Chicago’s Cultural & International Diversity Comes to Life Online

2020 Chicago Consular Corps Gala

The annual Chicago Consular Corps Gala will livestream on Friday, November 6th, 2020, promising to be a virtual international experience like no other. Register online today and join us as we go Around the World in One Night from the comfort of your home.

Earlier this month we launched our pre-event globe-trotting trip digitally, via e-blast and on our social media platforms, showcasing how connected Chicago is to the world: from people, cultures, foods, and more. In that spirit, each day we’re highlighting a Chicago sister city or consulate in Chicago!

Sign up to receive exciting updates on the CCC Gala here and visit our website to register the event!

#AroundtheWorldinOneNight Highlight: China!

Today our journey takes us to China. Shanghai and Shenyang have both been sister cities of Chicago since 1985 – making this year the 35th anniversary of our sister city relationship. China is the only country that has two sister cities with Chicago! Consul General Zhao Jian represents China in Chicago.

The Chicago-China Gateway Cities Agreement, signed in 2013 and extended in 2018 between Chicago and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shenyang, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu, designates Chicago as the first and only official U.S. Gateway City for investment and tourism! More than 120 Chinese companies have locations in the Chicago area including Bank of China, CRRC, and WBC Board of Directors member Wanxiang America.

World Business Chicago has organized several high level visits to China over the last decade, including a Mayoral visit in 2018. Chicago has hosted many Chinese delegations, including President Hu Jintao in 2011, and the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) talks between the two nations in 2014. Additionally, WBC and the China Investment Promotion Agency hosted the Chicago–China Digital Summit on August 5th, 2020 to discuss “Policies for Resilient Chinese Cities and Chicago” following the COVID-19 pandemic, and to advance our strong economic ties.

Shanghai is not only Chicago’s most populated sister city, but the third most populated city in the world, with approximately 24 million people calling the city home. Shanghai is also the commercial and financial center of China. Shenyang, the largest city in Northeast China, is a major manufacturing, industrial, and transportation center. The city is also home to many historical sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Mukden Palace.

Chicago’s Chinatown is the second oldest settlement of Chinese in America. It is home to a vibrant community and features beautiful architecture as well as dining and shopping experiences. It is also home to the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.

Looking for great Chinese food in Chicago? Check out Triple Crown in Chinatown and Pot Sticker House in Bridgeport – both are A Taste of Sister Cities partner restaurants!

Lastly, transport yourself to Shanghai by reading the novel Shanghai Redemption: An Inspector Chen Novel by Qiu Xiaolong!

To register for the event, visit our website here.