Students at Nantong and South Korean middle schools pose for a photo at the exchange event on May 17. [Photo/WeChat account: NTS_wsb]

A delegation from Gimje City in South Korea, a sister city of Nantong, visited the Chinese city from May 16 to 18 to promote exchanges and collaboration in trade, culture, and education between the two sides.

On May 17, the South Korean delegation attended the exchange event between middle schools from Nantong and South Korea, witnessing the two schools forging sister-school relations.

The mayor of Gimje City also delivered a speech via video, expressing hope that the schools will strengthen exchanges in talent cultivation.

Middle school students from Gimje City learn to make sweet dumplings at their boarding house in Nantong to celebrate China's Lantern Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: NTS_wsb]

The delegation also attended a symposium with local authorities, during which the head of the Gimje City Hall General Affairs Office spoke highly of the rapid economic and social development of Nantong.

He also noted that the two cities boast a strong foundation for cooperation in trade, people-to-people exchanges, and education. He expressed hope that they will further enhance friendly exchanges in various fields to strengthen their relationship.

During the three-day trip, the delegation also visited the Nantong Innovation Zone, Nantong Planning Hall, Jin Cangjiang Memorial Hall, and Nantong Zilang No 1 Primary School.

In 1997, Nantong and Gimje City established sister-city relations. Located in the southwest of South Korea, Gimje City is blessed with favorable conditions for agriculture and has been reputed as the "Granary of South Korea".