Politics & Government

Chinese Delegation Celebrates Sister Cities

Sonoma's newest "Sister City," Penglai, China, receives a warm welcome

Sonoma's newest Sister City, Penglai, China, received a warm welcome Monday morning.

A crowd of Sonoma City officials and Sister Cities representatives gathered to great Ambassador Gao Zhanseng, Consul General of The Peoples Republic of China, during an official visit to Sonoma to celebrate the new relationship with China.

Though a coastal city in northeastern China may seem a far cultural cry from California, the two cities share a major industry.

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"Wine is one of the areas of focus in Penglai," said Sister Cities Chairman Bill Boerum, who recently hosted a Chinese wine tasting event Yountville.

Penglai is one of the biggest domestic visitor destinations in China, according to Boerum, and officials are interested in taking Sonoma's lead in expanding their tourist appeal. But, the market-based dialogue isn't limited to wine.

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"They may have goods they want to export: economic development is at the core of this process," said Boerum.

The ambassador received a formal welcome from the mayor and city councilman Tom Rouse, before receiving a lesson in Sonoma history from City Historian George McKale.

"It's amazing how young our town is, and we don't really know a lot about it," said McKale, comparing Sonoma to Penglai, which is said to go back to China's first emperor.

Though McKale regaled the group with tales of Sonoma's history, it was the story of na early property fire, which, legend has it, was put out with wine, that grabbed the group's ear.

"They have more wine than water here," joked the Ambassador, turning to a aide.

"Both sides have worked hard on this for over a year," said Peggy Phelan, Co-Chair of the Sonoma-Penglai Committee and Director of Operations at . “We’re thrilled to finally put our partnership to use and start actively improving our respective communities and wine countries.”

The day concluded with a convivial lunch at the Swiss Hotel. The first delegation from Sonoma will leave for Penglai on April 30. To attend, or participate, contact the Sonoma Sister Cities Association


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