Nestled on China's eastern coastline, Ningbo is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and thriving economy. To understand what makes the port city such a captivating place to work and live in, Science and Technology Daily (S&T Daily) spoke to foreign experts who have made this vibrant city their home. Through their eyes, we explore the daily life, cultural experiences, and unique charm that define Ningbo.
A green city worth exploring
Greek cable expert Konstantinos Pouleros has been working in Ningbo since 2019. Pouleros moved to China with his family to work with Oriental Cable, a thriving company in Ningbo.
Explaining his decision to work in this city, he said, "The executives at Oriental Cable explained their vision and plans to go global. It was a big opportunity for me, and it only took me a week to decide to join them."
Pouleros applauds the robust R&D environment, which he finds supportive in shaping one's career. "China's R&D environment is very impressive. Chinese companies invest a lot of money and resources in R&D," he said.
Living in Ningbo for nearly five years has made him appreciate the city deeply. "I was really impressed," he said. "I never expected China to be such a vast country with great infrastructure."
"The greenery is visual and impressive," he said. "It's a green city with huge development and growth. One of the most important things about Ningbo and China, in general, is the high-quality life and the feeling of safety."
Pouleros is also struck by the cultural similarities between China and his home country Greece. The Chinese civilization is impressive and "there are many places where you can explore thousands of years of history."
A city with diversity
Jose Manuel Martinez Gonzalez, a Spanish expert working at Ningbo Vinon Import & Export Company, first came to China in 2005, and found Ningbo an ideal place both professionally and personally.
His professional journey in Ningbo has been diverse and fulfilling. His role has evolved from a technical background to customer development, collaborating with partners to find market solutions. He finds great satisfaction in this dynamic aspect of his job.
Additionally, his company collaborates with Ningbo universities to offer internships to international students. "China is very attractive for international students looking to develop their careers, and we are happy to contribute to this effort," he said.
Gonzalez appreciates traditional Chinese medicine and the preservation of traditions. "The respect of other cultures and traditional heritages is something I find most appealing about Chinese culture," he told S&T Daily.
A city of opportunities
As a professor at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), Malaysian Alain Chong has been living in Ningbo for over 10 years, and his experiences offer valuable insights into what makes this city unique.
The business scholar sees Ningbo as a hub for small and medium-sized enterprises and full of opportunities. "There are a lot of great companies here that people may not know about. When you visit, you will realize how innovative and significant they are," he pointed out.
A city of community
Chong's most important impression of Ningbo is its safety. Friendliness is another trait he mentioned about Ningbo. According to him, this welcoming attitude contributes to a positive living experience for both locals and international talents.
Chong also appreciates Ningbo's balance of busyness and tranquility, an aspect echoed by his colleague Enrico Marsili, an Italian scientist at the UNNC. Marsili regards Ningbo as a beautiful city that strikes the perfect balance between modernity and a relaxed pace of life.
Having been to many other mega cities in China, he finds Ningbo the right size for a quality life.
Marsili also elaborated on the sense of community, highlighting the relationships developed not only within the international talent community but also with the local Chinese community. This integration has fostered a sense of belonging and enriched foreign residents' experience in the city.
As these foreign experts and their families continue their journey in Ningbo, they are well-integrated into a city that perfectly balances tradition and modernity, local culture and international influence.