A pedestrian bridge in Hamburg, Germany, has been officially named “Kaohsiung Bridge” (Kaohsiung-Brücke), marking the first time a transportation landmark in Germany has been named after a Taiwanese city.

The bridge, previously designated F566, is located on the eastern side of the city’s historic Speicherstadt warehouse district near the Elbe River and Hamburg Port. On Oct. 14, city officials unveiled its new name, “Kaohsiung-Brücke,” to commemorate the sister-port relationship between Hamburg and Taiwan’s southern port city of Kaohsiung, established in 1999.

The name was proposed by Free Democratic Party district councilor Timo Fischer, who said that while it has been jointly supported by members of the Social Democratic Party and Christian Democratic Union, it did meet resistance from far-right parties.

Fischer told CNA that while the two port cities have maintained ties for more than 25 years, most Hamburg residents are unaware of the relationship. He explained that in an era when democratic values are under threat globally, symbolic and friendly gestures such as this help strengthen ties with nations that share similar democratic principles, like Taiwan.

Hamburg, which boasts more than 2,500 bridges, is often called the “city of bridges.” Fischer said they symbolize connection and trust across waters and differences, adding that even a small bridge like the Kaohsiung Bridge can help bring Germany and Taiwan closer together. He said he hopes that when residents cross the bridge, it will spark curiosity and inspire them to learn more about Taiwan.