An official delegation from Kunming, China, will visit Denver September 21–22 as the two cities celebrate four decades of friendship, exchange and collaboration.
For forty years, Denver and Kunming have built a friendship across thousands of miles through cultural exchange, education, business, environmental collaboration and, most importantly, relationships between people in both cities.
This September, Denver will welcome an official delegation from Kunming to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Denver–Kunming Sister City relationship.
The delegation is led by Xu Gaohong, Vice Mayor of Kunming, and includes:
- Zhang Lei, Deputy Director, Kunming Dianchi National Tourist Resort
- Li Wei, Deputy Director, Kunming Water Resources Bureau
- Li Yanmei, Director, Kunming Municipal Admissions and Examinations Authority
- Ying Wen, Director of Protocol, Kunming Foreign Affairs Office
During their visit, the delegation will meet with representatives from Denver institutions and explore areas of shared interest including climate action, water conservation, sustainable tourism, education and economic development.
Visits will include MSU Denver, Denver Zoo, Denver Water and other civic institutions, providing opportunities for people from both cities to exchange ideas about conservation, sustainable infrastructure and community development.
“Since 1986, the Denver–Kunming Sister City relationship has grown through student exchanges, arts and cultural collaborations, business delegations, youth programs, and shared environmental initiatives,” said Cherish Edwards of Denver Sister Cities International. “This visit continues that tradition and reflects our commitment to nurturing global relationships built on respect and shared learning.”
The visit is being coordinated in partnership with Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP), Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI), and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO).
“At HRCP, our work is rooted in building connections that advance equity, understanding, and collaboration,” said Perla Gheiler, HRCP Executive Director. “We are honored to welcome Kunming’s leaders and to help facilitate meaningful exchanges that support dialogue, learning, and shared progress across cultures.”
Celebrating 40 Years Together
This anniversary is about more than an official delegation.
It recognizes the many people in Denver and Kunming who have sustained this relationship since 1986—students and families, educators, artists, business leaders, city officials, volunteers and community members who have crossed borders and built relationships with one another.
That is what sister cities are ultimately about: creating opportunities for people to know one another, learn from one another and discover what our communities can accomplish together.
Be Part of the Next 40 Years
Relationships like Denver and Kunming’s are built over time—and they continue because people choose to be part of them.
By becoming a member of Denver Sister Cities International, you help support cultural exchanges, international friendships, educational programs and the community connections that bring Denver closer to our sister cities around the world.
Whether you have been involved with Sister Cities for decades or are just discovering us, we invite you to be part of what comes next.
Celebrate With Us
The community is invited to join Denver Sister Cities International and the Denver–Kunming community as we celebrate 40 years of friendship between our cities.
Denver–Kunming 40th Anniversary Celebration
September 21, 2026Tivoli Turnhalle
Join us for an evening recognizing four decades of friendship, exchange and collaboration and welcoming our guests from Kunming to Denver.
SOLD OUT
Media Opportunity: Kunming Delegation at the Denver Zoo
Members of the media are invited to join the Kunming delegation and Denver representatives at the Denver Zoo on September 22.
Date: September 22, 2026
Remarks: 9:30–9:45 a.m.
Behind-the-scenes tour: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO 80205
What Media Can Capture
Media will have opportunities to document remarks from Vice Mayor Xu Gaohong and members of the Kunming delegation, along with Denver representatives.
A special photo and video opportunity will take place at the bronze peacock sculpture, Good Fortune Is Here to Stay, an important symbol of the friendship between Denver and Kunming.
Media may also capture informal moments as delegates meet Denver officials and Zoo staff, as well as portions of a behind-the-scenes tour highlighting conservation facilities, sustainability initiatives and animal-care spaces not typically open to the public.
Interview Availability
Interview opportunities will include:
- Kunming Vice Mayor Xu Gaohong and members of the delegation
- Victoria Aguilar, HRCP Deputy Director
- A representative from Denver Sister Cities International
- Denver Zoo leadership
Interpreter support will be available on site.
Media are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m. for equipment setup. HRCP or Denver Sister Cities staff will greet media at the main Zoo entrance and assist with access.
Media Contact
Heidi Rodriguez
Public Information Officer
Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships
Email: HRCPPIO@denvergov.org
Phone: 720-948-4645
This story is based on a September 15, 2026 news release issued by the City and County of Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships.
