china Archives - Baltimore Sister Cities

Discover our celebrations for AANHPI Heritage Month 2026

The Asian Baltimore Sister City Committees (Changwon South Korea, Kawasaki Japan, and Xiamen China) will be participating and hosting events throughout May celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander month.

Wednesday, May 13 : Japanese Heritage Night at Orioles Park at Camden Yards

Time: 6:45pm

The Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee and friends will attend the Orioles baseball game with the New York Yankees on May 13. The game starts at 6:35pm. The game’s theme is Japanese Heritage Night. Come to the game and help celebrate the USA’s and Japan’s long-running love of baseball!

Orioles’ Heritage Nights schedule and tickets: https://www.mlb.com/orioles/tickets/special-ticket-packages

Saturday, May 16: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration at Baltimore Zoo

Time: 10am-4pm
Location: The Maryland Zoo, One Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217

Illustration of animals and plants on a patterned background, with the words "Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month" Image is from the Maryland Zoo's May 16, 2026 event.

Some of the activities that will be held:

11:00AM – 3:00PM, Animal keeper chats
10:00AM, Lion Dancing
1:00PM, Hula performance
Origami crafts

Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC) will hold a vendor’s booth at this event. Stop by the booth to learn more information about the committee’s activities. Proceeds will go to support this year’s edition of the Youth Ambassadors Program, an annual program organized by BXSCC which provides Baltimore high school youth the opportunity to travel to Baltimore’s sister city of Xiamen and Maryland’s sister state of Anhui in China during the summer for a life-changing travel abroad experience.

More information about this event: https://www.marylandzoo.org/event_series/aapi-heritage-month-celebration/celebration/

Sunday May 17: The Past, Present, and Future of Baltimore Koreatown

Time: 4-7:30pm

Left side: Korean women drummers

Right side: Korean women dancing in traditional clothing

4:00 – 4:30pm Walking Tour | meet at the outside entrance of the Parkway Theatre : SNF Parkway Theatre (5 West North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201) and Currency Studio (18 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201)
The program includes Baltimore’s First Korea Town Walking Tour, traditional Korean dance and a panel discussion about Baltimore Koreatown’s past, present, and future.

Advance registration is required: https://Baltimorekoreatown2026.eventbrite.com

Join our guides for a walking tour of the Charles North neighborhood’s historical Koreatown landmarks and favorite food spots.

4:35 – 4:50pm Korean Traditional Dance (Nanta and Arirang) at the Parkway Theatre Lobby
5pm – 6:30pm Panel Discussion at Theatre 1 (Main Stage)

Panel discussion in the Parkway Theater about Baltimore Koreatown’s past, present, and future with Shauntee Daniels, Executive Director of the Baltimore National Heritage Area; Phaan Howng, co-leader of the project for preserving Baltimore Koreatown; Angela Ra, Communications and Strategic Policy Manager at the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and many more panelists.

6:30pm – 7:30pm Reception at the Lounge

The reception following the discussion will provide free Korean food organized by the Baltimore Changwon Sister City Committee and a program of the 2026 Asia North Exhibition and Festival.

This event is organized by the Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee and a program of the 2026 Asia North Exhibition and Festival. 2026 Asia North Exhibition and Festival is co-produced by Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership.

Asia North 2026

The annual ASIA NORTH festival, co-produced by Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership, celebrates Baltimore’s Charles North – a.k.a. Station North – neighborhood’s constantly evolving identities as a Koreatown, arts district, and creative hub. Baltimore Sister Cities’ Asian sister city committees (Changwon, South Korea; Kawasaki, Japan; Xiamen, China) are providing programming during this festival. Program includes:

Asia North 2026 Exhibition is Guest Curated by Dylan Kaleikaumaka Hill. (Photo of Dylan Kaleikaumaka Hill and the background pattern from Asia North Festival: a pattern of red, purple and gold shapes.

Asia North Art Exhibition

Shoes at the Door, curated by Dylan Kaleikaumaka Hill
Dates: Friday May 1 – Sunday May 31
Exhibition locations: SNF Parkway Theatre (5 West North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201) and Currency Studio (18 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201)
Shoes at the Door brings together works by sixteen APIMEDA-identifying artists living in the greater Baltimore and DMV region whose artworks consider hospitality as a malleable practice shaped by diaspora, cultural tradition, inheritance, colonial commodification, and celebration.

