Sacramento isn’t an only child. Did you know that we actually have 12 sister cities? Today we’re giving you a tour of four of the River City’s siblings from abroad — you know, just to kickstart that travel bug from the comfort of your screen.
What is a sister city?
Also known as twin cities or friendship cities, a sister city relationship is when two different places make an agreement to promote lasting cultural ties. The idea here is to form a fellowship that encourages trade, tourism, and even cultural exchanges + projects.
🇵🇸 Bethlehem
Bethlehem, Palestine | Relationship Est. 2009 | The biblical city — which is located in the center of Palestine’s West Bank — is famous for its holy sites, like the Church of the Nativity. Its name in Hebrew means “House of Bread.” Learn more about this sisterly connection.
🇨🇳 Jinan
Jinan, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China |Relationship Est. 1984 | The capital of its province and a fellow River City, Jinan is renowned for its natural springs, like the Baotu. It is also close to Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage site + one of China’s most popular tourist attractions. Get involved with this long-lasting sisterhood.
🇳🇿Hamilton
Hamilton, New Zealand | Relationship Est. 1988 | This near mirror-image of our city — sitting at nearly the exact latitude opposite to us + with an oceanic climate (as opposed to our hot Mediterranean climate) — Hamilton is New Zealand’s most important inland center. It is known for its views of the Waikato River. Get to know our good mate from down under.
🇨🇭Liestal
Liestal, Switzerland | Relationship Est. 1989 | Perhaps our most well-known sister city thanks to our awesome alleyways, this Swiss burg is home to John Sutter — the person who not only founded Sac’s Sutter’s Fort but “precipitated” the Gold Rush in 1948. This small German-speaking village of ~13,000 inhabitants is known for its cobbled-street downtown + picturesque views of Switzerland’s countryside.
But no sister should ever be left out. Be sure to say hi to Sac’s other sibling cities as listed on the City Hall sign: Ashkelon, Israel; Matsuyama, Japan; Yongsan, South Korea; Chişinău, Moldova; Manila, Philippines; Mexicali, Mexico; Pasay, Philippines; and San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua.
