In honor of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, as well as the ongoing China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, 37 students and teachers from St Charles' School in Orleans, France, visited Yangzhou in Jiangsu to engage in cultural exchanges with their counterparts at the East Campus of High School Affiliated to Yangzhou University.

The French and Chinese students explored a variety of cultural sites, including the Yangzhou International Friendly Exchange Exhibition, China Grand Canal Museum, and Slender West Lake scenic area. These experiences allowed them to delve into Yangzhou's garden culture, intangible heritage, and preservation of ancient cities, further strengthening the friendship between the two cities.

The relationship between Yangzhou and Orleans began in 2014 and the two cities officially became sister cities in 2018. Their enduring friendship is symbolized by mutual gifts: the Jeanne d'Arc statue in Yangzhou's Sanwan Park and the "Yangzhou" painted boat in Orleans. The partnership has expanded across various fields, including tourism, economy, culture, education, and cuisine.

This exchange program not only promotes cultural understanding among youth but also demonstrates the depth of cooperation and goodwill between China and France. It reflects a commitment to nurturing future generations who appreciate and respect the rich cultural heritages of both nations.