A sugar painter works his craft as onlookers, including Magi Avila (center), watch with interest during the 2019 Los Angeles-Chengdu Culture and Innovation Exchange Series Events in Los Angeles on Nov 6. LIU YINMENG / CHINA DAILY

With a spoon in hand, a sugar painter spread melted brown sugar over a white canvas; soon enough, a dragon took shape, much to the delight of the audience. At the other end of the courtyard, a man beckoned visitors to try fresh, sizzling tea that he poured into ceramic cups using a long-spouted teapot.

The above display of "non-material cultural exchange" is an exhibition during the 2019 Los Angeles-Chengdu Culture and Innovation Exchange Series Events, which provided a platform for Angelenos to learn more about the "Home of Giant Panda" as officials from the two cities explored pathways for collaboration.

"The foundation for any type of relationship is being connected and talking more, and so, the fact that we are doing this is only one of the many good things that I hope will end up in the future as well," said Miguel Sangalang, the deputy mayor for budget and innovation for Los Angeles.

Sangalang said he was delighted to learn that Chengdu was the start of the Southern Silk Road. Los Angeles was the terminus of Route 66, a highway that served as the primary route for millions of Americans who migrated from the East Coast to the West Coast.