A Guangzhou-made manned autonomous aerial vehicle is displayed in Fukuoka from Sept 21 to Oct 6 as a prelude to the activities to be held in Guangzhou in October and November. [Photo/southcn.com]

A series of seven activities will be held in Guangzhou in October and November in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the city's sister city relationship with the Japanese city of Fukuoka, which was the first city to sign a sister city contract with Guangzhou in March 1979.

After 40 years of development, Guangzhou has now signed sister city contracts or established cooperation with 76 cities in 54 countries. It is expected to partner with over 100 cities by 2021.

 A two-day conference will be held in Guangzhou from Oct 31 to Nov 1. Around 200 people from China and abroad will be invited to participate in events such as night tours on the Pearl River, bilateral meetings, signing ceremonies for cooperation projects, performances, and trade fairs.

An exhibition featuring gifts from sister cities and photos of important historical events over the past 40 years will be held from Oct 28 to Nov 28 on the third floor of the Guangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Many exhibits will be open to the public for the first time.

Gifts from Guangzhou's sister cities, which showcase each city’s distinct characteristics, symbolize Guangzhou's history of international cooperation, said an employee at the exhibition.

In addition, the Linhexi Subway Station on Guangzhou's Zhujiang New Town Automated People Mover system will put up decorations meant to educate residents about Guangzhou's sister cities.