Led by nonprofit Sister Cities International (SCI), Sister Cities serve a unique purpose – they foster global connections, cultural exchange, and economic development between U.S. municipalities and international communities.
In Chattanooga, we have eight Sister Cities across the globe, from Germany to China and beyond. Here, we’ll explore each city and the unique cultural and economic connections they share with the Scenic City.
Hamm, Germany
Sister City Since: 1975
Chattanooga’s first-ever Sister City, Hamm, Germany, and the Scenic City forged a partnership over their shared bond of enterprise. In fact, Dupont Chemical, a multinational chemical company, had large facilities in each city at the time, further securing their partnership as a natural fit.
Located in western Germany, the city of Hamm is home to more than 180,000 residents and sits along the Lippe River in the Ruhr district. Known for its manufacturing roots, Hamm has long produced iron and steel, textiles, machinery, wire, and cable, helping shape the area’s economic identity over the centuries.
Wuxi, China
Sister City Since: 1982
Similar to Chattanooga, Wuxi, China, resides on the water (the shores of Lake Tai) and offers scenic views throughout the city. Dubbed “Little Shanghai,” the city is located 80 miles west of its larger namesake and boasts fast urbanization and a booming economy.
With an estimated population of 6.5 million, Wuxi is one of Chattanooga’s largest Sister Cities – and it’s also the richest city in China. Home of the world’s largest solar panel manufacturers, the city is also well-known for traditional Chinese gardens, silk, pearls, and clay figurines. With its stunning natural scenery and emphasis on textile and electronic industries, Wuxi is a popular destination for tourists, much like our beloved Scenic City.
Givatayim, Israel
Sister City Since: 1988
Located east of Tel Aviv, Givatayim is one of Israel’s smallest cities, with a population of approximately 62,000 residents. The city primarily serves as a residential community, with much of its space dedicated to neighborhoods, schools, sports facilities, and youth clubs rather than heavy industry or large-scale commerce.
Despite its smaller size, Givatayim has a strong cultural identity, particularly in the arts. The city supports youth choirs and orchestras, several of which have toured internationally, including performances in the United States. This focus on arts and youth programming reflects the community’s emphasis on creativity and cultural connection.
Nizhny Tagil, Russia
Sister City Since: 1996
Nizhny Tagil in Russia boasts several similarities to the Scenic City. Though it has a larger population (almost 330,000 as of 2025), its geographical location, located in the valley of the Tagil River and in the Ural Mountains, mirrors Chattanooga. The city also has a history of mining and metallurgy, similar to Chattanooga’s history as a manufacturing base.
In 2014, a delegation from Nizhny Tagil visited Chattanooga to tour UTC’s campus and learn more about the public-private partnerships in Chattanooga, including how the government, nonprofits, and private citizens have worked together to develop Chattanooga.
Gangneung, South Korea
Sister City Since: 2003
The largest city on the Gangwon-do coast, Gangneung, South Korea, is home to an estimated 212,114 people, with the city considered particularly special thanks to its unparalleled access to a lake and the sea.
The city is also a cultural hotspot, with both historic and modern attractions to enjoy. Visitors can explore historic Joseon-era buildings and enjoy the Gangneung Dano Festival. Other attractions include the Chamsori Gramophone and Edison Science Museum (the world’s third largest collection of Thomas Edison memorabilia) and a nearby display of a North Korean submarine.
Wolfsburg, Germany
Sister City Since: 2011
It’s no surprise that Chattanooga and Wolfsburg, Germany, are Sister Cities, thanks to their shared connection with Volkswagen. Built in the 20th century, Wolfsburg is well-known for housing the main headquarters of the Volkswagen Group, and the city was originally meant to serve as a permanent home for workers at the Volkswagen factory.
An urban district, Wolfsburg is located on the River Aller and just over 200 kilometers from Germany’s capital, Berlin. While the city first became a major city after exceeding 100,000 residents in 1972, the city currently houses an estimated 54,700 people.
Tono, Japan
Sister City Since: 2017
A rural town nestled among the rolling hills of central Iwate Prefecture, Tono, Japan is known for rustic landscapes and deeply rooted farming culture. One of Chattanooga’s smallest Sister Cities, Tono has an estimated population of about 25,000 residents and maintains a strong connection to its agricultural heritage and close-knit community traditions.
While the local economy is heavily tied to farming, Tono is best known for their rich oral tradition, with a wide range of Japanese folklore telling legends of spirits, animals, and supernatural creatures. In 1910, Yanagita Kunio came to Tono and worked with the natives to publish “Legends of Tono,” one of the first collections of Japanese folktales. These legends continue to be told today, often with performances regularly held at the folk villages, museums, and hotels around the town.
Accra, Ghana
Sister City Since: 2024
The capital and largest city in Ghana, Accra is home to approximately 2.72 million people and sits along the Gulf of Guinea on the country’s southern coast. The city stretches north across the Accra plains, with portions perched on coastal cliffs, creating a dynamic landscape that blends urban development with coastal geography.
Culturally, Accra is the economic epicenter of Ghana and offers a rich look at the country’s heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits reflecting prehistoric times at the National Museum of Ghana, visit the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre, or experience the city’s vibrant arts scene through galleries, markets, and cultural performances.
Through partnerships with communities around the world, Chattanooga’s Sister City relationships celebrate shared history, cultural exchange, and global friendship.
