Name: Ticino

Country: Switzerland

Area: 2,811 square kilometers

Population: 350,000(2019)

The canton of Ticino, situated in southern Switzerland, is the only Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. It is named after the Ticino river in the canton. Bellinzona is its capital and Lugano the biggest city. Ticino is known for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, convenient transportation and abundant tourism resources. It is one of the most prosperous regions in Switzerland and Europe. 57% of its employed workforce is in the banking industry which accounts for 17.5% of its GNP. Thanks to its proximity to Milan, the Italian fashion capital, together with the same language, lower tax rates, more efficient management, Ticino has attracted many multinational fashion companies to set up headquarters or offices and has become known as the Fashion Valley. Bellinzona, the capital, is a famous historical and cultural city. With advantageous geographical location, it is a famous transport hub in the European history. Lugano, the largest city with stunning landscape, is Switzerland's third largest financial center, next to Geneva and Zurich. Ticino is home to two World Cultural Heritage properties, the Castles of Bellinzona and Monte San Giorgio. Lugano International Film Festival, an annual event in August, is the most famous film festival in Switzerland.

Zhejiang and Ticino established contact in 2004.