In 1985, a delegation of civic, business and cultural leaders led by then-Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer traveled to Xiamen, Fujian Province, China to establish a sister city relationship. In June 1986, Xiamen Mayor Zou Erjun reciprocated with a visit to Baltimore.


Two Mayors, Xiamen, November, 1985

Since then, both cities have enjoyed a vibrant relationship with many visits and successful projects. As China's economic and political importance continues to grow, this relationship has become a key part of Baltimore's international strategy.

The Baltimore-Xiamen relationship is managed by a committee of private-sector volunteers appointed by Baltimore's Office of the Mayor. Xiamen is one of Baltimore's 10 sister cities; see the Sister Cities Directory for a complete listing.