Over 600 representatives gathered in Philadelphia to mark the 15th anniversary of Fujian-Pennsylvania sister ties on May 2. Among those attending the celebration were Vice Governor of Fujian Province Jiang Erxiong, Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping, and Pennsylvania Senators Sharif Street and Nikil Saval.

When addressing the event, Vice Governor Jiang noted increasing mutual visits, stronger economic partnerships, and closer ties between the peoples. After highlighting the natural beauties and business opportunities Fujian has to offer, she extended an invitation to Pennsylvanian people to explore the province’s infinite possibilities, and expressed her hope for joint efforts to bring about more prosperity and forge deeper bonds.

Senator Nikil Saval retraced the long history of Fujian-Pennsylvania cooperation, and underscored the strong role played by the Fujian community in the state’s development. He concluded with high hopes for more fruitful outcomes in the future.

The celebration climaxed with captivating performances. Fujian artists presented shows rich in local features, including folk music, dancing, glove puppetry, tree leaf blowing, and calligraphy, while Philadelphia Orchestra musicians artfully rendered world-famous melodies.

Before the cultural performances, Vice Governor Jiang and Consul General Huang met with American representatives, and cut the ribbon for the exhibition Thousand-petal Flower: Lin Huiyin as a Guardian of Cultural Heritage with Roots in Fuzhou, celebrating the extraordinary life and achievements of China’s first female architect.