City introduction

Nizhny Novgorod is in the heart of the European part of Russia, at the junction of Volga and Oka rivers. It covers 334 square kilometers and has a population of 1.33 million, 95 percent of whom are Russian. On Sept 25, 1994, it established a sister city relationship with Jinan.

Nizhny Novgorod is divided into two parts by Oka River, with the western half a flat industrial area and transport hub, that includes the famous Volga Car Factory, Convention and Exhibition Center, railway station and subway. The eastern half is on higher ground and is home to the old city, including Angels Cathedral, Good Monastery, writer Maxim Gorky's former residence museum, Gorky Square and other places of interest.

Nizhny Novgorod's industry plays an important role in the national economy. The main industries include machinery manufacturing, metal processing, metallurgy, wood processing, building materials, light industry, food, medical and printing. Nizhny Novgorod also has huge potential in technology. The city has 67 research institutes, 13 universities, 25 secondary schools and 27 technical schools.

Nizhny Novgorod has eight international friendship cities: Linz in Austria, Kharkov in Ukraine, Suwon in South Korea, Philadelphia in the United States, Tempe in Finland, Matanzas in Cuba and Novi Sad in Serbia.

Nizhny Novgorod and Jinan

In September 1994, Carlin, the president of Nizhny Novgorod led a delegation to visit Jinan and formally establish the friendly city relationship. In June 2001, Li Qiwan, chairman of Jinan People's Congress, led a group to visit Nizhny Novgorod. In September 2002, Jinan mayor Xie Yutang visited Nizhny Novgorod on a delegation. In October 2003, Mr Bravais, the mayor of Nizhny Novgorod, paid a visit to Jinan. In September 2005, Zhu Wenxing, the vice-chairmen of Jinan People's Congress led a group to visit Nizhny Novgorod.