Since the launch of the "A Letter from Kunming" international communication series, the Kunming International Communication Center has implemented a strategy centered on "Kunming taking the lead, twin-city partnerships, and multi-channel collaboration." It has mobilized more than 30 provincial and municipal international communication centers across China, while also collaborating with mainstream media outlets in Laos, Myanmar, and other countries. With over 200 posts to date, the initiative has enhanced the coordinated international visibility of Chinese cities, ensuring targeted and effective overseas communication while sharing the diverse appeal of China's urban centers with the world.

Collage of logos from various regional international communication centers collaborating with Kunming, in no particular order.

Screenshots of articles related to "A Letter from Kunming" published by Kunming International Communication Center in collaboration with media outlets in Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Thailand.

This inter-city initiative breaks down geographical barriers to create a communication framework defined by "diverse domestic synergy and targeted international reach." Domestically, provincial-level international communication centers from Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, Hunan, Hainan, and others, as well as municipal centers from Jinan, Aba, Guangzhou, Luoyang, Xiamen, and more, are deeply engaged. This facilitates collaborative topic selection, co-creation of content, and shared distribution channels. Internationally, short videos, photo essays, and feature stories in multiple languages—including Chinese, English, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Burmese, and Lao—are centrally promoted across major overseas social media platforms. This approach allows the natural beauty and cultural richness of Chinese cities to serve as a vital window for global audiences to understand China. Among these efforts, several "twin-city stories" stand out. These pairings highlight either shared characteristics or complementary differences, presenting the beauty of Chinese cities through diverse themes.

Kunming & Jinan: A Dialogue Between Spring Cities Across North and South

Kunming and Jinan engaged in a multi-dimensional collaboration that exemplifies this cross-city initiative.

Using "springs" as a connecting theme, the two cities showcased China's rich cultural and natural heritage. Kunming's Anning hot springs, known as the "World's Top Hot Spring," offer restorative wellness, while the black-headed gulls dancing gracefully at Green Lake add a touch of natural charm. These resonate with Jinan's Baotu Spring, celebrated as the "World's Top Spring," and the vibrant everyday life surrounding Daming Lake. From the willow-lined shores of Dianchi Lake to the timeless poetic resonance of Lixia Pavilion, these two "Spring Cities" use vivid, living scenes to tell the human stories embedded in China's landscapes.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Jinan International Communication Center on "Northern and Southern 'Spring Cities'. "

With intangible cultural heritage as a bridge, northern and southern craftsmanship engaged in a virtual dialogue. Central Yunnan's Wutongzouyin (silver-inlaid black copper) metalwork—capturing the essence of landscapes through exquisite engraving—was paired with Jinan's paper-cutting, which expresses the charm of Qilu culture through agile knife work. Practitioners from both cities showcased traditional craftsmanship through demonstrations and collaborative creations, bringing these cultural treasures to life through cross-city exchange.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Jinan International Communication Center on "Intangible Cultural Heritage Integration."

Kunming & Heilongjiang: Contrasting Winter Wonders, Celebrated Together

The romance of winter in China unfolds in strikingly different ways across its vast north and south. The collaboration between Kunming and Heilongjiang became one of the most striking contrasts in this series.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Heilongjiang Northeast Asia International Communication Center on "One Defined by Ice, the Other by Warmth".

In the north, Harbin's iconic giant snowman charms visitors with its winter magic, while skiing enthusiasts enjoy the slopes of Yabuli. In the south, Kunming's beloved black-headed gulls return annually, attracting strollers along the city's serene lakes. One north, one south; one defined by ice, the other by warmth. These two distinct winter experiences vividly illustrate the diversity of China's climate and landscapes while offering overseas audiences a glimpse of how Chinese people celebrate the holiday season.

Kunming & Shaanxi: Ancient Routes, New Journeys, Southern and Northern Spring Scenes in Harmony

Kunming and Shaanxi partnered to create a dialogue connecting ancient and modern commerce, using culture as a thread and transportation as a bridge.

