The Washington County, located in northwest Oregon, is the 2nd largest city in Oregon, with total area of 1884 square kilometers and a population of 480,000. The county consists of 12 wealthy but small towns. Washington County, with the highest level of education and per capita income of the entire Oregon State, is known as the locomotive of economic development in Oregon, and it now is one of the fastest growing regions of economic development in USA.
　　In May 2004, Mr. Tom Brian, Chairman of the County Board, leading a government delegation, visited Yichang and signed the agreement of sister cities with Yichang City.