Gertrude Kellen Shang teaches at Anji Tianlue Foreign Language School.[Photo by Wu Jianxun/For China Daily]

In Changxing New Energy Town, Tarui Hisaki from Japan served as the chief expert at the Chilwee Group's new energy department, and worked with Chinese experts to make breakthroughs in several key technical areas in the development of lithium-ion batteries. During last year's National Day, Tarui was presented with a Friendship Award by the Chinese government. This is the highest honor for foreigners living in China.

In 2008, Australian Terry Newman and his wife came to Huzhou from Canberra and set up a store called Environmental Wood to produce environmentally-friendly flooring in Wuxing district. Since then, Terry has laid down roots in Huzhou. At the age of 64, he is still busy in the factory every day. Terry says that it is rare to find such a good entrepreneurial environment as he has in Huzhou, and he intends to work there for a few more years.

For 11 years, Terry and his wife have long been accustomed to the life in Huzhou, a small city with a good business and living environment. The clean waters and green mountains there not only carry their yearning for "poetry and life afar", but also fulfills their entrepreneurial aspirations in China. From Terry's point of view, the boom in Huzhou is attracting more and more foreigners to pursue the golden life on the shores of Taihu Lake.