Sister city since:July 18, 2016

Overview

Wakefield is located in the southwest of Yorkshire and the Humber region, covering an area of about 29 square kilometers and with a total population of about 320,000. Wakefield lies between four major industrial metropolises, York, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester. It is a historical coal mining base known for its abundant coal resources. It has been a traditional equipment manufacturer, logistics center and railway hub since the Industrial Revolution.

Relations with Xiangyang

In October 2012, the Leader of Wakefield City Council led a delegation to Xiangyang. During their stay, the two sides discussed the establishment of sister city relations and signed a letter of intent. The two sides exchanged ideas in three aspects: promote youth exchanges, invest in education to establish an international school in Xiangyang, and carry out logistics cooperation as Xiangyang and Wakefield are both at the center in their own countries.

In May 2015, Xiangyang’s business delegation visited Wakefield. Wakefield expressed its willingness to twin with Xiangyang.

In July 2016, then Leader of Wakefield City Council led a delegation to Xiangyang and visited multiple places including Xiangyang Technician College and Uranus Garments. On July 18, Xiangyang and Wakefield signed an official sister city agreement, opening a new chapter of cooperation and exchanges between the two cities.

In 2019, Xiangyang and Wakefield discussed and exchanged views on logistics cooperation.