Since the launch of the "A Letter from Kunming" international communication series, the Kunming International Communication Center has implemented a strategy centered on "Kunming taking the lead, twin-city partnerships, and multi-channel collaboration." It has mobilized more than 30 provincial and municipal international communication centers across China, while also collaborating with mainstream media outlets in Laos, Myanmar, and other countries. With over 200 posts to date, the initiative has enhanced the coordinated international visibility of Chinese cities, ensuring targeted and effective overseas communication while sharing the diverse appeal of China's urban centers with the world.

Collage of logos from various regional international communication centers collaborating with Kunming, in no particular order.

Screenshots of articles related to "A Letter from Kunming" published by Kunming International Communication Center in collaboration with media outlets in Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Thailand.

This inter-city initiative breaks down geographical barriers to create a communication framework defined by "diverse domestic synergy and targeted international reach." Domestically, provincial-level international communication centers from Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Hunan, Hainan, and others, as well as municipal centers from Jinan, Aba, Guangzhou, Luoyang, Xiamen, and more, are deeply engaged. This facilitates collaborative topic selection, co-creation of content, and shared distribution channels. Internationally, short videos, photo essays, and feature stories in multiple languages—including Chinese, English, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Burmese, and Lao—are centrally promoted across major overseas social media platforms. This approach allows the natural beauty and cultural richness of Chinese cities to serve as a vital window for global audiences to understand China. Among these efforts, several "twin-city stories" stand out. These pairings highlight either shared characteristics or complementary differences, presenting the beauty of Chinese cities through diverse themes.

Kunming & Jinan: A Dialogue Between Spring Cities Across North and South

Kunming and Jinan engaged in a multi-dimensional collaboration that exemplifies this cross-city initiative.

Using "springs" as a connecting theme, the two cities showcased China's rich cultural and natural heritage. Kunming's Anning hot springs, known as the "World's Top Hot Spring," offer restorative wellness, while the black-headed gulls dancing gracefully at Green Lake add a touch of natural charm. These resonate with Jinan's Baotu Spring, celebrated as the "World's Top Spring," and the vibrant everyday life surrounding Daming Lake. From the willow-lined shores of Dianchi Lake to the timeless poetic resonance of Lixia Pavilion, these two "Spring Cities" use vivid, living scenes to tell the human stories embedded in China's landscapes.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Jinan International Communication Center on "Northern and Southern 'Spring Cities'. "

With intangible cultural heritage as a bridge, northern and southern craftsmanship engaged in a virtual dialogue. Central Yunnan's Wutongzouyin (silver-inlaid black copper) metalwork—capturing the essence of landscapes through exquisite engraving—was paired with Jinan's paper-cutting, which expresses the charm of Qilu culture through agile knife work. Practitioners from both cities showcased traditional craftsmanship through demonstrations and collaborative creations, bringing these cultural treasures to life through cross-city exchange.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Jinan International Communication Center on "Intangible Cultural Heritage Integration."

Kunming & Heilongjiang: Contrasting Winter Wonders, Celebrated Together

The romance of winter in China unfolds in strikingly different ways across its vast north and south. The collaboration between Kunming and Heilongjiang became one of the most striking contrasts in this series.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Heilongjiang Northeast Asia International Communication Center on "One Defined by Ice, the Other by Warmth".

In the north, Harbin's iconic giant snowman charms visitors with its winter magic, while skiing enthusiasts enjoy the slopes of Yabuli. In the south, Kunming's beloved black-headed gulls return annually, attracting strollers along the city's serene lakes. One north, one south; one defined by ice, the other by warmth. These two distinct winter experiences vividly illustrate the diversity of China's climate and landscapes while offering overseas audiences a glimpse of how Chinese people celebrate the holiday season.

Kunming & Shaanxi: Ancient Routes, New Journeys, Southern and Northern Spring Scenes in Harmony

Kunming and Shaanxi partnered to create a dialogue connecting ancient and modern commerce, using culture as a thread and transportation as a bridge.

With tea as the medium, the collaboration retraced millennia-old trade routes, from Shaanxi's Jingyang Fucha Town—a key hub on the Shaanxi-Gansu Ancient Tea Horse Road—to Kunming's Jiaoye Park. This highlighted the prosperity of ancient Chinese trade and the deep history of ethnic interaction. Pu'er Ancient Tea Horse Road of Yunnan, a significant cultural tourism asset, also featured prominently, emphasizing the enduring appeal of Chinese tea culture.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Chinese Business International Communication Center on "Ancient Tea Horse Road."

Modern transportation routes tell a new story. Shaanxi's "Steel Camel Caravan"—the China-Europe Railway Express—traverses Eurasia, while Yunnan's "Steel Silk Road"—the China-Laos Railway—connects with Southeast Asia. These golden corridors echo each other across the distance, showcasing China's commitment to global connectivity and shared development.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Chinese Business International Communication Center  on "China-Laos Railway and China Railway Express."

Spring landscapes further bridge north and south. Kunming, known as "Flower Capital of Asia," blooms year-round along Dianchi Lake, the Golden Temple, and Luoyuhe Park, while Xi'an combines expansive flower displays with the elegance of its historic city walls. One south, one north; one defined by modern vibrancy, the other by historical depth. Through flowers, these cities complement each other, celebrating both nature and heritage.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Chinese Business International Communication Center on "Flowers of the Twin Cities."

Kunming & Aba: Mountains and Rivers as Neighbors, A Symphony of Harmony

Kunming and Aba, Sichuan collaborated under the theme "Coexisting Mountains and Rivers, Integrating Ethnic Groups," sharing China's multi-ethnic harmony and humanity's relationship with nature with global audiences.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Aba International Communication Center on "Ethnic Customs and Landscapes."

Highlighting natural wonders, the initiative juxtaposed Kunming's Stone Forest karst landscape with Aba's Jiuzhaigou scenery, showcasing the Yunnan-Sichuan region's natural beauty. It also celebrated ethnic diversity, portraying everyday life in Kunming's multi-ethnic communities and the mutual support among Aba's populations. Grounded in natural landscapes and ethnic culture, the collaboration conveyed a compelling message about Chinese ethnic unity and progress through authentic storytelling.

This inter-city communication campaign is a cornerstone of the "A Letter from Kunming" international communication series. By connecting cities with different characteristics and regions, Kunming helps bring their stories to the world. The project not only highlights the diverse charms of Chinese cities but also pioneers a new model for international communication: "mobilizing cities, amplifying voices nationwide." Looking ahead, cross-city collaboration will continue to deepen, enabling more Chinese cities to share the true, multi-dimensional, and comprehensive story of China with vivid expression and closer cooperation.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Jennifer, Flynn)