A number of anti-epidemic materials were sent to Cochem, Germany from Yizhou district, Hechi, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on March 23 to help fight the novel coronavirus epidemic, with every box emblazoned with encouragements and blessings in Chinese and German.

The anti-epidemic materials includes 22,500 masks of various types, 100 boxes of isolation gowns, and 50 boxes of medical protective clothing, worth a total value of nearly 100,000 yuan ($14,134.88).

Anti-epidemic materials are packed and ready to be shipped to Cochem, Germany from Yizhou. [Photo provided by Wei Lifu to chinadaily.com.cn]

The German proverb "Berg und Tal kommen nicht zusammen, wohl aber die Menschen" was written on the donation box, which means, "Friends may meet, but mountains never greet," to show the deep friendship between the two places.

The German proverb "Berg und Tal kommen nicht zusammen, wohl aber die Menschen" are emblazoned on the boxes of medical supplies that will be sent to Cochem, Germany from Yizhou. [Photo provided by Wei Lifu to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yizhou and Cochem signed a letter of intent to become sister cities in 2017. The two sides have strengthened exchanges and cooperation in tourism, culture, commerce, and other aspects, forging a deep friendship. After the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic this year, Cochem sent condolences and generous donations, giving great support and assistance to Yizhou's fight against the epidemic.

Friends from Germany take part in the Sanyuesan Festival celebrations in Yizhou. [Photo provided by Wei Yanwan to chinadaily.com.cn]

However, while the situation in Yizhou is getting better, the epidemic situation in Cochem is becoming increasingly severe. After learning that Cochem has a serious shortage of epidemic prevention materials, the Yizhou government urgently raised a batch of materials to support Cochem in return.

"Earlier this month we received epidemic prevention supplies from Cochem, but now people there are also experiencing a severe epidemic situation. We cannot stand by, so we are doing our best to provide a batch of medical supplies to Cochem, expressing the concern of 680,000 people in Yizhou," said Huang Lingdan, deputy head of the district.