Though far from home, Macao native Lam Chi-u, 26, has found a happy life with his wife in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, and he's determined to move his career forward.

In 2013, after graduating from high school in Macao, Lam was admitted to the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, based on his excellent performance in the screening process.

"At first my family didn't support my decision to continue studying in Beijing," he said. "They worried about the long distance from them and the differences between the Chinese mainland and Macao."

But he explained the advantages of universities on the mainland in securing future success. And he promised to take care of himself. Eventually, they relented.

"In my childhood, I often visited Zhuhai, Guangdong province, with my mother for shopping," he said, adding that the markets were untidy and made a poor impression at that time. But things were different in Beijing and elsewhere.

"I was surprised by the rapid development of cities on the mainland," he said. "The streets, subways, buildings and living conditions of the people had a different feeling."

Living with three roommates from different parts of the mainland, Lam started his university life.

His first major difficulty in his first year was that all the teachers spoke in Mandarin, which made it hard to follow the lectures.

"I thank my roommates," he said. "They often helped me review lectures after class. Gradually, I learned to keep up."

To adjust his thinking and actively blend into the new environment, Lam participated in various campus activities－the student union, basketball and track－which helped him meet new friends.