CITY OF CUPERTINO
FRIENDSHIP CITIES PROGRAM
APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION
Instructions
This application is to be completed by the Friendship City Committee of the requesting international city and submitted electronically to the Cupertino City Manager’s Office by emailing &LW\[email protected].
Background
A Friendship Cities Designation is an established relationship between the City of Cupertino and a partnering international organization that is mutually beneficial. The first step towards establishing a Friendship Cities Designation is to complete this application. This application helps to identify proposed goals of the relationship, the supporting activities expected, and highlights the areas of interest strengths, or needs of each party. The proponents of establishing such a relationship must be a collaboration of a community organization (a Friendship City Committee) and an elected official of the participating international city.
Who May Request a Friendship Cities Designation?
Any established Friendship City Committee of the proponent Friendship City may submit an application. The most successful applications will have more than one sponsor and will represent multiple agencies or organizations.
Processing and Approval of the Application
This application will clearly state the rationale and the goals of the relationship and the mutual benefits in establishing this relationship. Once the designation is in place, all information in the application will be shared with the community and stakeholders upon request.
Complete information for key contacts and authorizing individuals (the signing authorities) must be provided before the relationship can be finalized. In addition, the committee must have a Cupertino Councilmember sponsorship. Incomplete information will delay the process. A Friendship C ities Designation will be authorized for a period of two (2) years as outlined in the City of Cupertino’s “Policies and Guidelines on Sister Cities, Friendship Cities, and International Delegations” and will be subject to all guidelines therein.
Today's date:
Name of person requesting relationship:
Title:
Affiliation:
Address:
Email: Phone:
City of Cupertino Sponsor(s):
Friendship City Elected Official Sponsor:
Name and Country of the proposed
Friendship City and the
Friendship City Committee:
CUPERTINO FRIENDSHIP CITIES PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION To be completed in English by the requesting organization Xuhui District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
Shanghai Xuhui Friendship City Committee
11/10/2025
Lanru Huang, Xianchen Xu
Cupertino - Shanghai Xuhui Friendship City Committee
Board Members: Cupertino - Shanghai Xuhui Friendship City Committee 20830 Stevens Creek Blvd #1048
Cupertino, CA 95014
[email protected] (408) 806-7026
Liang Chao, Mayor (2024-2025)
Gang Wei, Deputy Director, Foreign Affairs Office of Xuhui District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
RESOURCES: Please address monetary and in-kind resources that may be necessary to conduct the activities of this relationship, how they are to be obtained, and from whom. If none, state “no funding required”. Please note that the City of Cupertino does not currently provide funding for Friendship Cities.
No funding required.
We do not intend to utilize any resources from the City of Cupertino. All proposed activities will be supported by community members, non-profit organizations, or other volunteer-based groups.
Any in-kind resources used, if applicable, will be in full compliance with the relevant Friendship Cities policies.
PROFILE: Please attach a brief profile of your city and Friendship City Committee including, but not limited to:
background, location, nature, size, and relevant programs.
Shanghai is China’s largest and most developed city, serving as a global financial center and a major hub for trade, innovation, and culture. Known for its dynamic economy, modern skyline, and historical landmarks, Shanghai plays a leading role in shaping China's economic and international outlook.
Located in the heart of Shanghai (just like Cupertino located in the heart of Silicon Valley), Xuhui District is one of the city’s most vibrant and historically rich areas. It blends tradition with modernity, featuring elegant French-style architecture from its days as part of the former French Concession alongside bustling commercial zones and high-end residential neighborhoods. Xuhui is also a cultural and educational hub, home to renowned institutions such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University and various museums, galleries, and theaters. With its tree-lined streets, thriving business environment, and cultural charm, Xuhui represents both the historical depth and forward-looking spirit of Shanghai.
We will form a formal committee once the application is approved.
Items to include:
• Areas of mutual interest upon which the relationship will focus. • Opportunities for new activities and potential outcomes.
RATIONALE: Please explain the rationale and focus of the requested Friendship Cities Designation. Describe why a Friendship City relationship would be beneficial to the City of Cupertino and your local community, organization, and city. Please outline the areas of mutual strength and interest for each of the participants.
