The ties between Suzhou, which is hailed as the “Poetry City”, and Singapore, which is nicknamed the “Lion City”, have been further enhanced following the opening of the “Meet Suzhou in Singapore” Culture Week in Singapore on Apr 10. The event has offered people in Singapore a good chance to know better about the culture of Suzhou.

The ties between Suzhou and Singapore can be traced back to 600 years ago when Zheng He, a Chinese explorer in the Ming Dynasty, led his fleet to Singapore during expeditionary ocean voyages.

In the 1990s, the ties were tightened with the inception of SIP under the cooperation between Chinese and Singaporean governments. Today, SIP has developed into an exemplary project for Chinese-Singaporean cooperation.

SIP has played a big part in facilitating cooperation and exchanges between Suzhou and Singapore, not only in business and trade, but also in culture, art and many other areas.

The negotiations for the establishment of SIP took place in the Master of Nets Garden in Suzhou, and the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden was created in Jurong Park, Singapore in 1992.

A large number of events are held in Suzhou and Singapore each year for the purpose of promoting exchanges in culture and art. Recently, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, a Singapore-based professional Chinese orchestra, gave a concert in SIP.

Suzhou Daily, April 10, 2024