With tea as the medium, the collaboration retraced millennia-old trade routes, from Shaanxi's Jingyang Fucha Town—a key hub on the Shaanxi-Gansu Ancient Tea Horse Road—to Kunming's Jiaoye Park. This highlighted the prosperity of ancient Chinese trade and the deep history of ethnic interaction. Pu'er Ancient Tea Horse Road of Yunnan, a significant cultural tourism asset, also featured prominently, emphasizing the enduring appeal of Chinese tea culture.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Chinese Business International Communication Center on "Ancient Tea Horse Road."

Modern transportation routes tell a new story. Shaanxi's "Steel Camel Caravan"—the China-Europe Railway Express—traverses Eurasia, while Yunnan's "Steel Silk Road"—the China-Laos Railway—connects with Southeast Asia. These golden corridors echo each other across the distance, showcasing China's commitment to global connectivity and shared development.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Chinese Business International Communication Center  on "China-Laos Railway and China Railway Express."

Spring landscapes further bridge north and south. Kunming, known as "Flower Capital of Asia," blooms year-round along Dianchi Lake, the Golden Temple, and Luoyuhe Park, while Xi'an combines expansive flower displays with the elegance of its historic city walls. One south, one north; one defined by modern vibrancy, the other by historical depth. Through flowers, these cities complement each other, celebrating both nature and heritage.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Chinese Business International Communication Center on "Flowers of the Twin Cities."

Kunming & Aba: Mountains and Rivers as Neighbors, A Symphony of Harmony

Kunming and Aba, Sichuan collaborated under the theme "Coexisting Mountains and Rivers, Integrating Ethnic Groups," sharing China's multi-ethnic harmony and humanity's relationship with nature with global audiences.

Screenshot of the targeted collaboration between Kunming International Communication Center and Aba International Communication Center on "Ethnic Customs and Landscapes."

Highlighting natural wonders, the initiative juxtaposed Kunming's Stone Forest karst landscape with Aba's Jiuzhaigou scenery, showcasing the Yunnan-Sichuan region's natural beauty. It also celebrated ethnic diversity, portraying everyday life in Kunming's multi-ethnic communities and the mutual support among Aba's populations. Grounded in natural landscapes and ethnic culture, the collaboration conveyed a compelling message about Chinese ethnic unity and progress through authentic storytelling.

This inter-city communication campaign is a cornerstone of the "A Letter from Kunming" international communication series. By connecting cities with different characteristics and regions, Kunming helps bring their stories to the world. The project not only highlights the diverse charms of Chinese cities but also pioneers a new model for international communication: "mobilizing cities, amplifying voices nationwide." Looking ahead, cross-city collaboration will continue to deepen, enabling more Chinese cities to share the true, multi-dimensional, and comprehensive story of China with vivid expression and closer cooperation.

自“A Letter from Kunming 春城有请”国际传播系列活动启动以来，昆明市国际传播中心以“昆明牵头、双城结对、多元联动”模式，联动全国30余家省级和市级国际传播中心，携手老挝、缅甸等多国主流媒体，累计发帖200余条，推动国内城市协同出海、海外传播精准触达，让中国城市的多元魅力走向世界。

此次城市联动打破了地域壁垒，构建起“国内多元协同、海外精准落地”的传播格局。国内层面，黑龙江、辽宁、陕西、江苏、湖南、海南等省级国际传播中心，以及济南、阿坝、广州、洛阳、厦门等市级国际传播中心深度参与，实现选题共创、内容共制、渠道共享；海外层面，通过海外主流社交平台，集中推送中、英、俄、葡、日、缅、老等多语种短视频与图文纪实，让中国城市的山水之美、人文之韵，成为海外受众读懂中国的重要窗口。其中，多组“双城故事”尤为引人注目。它们或以共性相连，或以差异互补，以多元主题呈现了中国的城市之美。