Names, titles, and affiliations of those who will be involved at the proponent Friendship City and the Friendship City Committee. Be sure to include information for the proponent Friendship City’s Mayor as they will have the primary signing authority of the Friendship City.
Benefits and measurable results that the City of Cupertino and proponent Friendship City can expect as a result of the establishment of such a relationship.
•
•
Gang Wei, Deputy Director, Foreign Affairs Office of Xuhui District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
There is frequent movement of people, economic exchange, and cultural interaction between the City of Cupertino and Shanghai's Xuhui District. The District Mayor of Xuhui has written a letter expressing the hope to establish an official sister-city relationship with Cupertino, in order to promote bilateral cooperation in business, culture, education, and other areas. This proposal received a warm response from the Mayor of Cupertino. The letters will be provided later.
The Friendship City relationship will center on areas of mutual interest, with a focus on ongoing collaboration and exchange between the two cities. City officials and staff will continue to engage in both virtual and in-person meetings to share best practices and experiences in municipal services. Once the formal Friendship City partnership is established, the Friendship City Committee will encourage increased people-to-people exchanges and coordinate official delegations to visit Xuhui District in Shanghai.
The establishment of this relationship is expected to yield a variety of benefits for both the City of Cupertino and its Friendship City partner. These include:
• Strengthened international cooperation and mutual understanding • Enhanced educational and cultural exchange opportunities for local students and educators • Knowledge sharing in areas such as urban planning, public services, and community engagement
• Development of long-term relationships that support future collaboration in education, culture, and economic development
• Measurable outcomes such as implemented exchange programs, successful delegation visits, and documented improvements in shared service practices This partnership aims to create meaningful, lasting impact through mutual learning and international friendship.
RATIONALE (continued):
CITY GOVERNMENT
Friendship city programs foster meaningful connections between international municipal officials, institutions, and businesses. These relationships build trust, open new channels for collaboration, and provide access to valuable expertise—helping local organizations identify fresh opportunities and resources.
Through peer learning and exchange, municipal employees and elected officials can share best practices and innovative approaches to public service. These collaborations can enhance policy development and management in key areas such as sanitation, water, public health, transportation, sustainability, economic development, and education.
In times of crisis, friendship city partnerships can also play a vital role in mobilizing support—raising funds or coordinating the collection of essential supplies for natural disasters, health emergencies, or other urgent situations, including pandemic response efforts.
EDUCATIONAL
Non-governmental organizations may collaborate to develop additional programs, such as summer camps for students from both cities. These initiatives provide a wide range of valuable benefits and outcomes, including:
• Cultural Understanding: Exposure to international learning environments fosters greater acceptance of and appreciation for diverse cultures and community perspectives. • Language Skills: Students enhance their ability to communicate across cultures through language acquisition and daily practice.
• Adaptability in Learning: Participants gain insight into alternative educational approaches and develop more flexible, multi-dimensional learning strategies. • Critical Thinking: The experience strengthens analytical and problem-solving skills in real-world, cross-cultural settings.
• Global Awareness: Exchange students often develop a deeper interest in global issues and broaden their general knowledge.
• Personal Growth: Immersion in a new environment promotes self-awareness, confidence, and self esteem — often one of the most noticeable changes in returning students. • Maturity and Independence: Navigating life outside of familiar support systems builds resilience, social poise, and emotional maturity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please add any additional information about this proposed relationship, the proponent Friendship City, and/or the Friendship City Committee that you wish to share.
Famous Landmarks in Xuhui District:
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. Founded in 1896, SJTU has played a vital role in China’s modernization and development, earning a reputation for academic excellence, cutting edge research, and innovation.
Located in the dynamic city of Shanghai, the university offers a wide range of programs across science, engineering, medicine, business, humanities, and the arts. It is particularly well-known for its strengths in engineering, computer science, and business, and is home to several national key laboratories and research centers.
As a member of China’s elite C9 League (often compared to the Ivy League in the U.S.), SJTU collaborates extensively with top universities and institutions worldwide. It also initiated the globally influential Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking.
With a strong commitment to global engagement and talent development, Shanghai Jiao Tong University continues to be a leading force in education, research, and international collaboration.
