The delegation takes photos with young performers in Guangzhou on March 7, 2026.
A delegation led by the Mayor of Birmingham rounded off their two-day trip in Guangzhou on March 7.
Zafar Iqbal, Mayor of Birmingham, and his entourage attended a cultural exchange program with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham's delegation in Liwan, watching live performances by the dance ensemble, Cantonese opera ensemble, and choir of Liwan District Youth Palace, as well as the Guangdong Experimental High School Chinese Traditional Orchestra.
The wonderful shows galvanized the delegation. "This has been the highlight of the trip," Iqbal told a South reporter after the performances.
He lauded the shows as well-organized and magnificently performed on stage. "The children are magnificent. They credit the Chinese people. They credit China. They credit this institute," Iqbal added.
Young actresses perform Cantonese opera in Guangzhou on March 7, 2026.
During his speech after the performances, Zafar Iqbal noted that this year's exchange is particularly significant as 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Guangzhou and Birmingham.
"For two decades, we have worked hand in hand, and our exchanges have brought our two cities even closer," he claimed.
The Mayor of Birmingham noted that the young performers were not only participants in this event, but also inheritors of 20 years of friendship and builders of this bridge of friendship for the next 20 years.
"We are deeply proud to welcome you as our hosts, and Birmingham eagerly awaits your arrival," Iqbal told the young performers who would come to Birmingham this August for the cultural exchanges.
Guangdong Experimental High School Chinese Traditional Orchestra performs folk music in Guangzhou on March 7, 2026.
Additionally, Iqbal thanked the Chinese Embassy in the UK and institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music, Birmingham, for their strong support and concerted efforts.
After the cultural exchange program, the delegation visited Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum and Yongqing Fang and saw the lion dance performance to savor the vitality of ancient Guangzhou, as well as the unique charm of its outstanding traditional culture.
Desmond Hughes, Councillor of Birmingham, told a South reporter that the delegation had the pleasure of witnessing some excellent displays of Chinese culture.
"They educated us. We've always found Chinese culture impressive, but getting to witness it firsthand and be here to share it is an incredible honor. This kind of cultural exchange has got to carry on because you can't do that on the internet," he noted.
Zafar Iqbal visits exhibits at the Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum in Guangzhou on March 7, 2026.
Juliana Zhao, a host of the cultural exchange program and a middle school student in Guangzhou, shared her feelings during the whole-day event.
"At Liwan District Youth Palace, standing with the Mayor of Birmingham and his entourage, Guangdong Experimental High School Chinese Traditional Orchestra, and my co-host, we took a group photo. I felt very honored," she noted.
Zhao then detailed three words to depict her impressions of the day. "First, I feel honored as not everyone can have this chance. Second, I'm excited because so many foreign guests have come to China. The third word would be nervous as I was a little stressed hosting such a cultural exchange program," she added.
Since establishing the sister city relationship in 2006, Guangzhou and Birmingham have conducted extensive exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, scientific research, healthcare, and culture, achieving fruitful results.
Reporter | Zhang Ruijun
Photo | Zhang Ruijun
