Night view of the Chinatown in Liverpool. [Photo/Xinhua]

Liverpool and Shanghai became sister cities in 1999, both sharing stunning waterfronts and long trading links.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, said, "Liverpool 2018 is an opportunity for us to roll out the red carpet for people to come and visit for the first time, or to rediscover what we believe is the most exciting destination in the UK."

"Some of the projects which we will be announcing in the New Year really do raise the bar and it will be an incredible time for residents and visitors who will undoubtedly travel from across the world to experience how Liverpool puts on a show," Anderson said.

China Dream forms part of the Liverpool 2018 celebrations, supported by the official Great Britain campaign.