A Chinese traditional dancer delights the audience during the 2019 Los Angeles-Chengdu Culture and Innovation Exchange Series Events in Los Angeles on Nov 6. LIU YINMENG / CHINA DAILY

"As a United States senator from the state of California, I applaud this endeavor and I welcome you all as you gather in Los Angeles to exchange ideas, explore opportunities and build bonds of friendship and mutual respect," wrote Feinstein in the letter shared by the organizer.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is known for its long history, rich culture and spicy cuisine, as well as being the habitat of giant pandas. With a population of more than 16 million people, the city is one of the most populous in China and home to more than 270 Fortune 500 companies. Its distinctive culinary style earned the city recognition as a "city of gastronomy" by UNESCO.

As the world's entertainment capital, Los Angeles is also known for being the epicenter of culture, boasting more than 100 museums. It is a leading force in technology innovation and business.

The exchange between the two cities goes back a long way. In 2017, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board announced it had opened its fourth tourism office in Chengdu.

In the same year, representatives from the Sister Cities of Los Angeles visited Chengdu to initiate the process for a sister city agreement with Chengdu's Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.

The event, which took place on Nov 6, brought together numerous government leaders and business representatives as well as scholars from the US and China. Through presentations and discussions, officials shared best practices and innovative approaches for Los Angeles and Chengdu.

"I just love, love, love the opportunity, because I knew I was going to learn a whole lot more about China, and about the home of the pandas," said Magi Avila, an actress originally from Mexico.

Duoyang Namu, chief director of the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, said that she hopes to enhance cooperation between the two cities in various fields, through cultural interactions and tourism exchanges.

"We also warmly welcome the people of Los Angeles and the US to travel, invest and start their businesses in Chengdu," she added.

The events were co-hosted by the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, Chengdu Municipal Foreign Affairs office, and the Sino-American Friendship Association. They were supported by the Los Angeles mayor's office.

Contact the writer at teresaliu@chinadailyusa.com