The Shanghai Film Museum is a landmark institution that celebrates the rich legacy of China’s film industry, particularly its roots in Shanghai—the birthplace of Chinese cinema. Housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, the museum offers an immersive journey through over a century of cinematic history, showcasing how Shanghai led the nation in film production, innovation, and artistic expression.
During the last century, Shanghai stood at the forefront of China’s film technology, representing the most advanced cinematic techniques and equipment of its time. From sound and lighting to editing and special effects, the city’s studios and filmmakers embraced cutting-edge technologies that set national standards and laid the foundation for modern Chinese cinema.
The museum also reflects the profound influence of Hollywood on Shanghai’s film industry. In the early 20th century, American films, production styles, and storytelling techniques significantly shaped Shanghai’s cinematic culture, giving rise to a unique blend of Eastern and Western artistry. This cross-cultural exchange helped establish Shanghai as the “Hollywood of the East,” a title that resonates throughout the museum’s exhibits.
Today, the Shanghai Film Museum not only preserves this pioneering history but also inspires future generations of filmmakers and film lovers through its interactive displays, historical archives, and tribute to international cinematic influence.
Wukang Mansion
The Wukang Mansion, formerly known as the Normandie Apartments, is one of Shanghai’s most iconic historical buildings. Located in the heart of the city’s former French Concession, this landmark was completed in 1924 and designed by renowned Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec. Funded by International Savings Society (ISS), it stands as one of the earliest examples of foreign investment in Shanghai's urban development, symbolizing the beginning of western economic engagement in the city over a century ago.
With its distinctive wedge-shaped structure and elegant European architectural style, the Wukang Mansion has become a symbol of Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage and its long history of international exchange. Today, it remains a beloved city landmark, reflecting both the cosmopolitan spirit and historical depth of Shanghai.
ReplyRegardingtheEstablishmentofaFriendship-City
RelationshipbetweenXuhuiDistrict,ShanghaiandCupertino,
California,USA
Ms.JenniferZou,
BayAreaCouncil,
TheletterfromyourCouncilregardingtheestablishmentofafriendship-city relationshipbetweenXuhuiDistrictandCupertino,datedSeptember21,2025,hasbeen received.WesincerelyappreciatetheeffortsandrecommendationsofyourCouncilin advancingthismatter.
AsoneofthecentraldistrictsofShanghai,XuhuiDistrict,upholdingtheconceptof openness,inclusiveness,andmutualbenefit,hasactivelyexploredhigh-level internationalexchangesandcooperationacrossmultipleareas.Cupertino,akeycityin SiliconValley,hasachievedremarkableaccomplishmentsintechnologicalinnovation, talentdevelopment,andcommunitywellbeing.
Asyoumentionedinyourletter,onSeptember20,duringhervisittotheUnitedStates, Ms.WeiLan,DeputyDistrictMayorofXuhuiDistrict,metwithMs.LiangChao,Mayorof Cupertino,toexchangeinformationonbothcitiesanddiscusscooperation opportunitiesinrelevantfields.Webelievethatthetwosidesenjoystrongeconomic complementarityandsignificantcooperationpotential.Establishingafriendship-city relationshipservesthesharedinterestsofbothandwillinjectnewmomentuminto sub-nationalcooperationbetweenChinaandtheUS.
XuhuiDistrictagreesinprincipletoadvancetheestablishmentofafriendship-city relationshipwiththeCityofCupertinoandpromotemulti-sectorexchanges.We supportenterprises,universities,andsocialorganizationsinbothcitiesincarryingout practicalcooperationinareasofmutualinterest,formingamulti-tieredexchange landscape.
XuhuiDistrictstandsreadytoworkwithCupertinotosteadilyadvancethedevelopment ofthefriendship-citypartnershipontheprincipleofmutualrespect,equality,and mutualbenefit.WelookforwardtoyourCouncilcontinuingtoserveasabridgeand jointlyworkingforsubstantiveprogressinexchangesandcooperationbetweenthetwo cities.
WerecommendthatthisreplybecopiedtotheCityofCupertinoandtoMayorLiang Chaofortheirinformationtofacilitatefollow-upwork.
Yourssincerely.
WEIGang
DeputyDirector,ForeignAffairsOffice
ShanghaiXuhuiDistrictPeople’sGovernment
[email protected]
November4,2025
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