Tulsa and Beihai have shared a Sister City partnership since 1987, built on student exchanges, cultural events, and growing library and art collaborations. Under the leadership of Dr. Alpha Zhang, this connection continues to thrive and brings the Pearl of the South China Sea a little closer to home.

Welcome to the second feature in our Sister City Summer Series, a weekly spotlight honoring 45 years of Tulsa’s Sister Cities! Each post celebrates the cultural exchange, international friendship, and community impact that have defined these global partnerships since 1980.

This week, we turn to Kaohsiung, Taiwan—Tulsa’s longtime Sister City known for its vibrant harbor, rich traditions, and enduring local ties. From Lunar New Year celebrations to educational exchange, the Kaohsiung partnership continues to thrive thanks to leaders like Rex Burnett and his dedicated team of volunteers.

Welcome to the first feature in our Sister City Summer Series, a weekly spotlight on Tulsa’s global connections. For the next nine weeks, Tulsa Global Alliance will be sharing stories from each of our Sister Cities—celebrating 45 years of cultural exchange, international friendship, and local impact.

We begin with San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Tulsa’s very first Sister City and a partnership that continues to thrive through education, civic collaboration, and deep personal connections.

Tulsa Global Alliance welcomed original works from Beihai, China, during a special one-day art exhibit at Tulsa Community College. Featuring traditional scrolls, ink landscapes, and floral paintings from Beihai artists—alongside contributions from Tulsa-based artists—the event celebrated our Sister City connection and the shared power of art to build cultural bridges.

Twenty-three women entrepreneurs from 23 countries visited Tulsa through the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. During their stay, they met with local business leaders, explored cultural sites, and connected with the Tulsa community through home hospitality and hands-on experiences.

Dr. Alpha Zhang, Chair of the Tulsa-Beihai Sister City Partnership, represented Tulsa Global Alliance at the United Nations Chinese Language Day in New York. The event celebrated the power of poetry, language, and cultural exchange.

Tulsa recently welcomed a distinguished delegation from Mwanza, Tanzania, to celebrate the official launch of our newest Sister City partnership and the first on the African continent. From signing ceremonies and cultural tours to community gatherings and heartfelt conversations, the week highlighted the power of international friendship and mutual exchange. 

This spring, Tulsa was in full bloom with cultural celebrations, student exchanges, and cherry blossoms—all in honor of our Sister City, Utsunomiya, Japan. From postcards to samurai armor, explore how this long-standing partnership brought global connection to life across Tulsa.

Alongside our community partners at Philbrook, Gathering Place, and Tulsa Botanic Garden, TGA is supporting a Spring and Summer of Japanese-inspired events all across Tulsa! Win a trip to Utsunomiya & Tokyo, send postcards to students in Utsunomiya while admiring OK’s largest collection of cherry blossom trees, and enjoy the OK debut of Florigami in the Garden!

Have you seen the new logo for our Mwanza partnership? The logo incorporates the iconic Bismarck Rock, a popular landmark located on the shores of Lake Victoria, and a fishing boat to reference the city's history and industry. The purple color ties into the Mwanza flat-headed rock agama - the male lizards have brightly colored purple-to-red upper bodies.