Viareggio, Italy

Viareggio is withinLucca Province in the Tuscanyregion of Italy, on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and has approximately 60,000 residents, making it the second largest city in the province of Lucca. It covers an area of 31.88 km2 and is known as a seaside resort and manufacturing hub.Viareggio experiences high humidity levels, ranging from 60% to 80% during the summer months, and has an annual rainfall averaging 700 to 1,000 mm.

Viareggio’s history dates back to the first half of the 16th century when it served as the sole port city for the Republic of Lucca. Today, the city thrives as a bustling industrial and manufacturing hub, globally famed for its shipbuilding industry. The local economy is anchored by fishing and floriculture, alongside other key industries such as tourism, trade, and services.

Viareggio is the city where the great Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini once lived. Puccini Festival (Torre del Lago Puccini), since 1930, takes place every summer, in July and August, in a 3200-seat open-air theater on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli.

The Carnivalis considered one of the most important Carnivals in the world. It started in 1873, but the typical papier-mâché in float construction was introduced in 1925. Since 1994, the celebrations have been extended to the first Sunday of Lent. During the carnival period, many events are organized, both of local, national, or international interest, such as the “Coppa Carnevale” World Football Tournament, which is the world’s most important youth football tournament. The city has also hosted the 1975 European Roller Hockey Championships.

Kunshan established a friendly-exchange relationship with Viareggio in April 2005.