Hangzhou is alive with excitement as the 2025 China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference welcomes delegates from across America. Among the visitors is Peggy Bridget Rubens, chair of the Sonoma-Penglai Sister City Committee, and her husband—all the way from California's renowned wine country. 🍷
Instead of hitting tasting rooms, the Sonoma pair found themselves immersed in a different kind of art at the China Cartoon and Animation Museum. Faces lit up as they wandered through vibrant exhibits, from classic manga panels to cutting-edge CGI installations. 'It was like stepping into our favorite anime series,' says Rubens with a grin. 🎨
Inspired by this creative energy, Rubens is already uncorking bold ideas for the Sonoma-Penglai partnership in the Shandong region: think anime-themed wine tastings, joint workshops blending illustration and oenology, and virtual exchange events for young artists and vintners. It's a toast to innovation and friendship! 🤝
As the conference continues, the crossover between grapes and graphic art shows how cultural exchange can spark fresh collaborations. Here's to forging bonds that taste as good as they look—cheers to the next chapter of US-China sister city stories! 🥂
Reference(s):
Beyond wine: Sonoma delegates toast anime, forge new bonds in Hangzhou
cgtn.com
