Founded: 1596 • Population: 1.14 million (2010) • Sister City establishment: 1953
Monterrey is a hub of industrial operations in Mexico, with 13,000 manufacturers producing nearly 10 percent of the country’s products. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range surrounds the city, creating a breathtaking view. Monterrey is known for Norteño music and is a popular tourist destination.
2. Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Founded: 1531 • Population: 1.5 million (2010) • Sister City establishment: 1974
Guadalajara is a treasure trove of architecture, and its city center is full of culture with plenty for visitors to choose from, including museums, theaters and, of course, food. It’s also known for mariachi music and tequila. Guadalajara has also been dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Mexico,” since it’s the primary manufacturer of software and electronics the country.
3. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Founded: 1478 • Population: 382,283 (2014) • Sister City establishment: 1975
This pairing couldn’t be more appropriate. San Antonio’s first families were colonists from the Canary Islands. Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria of the Canary Islands and is a major tourist destination with pristine beaches. The major cruise ship stopover is the largest city in the Canary Islands and it’s the ninth largest city in Spain. It was the islands’ only capital until the 17th century. Now it shares the distinction with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
4. Gwangju, South Korea
Founded: 57 B.C. • Population: 1.52 million (2014) • Sister City establishment: 1981
This is the sixth largest city in South Korea and it’s an important government center. It’s an ancient city where people can explore Paekje culture and artistic and scholarly accomplishments from the Chosun period. The three-month long Bienale Arts Festival, which showcases international contemporary art, is held here. There’s also the impressive Mt. Mudung that looms over the city and holds the Yongchu Falls, along with ancient temples.
5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
Founded: Sometime in the 17th century • Population: 2.77 million (2014) • Sister City establishment: 1981
The second largest city in Taiwan is the island's foremost industrial center. The city's geography is defined by its major port — Port of Kaohsiung — which is the sixth largest in the entire world. In fact, so much trade floats in and out of the port that it reached its operational capacity in 2007. So, now, the port's getting even bigger. This port links 372 shipping lanes to five continents and 367 ports in 102 countries.