Sheffield is in the process of signing a partner city agreement with Chengdu. Located in southwest of China, Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province with a population of over 11 million and a total GDP of 390.1 billion Chinese Renminbi.
Chengdu is one of the most important economic centers, transportation and communication hubs in Southwestern China. Sheffield’s link with Chengdu was facilitated by Sheffield United’s purchase of local the football team which has been renamed the Chengdu Blades.
Support for Chengdu
On 12 May 2008 the province of Sichuan was devastated by an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the richer scale. Thousands lost their lives in this natural disaster.
Many organisations in Sheffield have united to help raise money for the people of Sichuan and Chengdu whose lives continue to be affected by the earthquake.
Led by the City’s Chinese community, the Sichuan Earthquake Sheffield Appeal has raised money to help local people in Sichuan. The money will be used to rebuild a village primary school in Sichuan which was seriously ravaged by last year's earthquake. Plans are for the scheme to be named the Charity School of City of Sheffield in recognition of the special bond between the two cities. For more information please visit http://www.sesa-shef.org.uk/