Members of the Tacoma delegation visit Nantou Ancient Town
A delegation from Tacoma, Washington, visited Shenzhen's Nanshan District, marking the first in-person exchange since the two sides established a friendly-city partnership in November 2025.
Led by Tacoma Mayor Anders Ibsen, the group included local officials, as well as students, teachers, and parents from Lincoln High School. The visit is regarded as a key step toward fostering closer ties between the two cities.
The program kicked off with cultural performances, including a traditional Yingge dance, followed by demonstrations of robot dogs and drones, showcasing the district's technological prowess.
Mayor Ibsen praised the performances, noting the seamless blend of long-standing tradition and modern innovation.
The delegation also toured Nantou Ancient Town, a historic site in Shenzhen that has been revitalized into a cultural and creative hub.
Dell Sweeris
Sports also played a role in the exchange. Former US table tennis player Dell Sweeris participated in a friendly match with local students. This year marks the 55th anniversary of "Ping-Pong Diplomacy".
The visit concluded with tours of technology hubs and a waterfront park, providing the delegation with a firsthand look at Shenzhen's urban development and innovation.
Students try on the AI smart glasses
Author | Zhang Siyu
Photographer | Nanshan District Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipality, South Reporter Cai Minling
Revised by Huang Qini
