A delegation from Funabashi, Japan, visited Xi'an to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the two cities' sister-city relationship from Dec 22 to 24.

The group toured BYD, Tang Paradise, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum.

They also engaged with students and teachers from Xi'an Yucai Middle School, Xi'an No 85 Middle School, and Dayanta Primary School – long-time partner schools of Funabashi.

The delegation from Funabashi, Japan, visits Dayanta Primary School in Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

A cherry tree planted at Dayanta Primary School in 1994 is a living testament to the close educational exchanges between the cities over the past three decades.

The delegation witnessed the school's vibrant afternoon activities. Students demonstrated programming with robots, worked on model airplanes, conducted scientific experiments, and explored intangible cultural heritage arts like dough figurine making, printmaking, calligraphy, and paper-cutting. Visitors enthusiastically interacted, learning about the diverse curriculum that fosters creativity and hands-on learning.

The Funabashi delegation interacts with Xi'an students. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

Cultural performances by students were a highlight of the visit. Cheerleading routines, dances, and string ensembles showcased the talents of Xi'an's youth, who warmly welcomed their guests with heartfelt hospitality and artistic flair.

Funabashi Mayor Toru Matsudo praised Xi'an's commitment to education and innovation, noting his admiration for the city's modernization achievements alongside its historic preservation. Reflecting on 30 years of fruitful collaboration, he expressed optimism for deeper partnerships in trade, culture, and youth exchange and envisioned a bright future for both cities.

The Funabashi delegation interacts with Xi'an students. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The mayor extended warm wishes to the citizens of Xi'an for the upcoming Chinese New Year, hoping for continued prosperity and friendship between the two cities.