More information

2 photos: One of B'more Taiko (Japanese-style drumming group) and one of Han Pan Samulnori (Korean-style percussion group).

Asia North 2026 Opening Event

Date: Friday May 1, 5-9pm
Location: SNF Parkway Theatre

Program includes food provided by Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee; taiko drumming sponsored by Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee. Program includes Korean samulnori percussion performance.

More information and to RSVP

Crown Restaurant in Hyundai Plaza building in Station North Arts District.

The Past, Present, and Future of Baltimore Koreatown

Date: Sunday May 17, 4-7:30pm
Starting Location: SNF Parkway Theatre

Program includes Walking Tour, Korean Traditional Dance, Panel Discussion, and Reception. Organized by Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee.
Advance registration required.

More information and to register

And much more! See the details and the complete schedule at the Asian Arts & Culture Center website and Station North website. Registration for some events is available via the Asian Arts & Culture Center’s Eventbrite page.

The 2026 Asia North Exhibition and Festival is co-produced by Asian Arts & Culture Center and Central Baltimore Partnership.

Apr 7 / China Town Hall in Baltimore

2026 CHINA Town Hall flyer with photos, names and titles of the speakers' a QR code that links to the event registration page; the program; logos of Baltimore-Xiamen SIster City Committee and the City of Baltimore

The Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC), in cooperation with the National Committee on U.S. China Relations (NCUSCR), invites you to their annual ‘China Town Hall’ event.

Date/time: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6-8:30pm ET
Location: Baltimore City Hall (Reeves Room), 100. N. Holliday Street, Baltimore MD 21202
Admission: $20
More information and to register: www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-annual-china-town-hall-baltimore-tickets-1985449025482

CHINA Town Hall is an annual event that provides a snapshot of the current U.S.-China relationship and examines how that relationship reverberates at the local level – in our towns, states, and nation – connects people around the country with U.S. policymakers and thought leaders on China.

Speakers

National Speakers (via webcast):

Stephen Biegun , Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
Sarah Beran , Former Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing Former Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs at the White House National Security Council.

Local Speaker (in person): 

Dr. Meredith Oyen , Associate Professor of History at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Program

6pm — Welcome from the BXSCC, with Chinese cuisine; Introduction and Opening Remarks
6:30pm — National Webcast featuring Stephen Biegun and Sarah Beran
7:30pm — Local discussion and Q&A by Dr. Meredith Oyen 
8:30pm — Final remarks

Baltimore / Maryland October 2025 Trip to China

Representatives from Baltimore Sister Cities (BSC) and its Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC), Maryland Department of Commerce, and Montgomery County attended the 7th China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference in Hangzhou city in China in October 2025. The conference featured an opening concert by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), during the orchestra’s multi-city tour of China. The delegation also visited Xiamen to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore-Xiamen sister city relationship — this visit included a BSO and Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra exchange; a 40th anniversary concert by BSO; site visits; and meetings with Xiamen leadership, port officials, and Shuangshi High School.

Details about the trip activities are below.

7th China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference

7th China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference in Hangzhou city in China October 25-27, 2025 included forums on educational exchanges, urban innovation and development, sustainable urban practices, and case studies of sister cities exchanges. Representatives from many U.S. cities were in attendance. The state of Maryland was represented by delegates from Montgomery County and Baltimore Sister Cities. A representative of the Maryland Department of Commerce joined for both the Hangzhou and Xiamen legs of the October trip to China. Members of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Hangzhou Philharmonic opened the Sister Cities Conference with a concert. Hosea Chew (Director of Administration, Office of the City Council President) gave a presentation about Baltimore at the conference.

