In recent years, Changsha has been displaying increasing appeal to foreigners. Data from the Hunan tourism development committee shows that Changsha received approximately 202,800 inbound visitors in the first eight months of this year, up 6.36 percent compared with the same period last year.

"I enjoy the life in Changsha. It's full of vigor for innovation and entrepreneurship," said Hans-Georg Ackermann, a German who has lived in Changsha for 12 years and views the city as his second home.

Changsha has released preferential policies to attract talented personnel from both home and abroad. Hans-Georg is one of the applicants, saying that he hoped Changsha could deepen cooperation on technological exchanges with Germany.

It's the third time that such a tour has been held for foreigners in Changsha. The event showcases to expats a happy Changsha, a pivot city along the Belt and Road route and a key city in the Yangtze River Economic Zone.

Overseas visitors take photos at the entrance of Tanhe Ancient City, a park themed on the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC) culture in Ningxiang county, Changsha. [Photo/icswb.com]