Huzhou in East China's Zhejiang province hosted an exchange event titled "Innovative Huzhou: A Future with International Talent" in the picturesque Xishanyang Wetland Park on Nov 24, attracting 50 expat talents living in the city.

The city has welcomed 106,000 international visitors for business and cultural exchanges this year, a 38.8 percent year-on-year increase, and 2,435 expat talents now reside in Huzhou, a 28.1 percent year-on-year rise, according to the Huzhou municipal science and technology bureau.

Among the attendees, Robert, a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa and professor at Huzhou University, expressed his affection for the city, calling it his "second home" and praising the timely support he has received.

Gurvinder, chief scientist at the Wuxing District Intelligent Robotics Innovation Institute, said that he hoped to deepen his ties with Huzhou. International student Shahanaz shared her growing fondness for the city after exploring its many attractions.

Attendees write calligraphy and experience traditional Chinese culture. [Photo/Huzhou News and Media Center]

A highlight of the event was the issuing of the "Join in Card" and "Five-Star Card" to several expat talents. The "Join in Card" offers services in eight areas, including finance, tourism, transportation, and healthcare. The "Five-Star Card" is the new version of the permanent resident card for expats.

Additionally, the city's first batch of Foreign Talent Service Stations was launched, providing more services for expat talent.

Attendees experienced traditional Chinese culture in the form of pottery-making, paper-cutting, and calligraphy. The event also featured a dragon boat race, fostering enduring friendships among young talent from various countries.