Nanjing's reaching beyond borders

Separated by more than 12,000 miles, New York and Nanjing connected again after six years.

Nanjing Week 2023, an event aimed at promoting Nanjing City in the US, was hosted at the New York policy research institution Asia Society on Tuesday.

Nanjing Week was first held in New York in 2017 by the Nanjing Municipal Government and the event returned this year with a focus on New York and Boston. Nanjing Week has been held eight times since 2015.

Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping attended the event and recalled his first memory of Nanjing that started with a photo of the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, built in the 1960s, which appeared in his school textbook. "If you want to understand Chinese history, you have to visit Nanjing," said Huang.

He emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, particularly in the current climate where the relationship between China and the US faces challenges.

"By meeting people, by having this communication and the dialogues, we will eventually find that peace is the best way," said Huang.

He also noted that New York State and Jiangsu province are sister states and provinces, with Nanjing serving as the capital of Jiangsu.

"Working together with a corporation, appreciation of each other's culture and civilization are the best way for people in China and the US to live together," he said. "The only choice for both countries is to find the common interest and to work together to enhance this mutual trust and cooperation."

"We always welcome you to visit and investigate China. If you have plan to go to China, let's start with Nanjing," said Huang.

Peng Zhengang, head of the information office of Nanjing Municipal Government, described Nanjing as a modern city with a focus on green development, a famous historical city with a rich heritage and a cultural city with a thriving science and education scene.

"Today, this fraternal, open and innovative city sincerely invites guests from all walks of life to visit, experience its history, culture and urban vitality, and cooperate in the fields of art creation, creative design and sustainable development," said Peng.

Representatives from the United Nations and New York City officials also attended the event.

"The promotion event of Nanjing Week provides a great opportunity for New York City and Nanjing to explore opportunities for cooperation in business, cultural exchanges and more. Friendly cooperation between the two cities is a win-win situation for both local governments and residents," said Winnie Greco, director of Asian Affairs at the New York mayor's office.

The event also featured panel discussions, including Pei-Chun Chiang, son of the famous architect I.M. Pei. He shared his deep affection for Nanjing, where his team designed the Six Dynasties Museum. "Six Dynasties Museum is a combination of a hotel and a museum, which may seem unusual, but I believe it reflects Nanjing's innovative approach to public and private sector partnerships," said Pei.

Representatives from the United Nations also participated in the event.