The US city of Sarasota established the sister-city relationship with Xiamen's Siming district on October 9, 2007.
Sarasota is located in the southern state of Florida, next to the Gulf of Mexico. It covers an area of 67.2 square kilometers and a population of more than 52,000. The per capita income for residents of the city is $23,197.
Sarasota is abundant in animal and plant resources and features a pleasant, humid subtropical climate. It has hot summers and mild winters, and is humid all year round. The picturesque port city boasts stunning beaches, ideal for bathing.
Honored as Florida's cultural center along the coast, Sarasota is home to many cultural venues, such as Ringling Museum, Ringling College of Art and Design, institute of marine biology, Sarasota ballet school and botanical gardens.
China has extended its 240-hour visa-free transit policy and Hainan's 30-day visa-free entry policy to citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, the National Immigration Administration said on Aug 20.
