The 45th Anniversary Sister City Series: Beihai
Located on China’s southern coast in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Beihai is a port city known for its white sand beaches, pearl industry, and traditional shell art. It’s a popular destination for domestic tourism and a cultural center with a long maritime history. Since 1987, Beihai has also been Tulsa’s Sister City—part of a partnership built on education, cultural exchange, and community connection.
Dr. Alpha Zhang, who became chair of the Beihai Sister City Committee in 2022, first joined Tulsa Global Alliance in 2020. “Being a bridge between Beihai and Tulsa is an honor,” she shared.
“This partnership transcends borders, weaving together stories, traditions, and aspirations—and proving that human connection is the foundation of global harmony .”
A Friendship Rooted in Exchange
In 2017, the two cities celebrated 30 years of partnership with a student exchange that brought Beihai Middle School students to Tulsa and sent students from Booker T. Washington High School to Beihai in return. That commitment to education and cultural exchange remains strong today.
More recently, the committee hosted the Beihai Art Exhibit at Tulsa Community College in April 2025, showcasing traditional and contemporary works from artists in Beihai. The event was organized by Zhang and Deputy Chair Shiqing Huang and brought international art directly to Tulsa.
The partnership has also advanced a growing library connection between the Tulsa City-County Library and Beihai Library. What began with a librarian visit in 2018 evolved into a signed Letter of Intent to exchange books and establish “Friendship Book Corners” in both cities.
Dr. Zhang, born and raised in China, has dedicated over 20 years to education in both China and the U.S. She currently serves as a Chinese professor at the University of Tulsa and is co-founder of the Oklahoma Chinese Language Institute (alongside the Koahsiung Sister City Chair, Rex Burnett). She remains a visible cultural ambassador, performing with China Rose, a traditional folk dance troupe, and representing Tulsa at the United Nations’ Chinese Language Day in spring 2025.
She recalls one especially meaningful moment: “Hosting the booth representing Beihai at World in a Box Day was unforgettable. Collaborating with Asian community leaders and TGA board members during these events reinforced the power of cross-cultural partnership” .
Looking Ahead
Beihai remains an active participant in Tulsa’s Global Gatherings at Gathering Place and will take part in the upcoming Storytime and Celebration events this July. With new energy around school exchanges, cultural programming, and community partnerships, the Tulsa–Beihai connection continues to thrive.
Why It Matters
From student exchanges and art exhibits to library partnerships and cultural festivals, the Tulsa–Beihai Sister City relationship shows how international friendship grows through local effort. These people-to-people connections are made possible by volunteers, educators, and supporters like you.
Help support the partnerships that bring global culture to Tulsa.
