Ararat Rural City economic development and international affairs manager Clyde Humphries said a delegation of 13 people from Taishan in Guangdong Province, China, spent a day in Ararat to mark the occasion and further strengthen ties.

The delegation comprised Government officials and business people including the Taishan importer of the Council's logo branded Ararat Gold Shiraz produced at the Aradale Winery.

Mr Humphries said that during their visit, the delegation met with Ararat Rural City Council officials, had lunch at the Aradale Winery and visited local schools.

"The visit is another sign of the strength of our relationship with Taishan, especially after Council's visit to China last month," he said.

"Council enjoyed hosting our colleagues from China, discussing business matters with the delegates and making them feel welcome in their Australian sister city."

Mr Humphries said the visit also marked some other milestones, including that Ararat Rural City Council has had a diplomatic relationship with Taishan for 25 years, and a formal sister city relationship for 18 years.

"This year also marks the 40th anniversary of a diplomatic relationship between the Chinese and Australian governments," he said.

"Ararat Rural City Council was on the front foot when it developed the relationship with Taishan 25 years ago and we believe it has been a very positive influence on the city's development over that time."

The Taishan delegation spent a full day in Ararat and surrounds on Wednesday visiting Marian College and looking in on a Mandarin class and enjoying a luncheon at the Aradale winery.