David Sanchez from Spain regards Fuzhou, Fujian province, as his second hometown. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

For example, he got a visa within several working days and the period of validity was extended to five years. Many things can be done by submitting information online.

"When we first came here, I really felt that my personal development direction was vague," Sanchez said. "But now I feel more clear. The import and export projects are stable and developing quite well."

There is a slang phrase in the Fuzhou dialect meaning "Although I have been to many places, my heart is still attached to Fuzhou and I cannot leave it". Now, he keeps it on his tongue.

Yang Jie contributed to this story.