Why Anhui? I tell my friends "if you want to see the real China, come to visit me in Hefei"! While Shanghai is glamorous and Beijing is stately, Anhui is authentic - real people living real, hard-working lives in an environment of enthusiasm for change and innovation. I live on campus among old retired professors who have witnessed China's transformation and among especially bright students who, every day, work on their China Dream at one of China's premier universities - USTC (University of Science and Technology of China). All across Anhui, I see the old and new, coexisting and thriving - people, architecture, agriculture and industry. For me, it's a privilege to be an expat in Anhui. And it's an advantage too. Within Anhui are many national treasures such as Huangshan's misty peaks and Xidi's mysterious alleys. From Anhui, in every direction, all of China is accessible for weekend travels on the amazing high-speed trains.

Kathryn Chang Barker, visiting professor at USTC

I consider Anhui my second hometown. Anhui province is blessed with beautiful tourism attractions, from the marvelous landscape of Huangshan - or Yellow Mountain - to the fantastic architecture and stone carvings from Ming and Qing dynasties in Xidi and Hongcun ancient villages, which have been listed by UNESCO on the world heritage list. For those interested in getting to know China and the Huizhou culture, Anhui is one place that combines both the ancient and the modern.

As an expat living in Anhui for the past eight years, I witnessed huge change and development in the province. Hefei, the provincial capital, has developed rapidly in the past few years and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

Mohamed Noureldin, PhD candidate at USTC

I have been a student in Anhui's Hefei for almost seven years where I finished my bachelor's degree and willsoon also my master's degree at USTC. I have visited many exciting places in Anhui. One of the most famous scenic places is the Yellow Mountains. I am honored to have witnessed the rapid growth and development of Hefei during my time here. What I like the most in Hefei is that, due to its fast development, it offers many opportunities for innovation, business, entrepreneurship and travel. The foreigners' community in Hefei is also increasing at a very quick pace, most of them seeking work or staying for studies. The locals here are very friendly and like to have a chat given that you understand and speak Chinese. I am very happy that I got this opportunity to come to China and experience a city like Hefei firsthand.

Firdaus Samijadi, USTC Master student

This is my eighth year in China, most of time being spent in Hefei, where I did my bachelor's degree and master's degree at Hefei Technology University. Here, I had the chance to meet students from all over the world, experiencing their culture and habits. During my spare time, I go shopping with my friends, visit the parks, enjoy the local cuisine or just go out for walks, especially during spring time when the city is most beautiful. There is so much to explore in Hefei. I had the chance to visit some neighboring cities engaging in the school activities such as Huangshan city, where we had the chance to climb the mountains. I am really enjoying my time in Hefei. It has a perfect environment for study, with good schools and great programs. Hefei is welcoming more and more foreign students, creating a bridge with the outside world.

Edna Laurinda Muianga, Mozambique

I am currently studying in the Hefei University of Technology and this is my seventh year in China. In the past couple of years, I have witnessed the quick growth and development of Hefei. I feel very comfortable and at home in this grand city. There are abundant things to do in this city. For me, I like to work out, eat healthy food and spend a safe and enjoyable campus life as a student. The city is relatively quiet, but can be very lively as well.

Edgar Agostinho, postgraduate from Angola at Hefei University of Technology

I am a Vietnamese student studying for my master's degree at Anhui University. Hefei, the provincial capital of East China's Anhui province, is a very good city for people who want to study as it provides a very good environment in terms of quality of life and social activities. The city is growing very fast and there are many new buildings under construction. Metro Line One was opened up last year and there are currently more metro lines under construction. With the current atmosphere here in this city, I might plan on staying for my follow-up degree, because Hefei proves to be a city worthy of calling my second home.

Vu Viet Duc, postgraduate from Vietnam at Anhui University

As a student from Iran, I've been living in Anhui for about six months. There is a lot to learn and understand while living in Hefei. But, for first-time visitors, it can be really tough. The cultural change is huge, and it's all about simple daily life activities that are just so different. It can really get stressful, depending on how you manage it and accept different things. Those things aside, people are fantastic here, and there is a lot to experience here if you can manage to get around to see them. Having a good Chinese companion will help a lot here. Life is really different here and I have learned so much about what is really important in life by living here.

Paria Karami, USTC student from Iran

Like many other Chinese cities, Hefei has seen rapid development over the past few years. Partially due to the University of Science and Technology of China being situated here, there are many companies related to IT and various types of technological advancement doing their business in Hefei. Fast trains, an urban bus transportation system - this place has all the necessary things that you might need. In addition, Hefei's subway started its operation last year, certainly making living in this city more convenient.

Daria Soloveva, Master student at USTC School of Management

I have been in China for a very long time, but my three years in Hefei have been the best of them all. When I first came to the city I was afraid to be in a "not so developed" city. But by the time I got to know Hefei, I couldn't help but fall in love with it. The people here are so welcoming and hospitable to foreigners. Every time I go somewhere, I get so much love and smiles from the local people. I feel so comfortable and at home, I feel like a celebrity sometimes. Not only that, life itself in Hefei is good and it has improved so much in the past three years, with more variety of international cuisine and so many places for foreigners to hang out and enjoy their life. We even have the Hefei Metro now! Hefei has grown so much in three years and so has my love for it, and I am very hopeful that will get even better in the years to come.

Hirra Butt, PhD student at USTC

(China Daily 04/11/2017 page25)