Discover 7 International Treasures That Are Dallas’s Sister Cities

Sister cities have existed ever since World War II. The world desperately needed to come together after near-global destruction. The concept ensures more collaboration and connections between two cities. A city in one country and a city in another country agree to establish cultural and commercial cooperation. This concept has spread all over the world. In the United Kingdom, they are called “twin towns,” and in Europe and other parts of the world, this sisterly pact is referred to as “partner towns” or “friendship towns.”

Dallas has a total of 7 sister cities — Brno, Czech Republic; Dijon, France; Monterrey, Mexico; Riga, Latvia; Saratov, Russia; Taipei, Taiwan; Valencia, Spain. Furthermore, Dallas has two friendship cities — Sendai, Japan; and Tianjin, China. Let’s take a look at the 7 international treasures that are Dallas’s sister cities, and at the end, we’ll add the two friendship cities.

Brno, Czech Republic

With a population of 400,000, Brno’s partnership with Dallas started in 1990. Brno is known for its modern architecture and cultural sites. It is also a city located in the wine region of the Czech Republic.

Dallas and Brno have collaborated in student exchanges, as well as sports activities in each of their respective cities. They also want to promote both cultures, especially the Czech culture in Dallas because of the large Czech-American presence there.

Dijon, France

This was a partnership that has had a relationship since the late 1950s but was formalized in the late 1980s. With a population of almost 200,000, Dijon is a “foodie” city, with its vineyards, mustard seed fields, and other gastronomic and agricultural places.

Dijon and Dallas work together to promote cultural and economic collaborations with one another. In recent years, they have also increased their educational opportunities by creating student exchanges between the two cities.

Monterrey, Mexico

Located in northeastern Mexico, Monterrey has a population of 1.1 million. Monterrey’s partnership with Dallas began in April 1988. Monterrey is a highly industrialized city with a lot of commerce and businesses setting up shop. The city has a lot to offer with so many activities to do there.

Being close geographically, Monterrey and Dallas have collaborated to bring business opportunities to the respective regions. There are also several other interests both cities connect with.

Riga, Latvia

With a population of 605,000, Riga began their partnership with Dallas in 1986. Riga sits on the Baltic Sea. The city is considered to be an important hub for culture and history, with many museums and cultural centers. The old town is pedestrian-only, which is also a lively place.

Dallas and Riga work together to promote cultural and educational opportunities with one another. There is a successful student exchange program that emphasizes music and the arts.

Saratov, Russia

With a population of more than 800,000, Saratov began its partnership with Dallas in 2004.  Saratov was founded in 1590 and is known as a city that is rich in natural resources, as it is within the Volga River Valley. After the fall of communism in 1991, Saratov welcomed economic enterprises to set up shop in the city.

Dallas and Saratov have worked hard to work together in enhancing economic, cultural, and educational opportunities with one another. Unfortunately, this partnership is on pause due to the Russia-Ukraine War.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is a large metropolis of more than 2.6 million people. The buildings are modern and sleek, with the tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101, fascinatingly shaped like a bamboo tree. Its nightlife and food scene make the city vibrant and full of joy. Many historical and cultural landmarks are worth visiting to broaden your knowledge and horizons.

Dallas and Taipei started as friendship cities for ten years and officially became a sister city partnership in 2006. Dallas and Taipei have established a connection that promotes economic and cultural opportunities with one another. The sister cities work together to ensure the Chambers of Commerce of both cities rely on one another for business success.

Valencia, Spain

With a population of nearly 800,000, Valencia, Spain is a city on the Mediterranean coast. It has a rich cultural heritage with deep roots in Spanish culture. There are many things to do in Valencia, from visiting the City of Arts and Sciences to walking around the old center and being a first-hand witness of the historical buildings that are thousands of years old.

Dallas is unique because Valencia has already stamped an influential work of art in the Dallas skyline. Both the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and the Margaret McDermott Bridge, which cross over the Trinity River, are masterpieces created by renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. They also work to promote cultural and economic interests with one another.

Dallas’s Friendship Cities

Along with the Texas city’s sister cities, Dallas also has friendship cities that they collaborate with. Friendship cities are less formal than sister cities and indicate that both cities are on their way to formalizing the partnership. Let’s take a look at them.

Sendai, Japan

The city of Sendai started its partnership with Dallas in 1991 when the Japanese-American Society in Dallas pushed for a Dallas-Japanese partnership. The city has about 1 million people living in the city and is a big cultural and historical hub for Japan. It is home to Sendai Castle, which overlooks the entire city, offering amazing views.

Dallas and Sendai work together to promote economic opportunities, as well as the arts between both cities. There also has been a delegation from Dallas that volunteers at Sendai’s annual half marathon.

Tianjin, China

Located in northeastern China, Tianjin has about 11.5 million people. Tianjin’s partnership with Dallas started in 1995. Tianjin is one of the few Western-friendly cities in China, as evidenced by its Western-style architecture throughout the city. Tianjin is a port city where its seafood cuisine is one of the best in China.

Dallas and Tianjin have worked together to increase the business and economic sectors of both cities with each other, ensuring there is collaboration with their respective economic development teams.

Conclusion

Dallas’s sister cities are international treasures. They are a diverse collection of culture, history, and heritage. The Dallas community as a whole is lucky to have these cities as strong partners. The Texas city has learned much about them, ensuring that their cultural and commercial ties are strengthened. Their close collaboration has been met with strong praise from communities in the Dallas area, too. Sister cities as a concept and practice are an essential tool to create a network of opportunities for everyone and bridge connections, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic that brought about walls and restrictions for people from all over the world.

The 7 international treasures that are Dallas’s sister cities, plus the two friendship cities have established a bond that has made Dallas more culturally cognizant of the world around them. In return, these sister cities have received and learned about the rich history Dallas has to offer. Their connection is sure to last a long time.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/iStock via Getty Images