By Greg Hugh
Reviving a connection established over two decades ago, a six-person delegation led by Vice Mayor Xie Xuelong of Loudi, China arrived in Minnesota recently as part of their whirlwind 5-day visit that also included Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Vancouver, Canada.
Richard He, a Loudi expat and now a long-time resident living in Plymouth, Minnesota, served as the host and tour guide during the delegation’s one day visit.
The delegation’s one day Minnesota visit began with a brisk morning meeting with members of the Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society at the Friendship Garden and the Meditation statue located in Phalen Park, St. Paul.
Next on the agenda was a meeting at St. Paul City Hall, with Kaohly Her, recently elected mayor of St. Paul. In addition to being the first female mayor ever elected, she is also of Hmong heritage. Due to the mayor’s busy schedule, the meeting was kept brief, however both groups agree that there are many areas for collaboration and the Loudi delegation invites Minnesotans to an exposition to be held this fall in Loudi, China.
Loudi Gift presentation Delegation with Friendship members and Mayor Her
Following this meeting, the delegation headed west of the Twin Cites to visit the Asia Mall in Eden Prairie where they would have lunch and meet with a few local Chinese businessmen and enjoy lunch. The Loudi Delegation showed a brief video highlighting Loudi’s location and natural resources. After the video, the group was asked to make a brief introduction about themselves and business which was followed by lunch.
Next stop for the delegation was a few miles away at the Eden Prairie City Hall where they were greeted at the door by Mayor Ron Case and City Manager Rick Getschow. Joining the group in the conference room was Julie Klima, Community Development Director, Pat MulQueeny, President of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce along with newly appointed Assistant Superintend of Secondary Education, Felicia Tames, and other city staff members.
Mayor Chase welcomed the delegation during his presentation as he discussed Eden Prairie’s unique features and demographics and in turn, the Loudi delegation showed the same informative video that was produced in English to highlight many of the unique features of their city located in China’s Hunan province with a population of 4.4 million people.
It was noted that a connection between the two cities was established back in 2006 and you can learn more about this relationship by visiting www.chinainsight.info and inserting the keyword LOUDI in the SEARCH BOX. Loudi schools and Eden Prairie schools previously shared a close relationship which Loudi said they wished to resume and also invited everyone to visit Loudi for their expo to be held in October, 2026.
At the conclusion of the presentations, gifts were exchanged between the two cities. Eden Prairie presented Loudi with banners posted on city street poles and Loudi gifted Eden Prairie two prints depicting horses in recognition of the Chinese Year of the Horse.
As if the delegation from Loudi didn’t accomplish enough during their hectic visit to the Twin Cities, they managed to squeeze in a stop at the Mall of America on their way to the airport to do their part to stimulate the American economy.
In addition to accessing the China Insight website as noted above, you are welcome to contact Richard He at [email protected] or call 612-987-6540 for additional information regarding Loudi educational exchange or business and cultural opportunities.