Visit to Xiamen

The Xiamen program included an exchange between the BSO and Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra (XPO); a 40th anniversary concert by members of the BSO; a pop-up concert by BSO members and Xiamen students on Gulangyu (Island); a meeting with Xiamen leadership; a visit to the tree planted by Baltimore Mayor Schaefer and Xiamen Mayor Zou in Wanshi Botanical Garden in 1985; a session with Port of Xiamen officials; and a visit to Shuangshi High School to discuss future education initiatives. BXSCC presented books on behalf of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library (EPFL) to the Jimei Branch of the Xiamen Municipal Library.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra tour

5 musicians from Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performing music on a stage in Xiamen on October 28, 2025. Above the stage is a banner marking the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City relationship. Photo by Xiamen FAO. — Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performing in Xiamen.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians Send-Off Concert at Baltimore City Hall on October 8, 2025, prior to their tour of China. — Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians Send-Off Concert at Baltimore City Hall prior to their tour of China.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians and other Baltimore delegation members with Xiamen students on Gulangyu island, October 29, 2025 in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City relationship. — Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with Xiamen students on Gulangyu island.

Five musicians from Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), together with BSO President & CEO Mark Hanson, traveled to China to represent the BSO, the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland, October 24 through November 2, 2025. As part of the tour, the BSO ensemble shared a special performance at the Jiageng Theatre to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Xiamen, China, and the City of Baltimore, MD USA. BXSCC and the city of Xiamen helped with the planning and coordination for the trip.

The tour was preceded by a Send-off Concert at Baltimore City Hall on October 6.

Tour itinerary:

Hangzhou | October 24-27, 2025

Engagements at Zhejiang Conservatory of Music and Zhejiang University and a special joint concert at Zhejiang Concert Hall with the members of Hangzhou Philharmonic to open the 7^th China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference in Hangzhou City.

Xiamen | October 28 – 29, 2025

Cultural exchanges with Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Xiamen Song & Dance Theatre; visit to Gulangyu Island for a pop-up concert by BSO members and Xiamen students; luncheon with leaders of Xiamen Municipal Government and Foreign Affairs Office; and a concert celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Xiamen-Baltimore Sister City relationship.

Xi’an | October 30, 2025

Performance as part of the Silk Road International Tourism Expo.

Shanghai | October 31 – November 1, 2025

Performance at the Shanghai Conservatory with attendees from the U.S. Consulate, members of the American companies based in Shanghai and Chinese companies based in Maryland, and music lovers.

Other events in 2025 to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Baltimore and Xiamen Sister City relationship

Baltimore Youth Ambassadors Trip to China

Baltimore Youth Ambassadors walking on a street in Xiamen with Xiamen students. Photo: Xiamen FAO.

BXSCC arranged for seven Baltimore youth to participate in the 2025 edition of their Youth Ambassadors Program, with a trip to China in July 2025 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC) and the 45th anniversary of the Maryland-Anhui Province Sister State Committee. More information about this trip

Xiamen Vice Mayoral Delegation to Baltimore

Xiamen Vice Mayoral Delegation at Baltimore City Hall in April 2025. Photo: Xiamen FAO.

A delegation led by Xiamen Vice Mayor Zhuang Rongliang and including representatives from the Xiamen Port Authority and Xiamen Foreign Affairs Office visited Baltimore in April 2025. The delegation met with representatives of the Maryland Port Authority, Baltimore’s Office of the Mayor and other city government representatives, and BXSCC. They also toured the 40^th anniversary exhibition at the Enoch Pratt Free Library.

40^th Year Anniversary Exhibition at Enoch Pratt Free Library

Xiamen photo display exhibition at Enoch Pratt Free Library in 2025 celebratng the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City relationship. Photo: Xin (Cindy) Wang.

Xiamen Vice Mayoral delegation visit to Xiamen exhibition at Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library in April 2025. Photo: John Cassini.

Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library (EPFL) and BXSCC collaborated to create an exhibition at the Central Library about Baltimore and Xiamen’s 40-year sister city relationship, in four display cases. Exhibition included photos of Xiamen, copies of the original sister city agreement, examples of student and professional exchanges over the years, information about Baltimore Sister Cities and activities held annually by BSC’s Asian sister committees to celebrate contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to Baltimore.

Documentary Video

Screenshot from the documentary film about the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister city relationship, made by Xiamen Media Group in 2025.

Media professionals from Xiamen traveled to Baltimore to make a documentary about the Sister City relationship, to mark its 40th anniversary. To view the 8 minute documentary (Chinese-language), see the video on this news article from the Xiamen Media Group: www.xmtv.cn/xmtv/2025-12-30/ffa0dd31aa49909a.html

Friday May 1, 5-9pm : Asia North Opening Event

Exhibition locations:
SNF Parkway Theatre (5 West North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201) and Currency Studio (18 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201)

Opening event program: SNF Parkway Theatre

For more info & to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-event-asia-north-2026-tickets-1986358188814

Korean samulnori performance infant of a mural of a Korean businessman in Baltimore's Station North arts district.

