To deepen sister-city relations and foster mutual understanding, Jinan has actively promoted the construction of sister-city gardens in collaboration with its international counterparts. This initiative has become a vital platform for enhancing cultural exchange and telling the Jinan story on the global stage. On May 20, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the Chinese Garden in Rennes, a joint project between Jinan and its sister city, Rennes, officially opened.
Located within Rennes' Parc de Maurepas and spanning approximately 5,000 square meters, the Chinese Garden project was officially launched in 2018. At the invitation of Rennes, Jinan's Municipal Foreign Affairs Office entrusted the Jinan Institute of Landscape and Architecture Design with the garden's design and provided comprehensive technical guidance throughout its construction. The garden features traditional Chinese architectural elements such as a pavilion, rockery, archway, moon gate, drooping flower gate, and arched bridge, embodying the traditional Chinese garden style and distinct Jinan characteristics.
To date, Jinan has cooperated with its sister cities, including Suwon in South Korea, Siem Reap in Cambodia, and Vantaa in Finland, to build 10 sister city gardens in Jinan. Additionally, Jinan has established two Chinese gardens featuring Jinan elements in Marmaris, Turkey, and Rennes, France.
(Li Xiaotong; Gong Lili; Yuan Yuhua; Hua Shan; Hou Yawen; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hui Sheng; Liang Ruixin; Dou Zhuoran)