During the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue·Huangshan, Alexander Badrow, Mayor of Stralsund, Germany, visited Huangshan in East China's Anhui Province, marking his return to the city nearly a decade after his first visit.
On May 28, the main stop of the German delegation led by the mayor was Tunxi Old Street, one of the best-preserved historic commercial streets in southern Anhui and a living embodiment of traditional Huizhou culture.
With its centuries-old layout, stone-paved roads, white walls, black-tiled roofs, and distinctive horse-head gables, Tunxi Old Street is more than a tourist attraction. It remains a vibrant urban space where heritage architecture, local commerce, and everyday life continue to coexist.
Standing in this historic setting, Mayor Badrow expressed his admiration for the area's restoration efforts, noting how "wonderfully this area has been restored." His remarks reflected a broader theme of the visit: how historic cities can preserve their identity while adapting to modern urban life.
Huangshan and Stralsund are sister cities, both known for their rich architectural heritage and long-standing commitment to preservation. For the German delegation, the visit was not merely a cultural tour but part of an ongoing exchange on urban governance, heritage conservation, and sustainable development.
Badrow noted that his previous visit to Huangshan was nine years ago and said he was delighted to return and witness the city's continued transformation. He added that mayors from around the world are gathering in Huangshan to observe China's urban development and exchange governance experiences.
"Our main focus here is on world heritage and the preservation of historic architecture," Badrow said, adding that they exchanged views on how to balance conservation efforts with new urban development.
Beyond the mayor's remarks, technical discussions also took place between planning and construction officials from Stralsund and their Chinese counterparts. Frank-Bertolt Raith, Head of the Office for Planning and Construction of Stralsund, emphasized the shared challenges both cities face in managing historic districts. He highlighted the importance of balancing individual shopfront expression with the preservation of a unified historical streetscape.
As exchanges between Huangshan and Stralsund continue to deepen, the visit underscored a broader message: despite the distance between Europe and China, historic cities face many similar challenges and are increasingly seeking shared solutions through cultural dialogue and cooperation.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video & Poster: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
