The delegation experiences the intangible cultural heritage of Minnan. [Photo provided to en.fao.xm.gov.cn]

A 20-member citizen delegation from Australia and New Zealand visited Xiamen from April 27 to 28. The delegation was led by Jenny McKay, president of the Sunshine Coast Sister Cities Association of Australia, and Ben Van Rooy, president of the Wellington Xiamen Association of New Zealand. 

This marks the first time that citizen delegations from Xiamen's sister cities in Australia and New Zealand have jointly visited the city for exchanges.

The citizen delegation visited the Jimei New Town Branch of Xiamen Library to learn about smart public service technologies and explore creative spaces like the music maker space, audio-visual room, and studio. Discussions covered digital resource sharing, sister-city book exchanges, and librarian visits.

They then met with Jimei district's culture and tourism authority and Jimei University's College of Art and Design to explore cooperation on dragon boat races and artist residencies.

The delegation also visited Hesheng Community in Huli district, where they exchanged views with residents, learned about community cultural programs, watched traditional music and dance performances, and took part in Minnan (southern Fujian) cultural heritage activities, including floral headdress, puppet shows, rubbing, and lacquer fan making. These efforts helped promote citizen and community exchanges between the sister cities.

The Foreign Affairs Office of the Xiamen Municipal People's Government met with the delegation to discuss friendly exchange projects between Xiamen and local regions in Australia and New Zealand, with the aim of further deepening practical cooperation between sister cities.