Celebrate the kick-off of Asia North 2026! Meet guest curator Dylan Kaleikaumaka Hill and the artists featured in the Shoes at the Door exhibition. Spend the evening getting energized through the sounds of Korean samulnori and Japanese taiko drums, being entranced by the exquisite art of Odissi dance, grooving to synth pop, and chilling out to indie-pop. Featuring performances from Han Pan Samulnori, Arpita Rakshit Sabud, Hello Fans, Plant Dad, and B’more Taiko. Savor Chinese dishes provided by the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC). B’more Taiko performance sponsored by the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (BKSCC). Performances curated and hosted by Kandi Wong.

Youth Ambassadors Student Trip to China

Seven Baltimore youth participated in the 2025 Youth Ambassadors Program, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC) and the 45th anniversary of the Maryland-Anhui Province Sister State Committee. From July 15th to August 1st, 2025, the delegation, which also included two teachers and two parent chaperones, traveled to seven cities throughout China, including Xiamen in Fujian Province; Huangshan, Anqing, and Hefei in Anhui Province; Nanjing in Jiangsu Province; and Shanghai.

The Youth Ambassadors Program aims to develop student leadership by providing youth with the opportunity to learn what it means to be an international ambassador of peace and friendship at the local level. This year’s program played a significant role in commemorating the two sister anniversaries by connecting past relations to the future.

The Foreign Affairs Offices of both Xiamen and Anhui hosted the Youth Ambassadors, who presented citations from City of Baltimore and State of Maryland leaders to their Chinese counterparts. This exchange program strengthens the friendship between the two regions and builds connections for the future.

Exploring Xiamen

From July 17–22, Baltimore youth joined Chinese peers for a cultural exchange in Xiamen, known as Ludao (Egret Island). They explored the city’s ecological revival projects, walked scenic coastal trails, and planted “Friendship Trees” to honor U.S.-China ties. Highlights included visits to Xiamen University, tea-drama classes, incense and puppet workshops, and a closing ceremony celebrating newfound friendships.

Exploring Anhui Province

In Anhui, the ambassadors marked the 45th anniversary of Maryland’s sister-state relationship. They climbed the Yellow Mountains, explored Hongcun village, and practiced kung fu and traditional cooking. In Anqing, they attended a Huangmei Opera, learned about the WWII Flying Tigers, and met with Maryland and Anhui officials to exchange proclamations and reflections.

Exploring Nanjing

On the way to Shanghai, the group stopped in Nanjing to visit the Johns Hopkins University Nanjing Center and imagine future study abroad opportunities

They also toured the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, where solemn exhibits and stories of hope left a lasting impression about peace and cooperation.

Exploring Shanghai

The program concluded in Shanghai, where students partnered with a local school to study arts like porcelain repair, clay design, and Song Dynasty tea rituals. They explored the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Nanjing Road, while also meeting staff at Maryland Center China and the American Chamber of Commerce for a firsthand look at global business ties.

Returning to Maryland

Back home, the ambassadors gathered with families, state officials, and the BXSCC at the Maryland State Capitol. Their reflections and warm welcome back underscored the program’s success in building bridges between Maryland and China.

See the detailed trip report on the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City committee website.

More information about the Youth Ambassadors program.

Feb 7 / Celebrate the Year of the Snake

Happy New Year 春节快乐

Date/time: Friday, February 7, 2025 at 5:30-6:45pm ET
Location: Bard High School Early College (BHSEC), 2801 N. Dukeland Street, Baltimore, MD 21216
Admission: Free — Bring your family and friends!

Join us for night of cultural performances, as we bring in the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake. Featuring Student Popup Shops at 4:30-5:30pm. Celebration 5:30-6:35 pm with the JHU Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe and the Lan Yun Blue Orchids Chinese Dance Team.

Sponsored and co-organized by the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC) .

This project has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Historical Trust, an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning which is an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Historical Trust of the Maryland Department of Planning.

