Denver Welcomes Kunming China Delegation

Denver Welcomes Kunming China Delegation

Published on September 15, 2026

DENVER, CO - Denver Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP), together with Denver Sister Cities International and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), proudly welcomes an official delegation from Kunming, China, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Denver-Kunming Sister City relationship. This milestone highlights the depth of connection Denver and Kunming have built through cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and diplomatic partnerships over the past forty years.

"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, Denver Sister Cities International. "This visit continues that tradition and reflects our commitment to nurturing global relationships built on respect and shared learning."

The delegation, led by Xu Gaohong, Vice Mayor of Kunming, includes Zhang Lei, Deputy Director of the Kunming Dianchi National Tourist Resort; Li Wei, Deputy Director of the Kunming Water Resources Bureau; Li Yanmei, Director of the Kunming Municipal Admissions and Examinations Authority; and Ying Wen, Director of Protocol for the Kunming Foreign Affairs Office. Together, they will explore Denver's approaches to climate action, sustainable tourism, small-business development, and water conservation; areas closely connected to Kunming's own priorities.

Kunming's interests include biodiversity restoration linked to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, eco-tourism and "live-and-travel" urban planning, cross-border economic innovation through its Pilot Free Trade Zone, and major watershed restoration projects such as Dianchi Lake. During their time in Denver, the delegation will visit MSU Denver, the Denver Zoo, Denver Water, and other civic institutions to explore local approaches to conservation, water management, and sustainable infrastructure in ways that strengthen learning for both cities.

"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."

As Denver and Kunming commemorate forty years of friendship, this exchange provides an opportunity to honor the many residents in both cities who have contributed to the relationship through education, culture, business, and community leadership. Members of the media are invited to join us at the Denver Zoo to document this historic occasion and hear directly from the delegation.

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• Human Rights & Community Partnerships