A view of Wellington at dawn. [Photo/WeChat ID: XIAMENFAO]
New Zealand's capital city of Wellington established a sister-city relationship with Xiamen, a coastal city in East China's Fujian province, on June 23, 1987.
Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world and a well-known tourist destination in the South Pacific. It has been named one of the most livable cities in the world and a UNESCO City of Film.
Wellington has diversified industries such as digital technology, creative industries, and food production, and an internationally renowned film manufacturing industry.
Over the past 35 years, Xiamen and Wellington have achieved fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation in economy and trade, film and television, education, art and other fields.
Their profound friendship plays a significant role in strengthening the ties between China and New Zealand. In 2016, Wellington received the Friendship City award for its friendly exchanges and cooperation with China.
The two cities are the only sister cities between the two countries that have hosted the China-New Zealand Mayor's Forum.
In March 2022, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the New Zealand-China Friendship Association jointly launched a series of non-governmental friendship activities between China and New Zealand. The two cities are the only sister cities among the 42 pairs of sister cities in the two countries that have been invited to share the experience of local government exchanges.
Wellington is home to the beautiful Wellington Harbor and is surrounded by rolling mountains. The city's picturesque landscapes and advantageous geographic location are a major tourist attraction.
Spanning a total area of 290 square kilometers, Wellington is the third most populous urban area in New Zealand, with an urban population of 210,000 and a total population of 540,000.
Wellington is also New Zealand's cultural center. It is home to the country's national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, and performance groups, such as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