Summer 2024 Youth Exchanges

In late July to early August, Baltimore youth travel to China, and Japanese scouts visit Baltimore!

The Youth Ambassadors Program is Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee (BXSCC)’s student leadership development program for 14 to 18-year old students. This summer, the Youth Ambassadors are traveling to China! Trip include a visit to the Baltimore’s sister city of Xiamen, State of Maryland’s sister province of Anhui and China’s capital of Beijing. More information

The sister cities of Kawasaki Japan and Baltimore have hosted scout exchange program for over 35 years! After pausing for a number of years during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has resumed. The Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee hosts a visiting delegation of Venture Scouts from Kawasaki Japan this summer.

May 31 / APAHM social event

Setsuhi Shiraishi ‘Into The Calligraphy’ performance & Baltimore Sister Cities social celebrating APAHM month

Setsuhi Shiraishi: Into the Calligraphy. An opening reception and Baltimore Sister Cities Social Celebrating APAHM. Photo of the artist with calligraphy brushes, date and address of the event. Logos of the Sponsors and Partners.

OPENING RECEPTION & BSC SOCIAL

Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 8 – 11pm ET
Location: Atrium Artspace, 2029 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21218
Admission: Free
Please RSVP here: forms.gle/i9uvY1mmep98MX5CA
More info: Event page on BmoreArt site

A special performance collaboration by master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi with artist Lucia Li. Join us on May 31 for an opening reception for Setsuhi Shiraishi’s exhibition, meet the artists, and enjoy the Baltimore Sister Cities social event for APAHM (Asian Pacific American Islander Heritage Month)!

EXHIBITION

Date: Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, 2024
Gallery Hours: Friday 8 – 11 pm; Saturday 11 am – 3 pm; Sunday 1 – 10:30 pm
Location: Atrium Artspace, 2029 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21218
More info: Event page on BmoreArt site

This exhibition features work by contemporary master calligrapher Setsuhi Shiraishi that has been made throughout the years she has worked in Maryland, Baltimore, and across the DMV. Curated by Michael Miki Young. Presented by OTS Productions.

Sponsored by T. Rowe Price Foundation, Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister Committee, Baltimore-Changwon Sister City Committee, Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee.

Partners: Asia North Festival 2024 (Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center) and MIMA (Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Apr 9 / Annual CHINA Town Hall in Baltimore: Local Connections, National Reflections

Logos of Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee, City of Baltimore, NCUSR. Photos and titles of the national and local speakers. Title and short description of the event.

Date/time: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 6:30-9pm ET
Location: Baltimore City Hall, 100 Holliday Street Baltimore, MD 21202
Admission: $20. Advance registration required. Deadline for registration is April 5.
For more information and to register: chinatownhall2024baltimore.eventbrite.com

China’s rapid development and Sino-American relations have a direct impact on the lives of nearly everyone in the United States. CHINA Town Hall is a national conversation about China that provides Americans across the United States, and beyond, the opportunity to discuss issues in the relationship with leading experts. The Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee is the Baltimore and Maryland host for this annual event organized by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR). The NCUSCR recruits a high-level speaker or panel on U.S.-China topics and the local host provides the venue and webcasting support as well as a distinguished local speaker/moderator to conduct follow-up discussions with the local audience.

This year’s event features U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt Campbell in a national conversation via webcast on how the U.S.-China relationship affects our cities, towns, and communities. In Baltimore, the Director of the Wilson Center’s Kissinger Institute on China and the United States, Robert Daly, will comment in person on Secretary Campbell’s presentation and will take questions about Baltimore and Maryland’s relationship with China.

Join us for the 18th annual CHINA Town Hall, hosted nationwide by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) and in Baltimore by the Baltimore-Xiamen Sister City Committee. Event ticket includes buffet-style Chinese cuisine.

Note: Parking is not permitted on the cobblestones in front of City Hall. Garage parking is available at the Baltimore Street Garage next to City Hall at 15 Guilford Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202 and is not included or affiliated with the event.

Discover our celebrations for AANHPI Heritage Month 2026

Wednesday, May 13 : Japanese Heritage Night at Orioles Park at Camden Yards

Saturday, May 16: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration at Baltimore Zoo

Sunday May 17: The Past, Present, and Future of Baltimore Koreatown