In 2020, a youth entrepreneurship platform was set up by the municipal government to help young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Macao learn more about the mainland and explore development opportunities.

Ma said the city also encourages talented individuals to enter municipal-level incubators, where they can enjoy advantages such as rent reduction and financial docking.

"Chongqing is a nice place to work, and it has become my second home. It must be destiny," Lee said.

After being separated from her family for more than two years due to the pandemic, she said that local people are warm, straightforward and open, which makes her feel at home.

"Having traveled around the world, it's the people, not the food or scenery, that make me want to settle down in one particular city," she said.

Last year, Lee met her soul mate, a Cantonese restaurateur who has been working in Chongqing for over 15 years. She said they share the same hobbies and dreams, and it is thanks to him that she has been able to fit into the city faster.

Now, the person who once favored less spicy dishes eats hotpot every week.

In her spare time, Lee loves to explore the city on foot, read comics and watch animated films and Japanese TV dramas.

Recently, she began selling clothing via livestreaming on the short-video platform Douyin.

Lee's motto is to live in the moment. "When there is a challenge, stay focused on the present task and keep moving, even if it's just one step forward. Never give up, and in time, great things will happen," she said.