昆明·济南：泉城对话，南北匠心共传

昆明与济南以双重维度实现深度联动，成为本次跨城合作中的典型实践。

以“泉”为纽带，双泉对话彰显山水文脉。昆明安宁“天下第一汤”的温润康养、翠湖红嘴鸥翩跹戏水的生态温情，与济南“天下第一泉”趵突泉的灵动胜境、大明湖的市井烟火交相辉映。从滇池之畔的杨柳依依到历下亭前的千年诗韵，两座“泉城”用鲜活场景讲述中国山水承载的人文故事。

以“非遗”为桥，南北技艺隔空对话。滇中乌铜走银以精湛錾刻工艺，将山河锦绣凝于器身；济南剪纸则以灵动刀工，裁出齐鲁风韵与时代新意。两地非遗传承人通过技艺展示、作品共创，呈现传统技艺的匠心之美，让非遗文化在跨城联动中焕发新生。

昆明·黑龙江：冷暖相映，南北冬韵共赏

中国的冬日浪漫，在南北两地绽放出别样光彩。昆明与黑龙江的跨域联动，成为此次传播活动中最具反差感的亮点。

这份浪漫，既藏在哈尔滨网红大雪人温暖治愈的微笑里，也藏在昆明“顶流”红嘴鸥如约而至的翩跹中。春节期间，当滑雪爱好者在亚布力纵享冰雪驰骋时，四方游客正漫步昆明湖畔观鸥赏景。一北一南、一冰一暖，两种截然不同的冬日体验隔空呼应，生动展现中国疆域辽阔、气候多样的独特魅力，也让海外受众看到中国人欢度佳节的多元方式。

昆明·陕西：古道新程，南北春景相映

昆明与陕西携手，以文化为脉、以交通为桥，实现古今商贸文明的跨时空联动。

茶香为媒，重走千年古道。走进陕西泾阳茯茶镇——这座陕甘茶马古道的核心驿站，探访昆明郊野公园，一条古道串联起两地风情，让海外受众读懂中国古代商贸文化的繁荣与民族交融的深厚底蕴。普洱茶马古道作为云南特色文旅资源同步呈现，彰显千年茶脉的独特魅力。

钢铁丝路，共谱开放新章。北有陕西“钢铁驼队”中欧班列驰骋亚欧，南有云南“钢铁丝路”中老铁路联通东南亚——两条黄金大通道隔空呼应，向世界展现中国联通世界、互利共赢的开放姿态。

春日盛景，绘就南北画卷。昆明依托“亚洲花都”特色，滇池畔四季繁花、金殿万株山茶、捞渔河郁金香花海，尽显“湖滨春城”的盎然生机；西安则以古城为底，城墙下的漫天花景，将千年古都的历史芳华与春日活力完美融合。一南一北、一秀一古，两座城市以花为媒，让春城的烂漫与长安的厚重相得益彰。

昆明·阿坝：山河相依，共谱和谐共生

昆明与四川阿坝以“山河共生、民族相融”为主题，将中国多民族和谐共处、人与自然和谐共生的故事传递给全球受众。

两地立足自然与人文特色，联动呈现石林喀斯特奇观与九寨沟山水仙境，让滇川大地的自然之美惊艳世界；同时，聚焦多民族聚居特点，生动展现昆明多民族文化交融的市井日常，与阿坝各族群众守望相助的温暖图景。这场联动以山水为底色、以民族文化为内核，通过真实场景与鲜活故事，向世界传递中国民族团结进步的正能量。

此次城市联动传播，是“春城有请”国际传播系列活动的重要实践。通过昆明牵线，不同地域、不同特色的城市携手联通世界，既彰显了中国城市的多元魅力，也探索出“以城聚力、全域传声”的国际传播新路径。未来，这场跨城联动将持续深化，让更多中国城市以更鲜活的表达、更紧密的合作，向世界讲述真实、立体、全面的中国故事。