Time of establishment of friendly relations: June 2011

Overview:

The Crete Region includes Greece's largest island, situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It covers a total area of approximately 8,300 square kilometers and has a population of about 601,000. The region includes 24 municipalities, with Heraklion as its capital. The Crete Region is the birthplace of ancient Greek civilization and the earliest center of ancient European civilization. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, producing a variety of grains, olives and grapes. It is a renowned Mediterranean tourist destination, known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, deep valleys, cliffs and beautiful coastlines. With its Mediterranean climate and year-round blooming flowers, it has earned the nickname "Garden of the Sea".

Relations with Guangdong:

Before establishing the friendly relationship, Guangdong province formed a friendship with Heraklion Prefecture in June 2010. In November 2010, Heraklion Prefecture (now a regional unit) was incorporated into the Crete Region, and Guangdong's sister relationship with the prefecture was extended to the Crete Region in 2011. Since establishing sister relations, the two regions have actively engaged in cooperation in areas such as high-level visits and cultural exchanges. In 2010, Guangdong held a photo exhibition in Heraklion. In 2011, Wang Yang, the then Party secretary of Guangdong, led a delegation to Crete.

Other friendship cities:

Dongguan–Thessaloniki.