For more than 40 years, Wuhan and Duisburg have stood side by side — not only geographically, but also through deep-rooted exchanges and cooperation in culture, economy, and education. Through countless stories of friendship, both cities have left lasting imprints on each other. These imprints serve as symbols of friendship, testaments to collaboration, and reflections of shared growth and prosperity.
Symbols of Sister Cities
China-Europe Railway Express
(“Yangtze River” Train)
(“Yangtze River” Train)
In July 2015, the China-Europe Railway Express departing from Wuhan designated Duisburg as its terminus.
Steel Sculpture
Located in the International Friendship Forest at Hankou River Beach, this sculpture symbolizes Wuhan’s sister city, Duisburg — a renowned industrial and steel-producing city in Germany. The steel structure serves as a tribute to Wuhan and Duisburg’s enduring friendship.
Yingqu Garden
It’s located within Wuhan Zoo.
“Duisburg Square”（under planning）
A German-themed town currently in the planning stages will feature a “Duisburg Square” in its central area.
“Tiger and Turtle” Sculpture
In March 2024, Mayor Sören Link of Duisburg, accompanied by a delegation of over 20 political and business representatives, visited Wuhan for a four-day trip. During the visit, Mayor Sören Link stated that the Duisburg city government will present Wuhan with a three-meter-tall “Tiger and Turtle” sculpture which will be displayed in Wuhan's Yingau Garden.
The gift’s original design is based on the large art sculpture located on the Heinrich-Hildebrand Plateau, a former mining site in Duisburg. This iconic sculpture, a landmark of the Ruhr Region, the world-renowned old industrial area, features a unique shape resembling a roller coaster. Visitors can ascend the sculpture via spiral staircases and enjoy a panoramic view of Duisburg’s cityscape. The fast-moving roller coaster symbolizes speed and strength, much like a tiger charging through the forest, while the leisurely walkers on the stairs represent the turtle, resting along the riverside. Mayor Sören Link remarked that while the sculpture features both a tiger and a turtle, it presents a harmonious balance, reflecting the Chinese saying, “Harmony in diversity.”
Large art sculpture "Tiger and Turtle" in Duisburg
Yingqu Garden
“Chinese Garden” in Duisburg Zoo
“Wuhan Street” — Wuhanstraße
It is situated across from Duisburg Hbf (Duisburg Main Station).
“Wuhan · China · 8488 Kilometers”
This inscription is carved into the plaza outside the Station.
“Wuhan Hall”
Located in the Duisburg City Hall, it’s the largest conference room adorned with traditional Chinese ink paintings.
“Wuhan China” Intercity Train
A passenger train running in the Ruhr region
Yellow Crane Tower Artwork
A painting exhibited at the Culture and City History Museum in Duisburg
