Bristol, U.K.

 

Signers: Mayor of Guangzhou Mr. Lin Shusen, Lord Mayor of Bristol Mr. Graham Robertson

Place of Agreement Signing: Bristol

Date of Agreement Signing: May 23, 2001 

Bristol is a city in south-western England, on the River Avon. It borders on the Unitary Districts of Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The city extends to the coast of the Bristol Channel; the area of Bristol near the coast is called Avonmouth. Suburbs of the city include Kingswood, Filton, Patchway, Mangotsfield and Keynsham.

Bristol is England's eighth, and the United Kingdom's eleventh most populous city. It had been, for half a century, the second largest English city after London, until the rapid rise of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, in the 1780s.

Bristol is surrounded by coast and countryside. The influences of days past are all around, from the city's maritime heritage to the marvels of Brunel's Bristol - a legacy of Victorian engineering that changed the face of the city forever.

The modern development of Harbourside and Temple Quay sit comfortably next to the Old City, and the many parks and gardens provide a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy day. Broadmead offers a range of shops, including all the familiar high street names.

Explore the West End, Whiteladies Road and Clifton Village for a taste of gorgeous Georgian terraces and an incredible range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants - perfect to relax.

As the city moves into the suburbs, bustling market towns await with a very different feel and pace of life. Thornbury, Castle Combe and Chipping Sodbury are all within easy reach of the centre of Bristol.

Bristol is the gateway to the South West of England, providing the perfect base to explore the area, and Bath is just 15 minutes away by train, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Guangzhou and Bristol signed a sister city agreement on 23 May 2001 to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two port cities. Since then, the two cities have been working closely in the field of trade and economy, environment and technology, education and cultural exchanges.

The two cities are working closely to promote economic development and trade and investment. For the second consecutive year, the UK Trade and Investment is leading a Bristol trade delegation to Guangzhou to explore opportunities in business cooperation.

The Bristol Rovers Football Club was invited to Guangzhou for a sister-city football tournament in 2004. A group of head teachers from Bristol visited schools in Guangzhou to find out about education.Plans are underway to bring over cultural exhibitions and arts performance to Bristol from Guangzhou.