How did the twinning of Gaillac with Zigong come about?

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The Twinning of Gaillac with Zigong Originated from a Mayor's Visit to China

The twinning relationship between the French town of Gaillac and the Chinese city of Zigong was initiated by Gaillac's Mayor, Patrice Gausserand, following a visit to China in February 2017. This trip sparked the idea of establishing a partnership with a Chinese municipality, leading him to explore options within Sichuan province, a region already twinned with Gaillac's Occitanie region. His exploration within Sichuan led him to discover Zigong, a city renowned for its extensive history and vibrant lantern festival.
Discovery of Zigong During a Diplomatic Trip

Mayor Gausserand's concept for twinning with a Chinese town emerged directly from his observations during a February 2017 visit to China. His intention was to foster a connection with a Chinese locality, and he specifically focused his attention on Sichuan province due to an existing regional twinning agreement between Sichuan and Gaillac's home region, Occitanie. This established link provided a natural pathway for further exploration.
Zigong's Famous Lantern Festival as a Key Factor

Within Sichuan province, Gausserand identified Zigong as a city of particular interest. Zigong is globally recognized for its centuries-old tradition of hosting a spectacular lantern festival, an event that draws millions of visitors annually. This distinctive cultural offering was a primary reason for its selection as Gaillac's twin city, ultimately leading to the establishment of the partnership.
Establishing the Lantern Festival in Gaillac

The twinning between Gaillac and Zigong has facilitated the introduction of Zigong's famed lantern festival to France, transforming Gaillac into a venue for a significant Chinese cultural event. For two consecutive winters, Gaillac has been adorned with thousands of colourful Chinese silk lanterns, depicting various forms such as dragons, flowers, birds, and pandas. This festival, running from December 1 to February 6, has become a major attraction, drawing substantial numbers of visitors and providing an economic boost to the local area during a typically quieter season.

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How did the twinning of Gaillac with Zigong come about?

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