Since seven or eight years ago, the Liangma River has changed tremendously. I come here once in a while to chat with my friends. And then sometimes I might take my computer with me, and sit on those benches to work. Sometimes I take a walk from here to Solana. When coming here, you will have a feeling that life doesn't have to be that fast. You can slow down. I feel so lucky to live in a very pleasant natural and beautiful place to work, learn and improve myself.

I'm Wahed Ahmadzai, from Afghanistan. I have lived in Chaoyang District for nine years. I started my first own business in 2015. It is a project called "Studying in China". It is to help the Chinese universities enroll international students and benefit overseas students by building a service platform for them in China. Chaoyang District has become a window for me to understand the world. When I first started my business, I set up my office in Sanlitun. Why? Because within one kilometer, there are over 500 restaurants where people can enjoy food from all over the world.

In my junior year, I started another business called YOOFU Youth International Cultural Education. This is the second time Chaoyang District has helped our business.

In 2020, I attended a forum called "My Opportunity in the Belt and Road Initiative". It got me thinking about what are my opportunities in China. So for the third time, I started my business, NHUB Beijing Infinity Port (Culture Technology Co., LTD.), to help Chinese companies expand overseas presence at a faster pace. As Chinese companies do businesses in overseas market, the advantages of foreign talents must be reckoned with. I just brought a few slides of power points to participate in a competition. Efficiently, within a few months, I had registered my new company. And then there was a big team which constantly communicated with us. The team guided us, supported us, taught us how to start a business in Chaoyang District. I was so touched. So I told many friends that if you want to succeed, you have to come to Chaoyang District.

In the age of project economy, many people don't need offices, they just need a comfortable space. The coffee shops here, become an office space and a space for communication.

Coffee has now become an essential part of my life. For me, it's a button that helps me switch into the work mode. There are so many coffee shops here. Almost in every street, there is a great coffee shop with a nice environment. Coffee is now tied to entrepreneurship. We used to just drink coffee, now we enjoy coffee.

Chaoyang is my home away from home. To a large extent, it is kind of my first home. Because I spend more time in Chaoyang District than in my own country. I forgot to apply for a visa the year before last year because I forgot I was a foreigner. I appreciate Chaoyang District that I can not only have a good career development here but also enjoy a perfectly happy life! 

Producer: Chen Jing

Planner: Li Tianxiao

Director: Zhang Wen

Cameraman: Sheng Ming

Designer: Fan Yiping

Special Support: Foreign Affairs Office of Chaoyang District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality