Qiao Li, 23, from Benin, Africa, graduated from Central South University this year, and was rewarded the "Outstanding International Student of 2024" by the China's top-level university. After graduation, with the help of the Changsha International Youth Entrepreneurship Port (hereinafter referred to as the International Youth Entrepreneurship Port) in Hunan Free Trade Zone, he immediately registered his own company and successfully acquired the first 2024 entrepreneurial visa in Changsha, which enables him to travel freely between China and Africa, exporting wigs, hardware products, agricultural machinery products from Hunan to West African countries, and importing African delicacies to China. In Changsha, all his dreams are becoming true.

Why come to Changsha?

"When I was studying Chinese in a university in Zhejiang Province, my teacher found that I had a strong learning ability and scored well. She is from Hunan and suggested a college in Changsha. When I learned that I met the requirements for admission to CSU, I began to know about everything in Changsha. I found that the city has a long-standing relationship with Africa. It is amazing that a city can be a leader in China-Africa trading without any geographical advantage. As an Beninese, I feel that studying and working in this city is the best choice as there are abundant opportunities."

How is life in Changsha?

"I have been living in Changsha for four years. I like the passionate people here, as well as the food and the pace of life. I am very grateful to Changsha for always providing me with opportunities, especially the International Youth Entrepreneurship Port who helped me with the registration and entrepreneurial visa after my graduation. I don't have to go back to Africa for all the formalities because all can be finished in Changsha. This makes it very convenient for us foreigners to start a business here."

"Recently, I am busy in seeking cooperation with factories in Xiangtan, Yueyang and other places. In a few days, I will go back to Africa to bring some orders to Changsha."

What are the favorite places in Changsha?

"The Hou Lake is my favourite and it should be my most-visit place in Changsha. It is very adorable, especially in the summer night. It is comfortable and tranquil and I visited at least two to three times per week when I was in college, walking and chatting with friends there. I also like to go to Meixi Lake to appreciate the music fountain, to go to the May Day Square at night to sink myself into the lively atmosphere, enjoying the local food and drink. Additionally, Longping Rice Museum, Li Zijian Art Museum and Yuelu Mountain are all the places I like to tick off. To be honest, there are so many places I like to visit in Changsha."

Source: Changsha Online