For Mukum Martin Mukum, a Cameroonian entrepreneur who has lived in Xi'an in northwest China for nine years, it was not the immigration officer's stamp on his passport that made him feel at home; it was a cup of tea.
"It happened at a government event," Mukum recalled during a recent interview. "I discovered a local tea so remarkable that I immediately sent some to my mother. Her response 'Why didn't you bring this home sooner?' was my 'aha' moment. Now I'm determined to introduce this treasure to Cameroon and build a business around it."
That spark of entrepreneurial idea, born from cultural exchange and supported by local policy, is exactly what the Xixian New Area of Xi'an is cultivating.
A platform built on openness
A national sci-tech innovation special zone, the Xixian New Area is a window to the Qinchuangyuan platform, where new ideas are born and academic strengths transform into economic impact.
Han Ping, deputy director of the technology innovation and new economy bureau of Xixian New Area, told Science and Technology Daily: "Xi'an is a city of knowledge, home to over 100 universities and top-tier research institutions. Qinchuangyuan was created to turn academic strength into real economic impact by opening doors to global talent and turning ideas into action."
The Xixian New Area launched a pilot program to attract talent from around the globe. The process is simple: Submit a business plan and choose an international incubator. And upon approval, applicants can receive full support, from company registration and legal aid to work permits and office space.
"We want you to thrive," Han said.
Even students can participate. Through partnerships with universities like the Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), they can intern with local firms, test market ideas, and gain real-world experience long before graduation. "It's a bridge from campus to commerce," Han added. "And it's open to everyone."
Inclusion in action
The true spirit of Xi'an — and China — is best described through the stories of those who call it home.
Recently, Mukum has been recognized as a cross-border trade ambassador. Did he ever feel like an outsider? His heartfelt answer is: "Never. (Xi'an) feels like home."
He credits Xixian's friendly policies, flexible immigration, and the tourist and multicultural environment for this. "The food is just like back home. The people are warm. The opportunities are real," he said. "And the government regularly organizes events that expose us to new products that we can take back to our own countries. China is a wonderful country. It's home."
Others echo this sentiment. Shamsullah Shariati, an Afghan entrepreneur and graduate of Northwestern Polytechnical University, discovered how shipping goods from Xi'an to Afghanistan could cut costs by avoiding third-party hubs. "Science and technology and the rail network have made this happen," he said.
Inspired by agricultural tech expos in Yangling, located about 80 km to the west of Xi'an, he now plans to introduce cold storage and fruit preservation solutions to Afghanistan's farming communities.
Emelyanova Anastasiya from Belarus runs an auto export business. She praises Xixian's network: "The connections here are invaluable. I've found suppliers, partners and mentors — all within this ecosystem."
Support that goes beyond business
The Xixian New Area understands that true inclusion means comprehensive support, not only providing business opportunities.
It hosts startup competitions, talent fairs, and recruitment programs, evaluating ventures on innovation, market potential, and sustainability. Across its incubator space, professional teams offer full-service support: legal, financial, recruitment and administrative. Successful applicants receive full visa support and mentorship from the multilingual staff because no one should be deterred due to language or paperwork.
And the support extends into daily life. Cultural integration programs, such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy classes, help international entrepreneurs feel at home.
"These aren't just activities; they're bridges," Han said. "They help our global community adapt, connect and contribute."
Mukum agreed: "When I introduce Chinese tea to Cameroon, where coffee dominates, I'm not just selling a product, I'm building a cultural bridge. And the Xixian New Area and Xi'an make that possible."
As Han concluded, "Whether you're a student, an entrepreneur, or a professional, Xixian welcomes you. Our doors are always open to those who want to innovate, grow, and build the future."