Siming District serving as its vibrant center. Recently acknowledged as one of the “Biodiversity Charming Cities” at the COP16 (the 16th meeting of the UN Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity), Xiamen boasts more than 200 parks throughout the city.

For those interested in current events in Xiamen, we recommend checking out “Common Talk,” a bilingual weekly publication available at https://epaper.xmrb.com/syzk.

If you’re inspired to join us on future adventures, now is the perfect time to become a member of SCAS to secure discounts for next year’s trips!

Together, let us continue to strengthen the bonds between Sarasota and Xiamen, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration for years to come.