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.

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.

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.

This special event celebrates the creative connection between Tulsa and our Sister City, Beihai, China, showcasing captivating works by local Tulsa artists alongside remarkable pieces from Beihai. Select pieces will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Tulsa Global Alliance.

TGA’s annual Coffee with the Councilors brought together city leaders, board members, and Sister City representatives to celebrate Tulsa’s global connections. Over a spread of international dishes, attendees shared updates on cultural exchanges, global education, and the economic impact of international relationships.

Alpha Zhang and a local calligrapher represented the Beihai Partnership at the May 10 Global Gatherings kickoff, engaging hundreds of visitors at Tulsa’s Gathering Place.

On November 27, 2023, City leaders, family, and friends gathered outside City Hall to dedicate Sister Cities sign #5 in memory of Cathy Izzo, TGA’s longtime Sister Cities Program Coordinator.

TGA hosted its annual International Breakfast and Coffee with the Councilors on October 25, 2023, featuring Sister City–themed foods and remarks from Tulsa leaders about recent global engagement efforts.

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Tulsa–Beihai Sister City Partnership hosted traditional Chinese dance performances at TU and Broken Arrow High School, highlighting one of China’s most significant cultural holidays.

Beihai Sister City Partnership shares traditional culture through hands-on activities at TGA’s World In a Box Day at the Tulsa Library.

The Beihai Partnership shared Chinese cultural activities with youth at OU-Tulsa and Dillon International’s summer camps in 2023, offering campers an engaging look at Beihai’s heritage.

The Beihai Sister City Partnership helped bring global culture to life at the May 2023 Global Gatherings event, featuring vibrant performances by the China Rose dance troupe and interactive engagement with Tulsa families.

Family, friends, City officials, and TGA representatives gathered on June 1, 2023, at McCullough Park to dedicate a Sister Cities sign in memory of Arnulfo Murillo Muñoz.

The Beihai Sister City Partnership helped celebrate Asian heritage in Tulsa through cultural activities at OU–Tulsa’s Asian World Experience and by participating in the Tulsa City-County Library’s annual Asian American Festival in May.

Nam Hai Oriental Market hosted a Night Market on May 19, 2023 to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The Beihai and Kaohsiung Partnerships celebrated Lunar New Year at community events throughout January and February, sharing culture and performances at schools and organizations across the Tulsa area.

The U.S. Heartland China Association honored Dr. Xinying (Alpha) Zhang, Beihai Sister City Chair, with the U.S. Heartland Chinese Teacher Award for her leadership in building cultural bridges through language education.

On October 20, 2022, TGA dedicated the third Sister Cities directional sign at 68th and Riverside, with remarks from city leaders and cultural blessings shared by the Muscogee Nation.

Beihai Partnership Chair Dr. Alpha Zhang joined NPR’s Focus: Black Oklahoma to share how local groups work together to strengthen multicultural connections in the state.

Tulsa’s second Sister Cities directional sign was installed in December 2021 at GRC Park at 88th and South Yale Avenue, sponsored by CCK Strategies.