Located seventeen miles west of Guangzhou in the Pearl River Delta and three hours by nonstop express train from Hong Kong, Foshan, People's Republic of China, became Stockton's fourth Sister City in May of 1993. It is about 3,000 years old but is rapidly modernizing. Powered by new technology it's major industries are contributing significantly to it's economy. As an example, industrial production in 1993 reached over 8 billion dollars, an increase of 29.2% over 1992. It is proud of it's 4-year University, it's new 8.5 million dollar city library and it's modern railroad terminal. It places great emphasis on cultural and sports activities and in 1990 was designated one of the 10 most hygienic cities in China. It has a population of 360,000, but has administrative responsibility for 2,994,800 in adjoining areas.

Recently, the Guangdong Provincial government made a strategic decision to establish Foshan as the third largest city in Guangdong, expecting Foshan to become an important force in Guangdong province's economic future. The people of Foshan, being always bold to taste new things, shall strive to make Foshan the economic capital of new China.

The sister city relationship with Foshan was formally initiated in 1993 with a delegation from Stockton, led by former Mayor Joan Darrah to visit Foshan. The following year Mayor Zhong Guang Chao led a delegation to Stockton and agreements were signed by both mayors for Foshan to become the fourth sister city for Stockton.