Intl friendship cities conference honors Guiyang and Palmerston North

Guiyang in Southwest China's Guizhou province and its friendship city, New Zealand's Palmerston North, were recognized for their contributions to international friendship and cooperation at the 2026 China International Friendship Cities Conference, held from Oct 20 to 22 in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

Guiyang receives the International Friendship City Award for Outstanding Contribution. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Guiyang received the International Friendship City Award for Outstanding Contribution, while Palmerston North received the Friendship City Award for Outstanding Partnership with China. Guiyang was the only prefecture-level city whose international friendship efforts earned awards from both Chinese and international partners.

Jointly hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China International Friendship Cities Association, and the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, the conference brought together more than 700 participants, including local government representatives from 61 countries.

Palmerston North receives the Friendship City Award for Outstanding Partnership with China. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Established in 2008, the biennial conference is China's largest and most prominent forum dedicated to friendship city relations.

Guiyang has expanded and strengthened its friendship city partnerships in recent years, focusing on broader connections, deeper cooperation, and more effective exchanges. The city now has ties with 33 international friendship cities and friendly exchange cities, further expanding its global network of partners.