Expats learn Chinese calligraphy during their visit to Haimen district in Nantong on Nov 20. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

More than 20 expats living in Nantong, Jiangsu province visited Changle town in Haimen district on Nov 20 to experience the charm of the hometown of Zhang Jian, a renowned industrial magnate, educator, and scholar in the early 20th century China.

During the activity, the expats from 14 countries such as the United States, Germany, Italy and Spain tried their hands at making dough figurines, learned Chinese calligraphy, and were treated to Chinese rice wine and Haimen folk song performances at Zhang Jian Culture Town.

Zhang Jian Culture Town spans 4.7 square kilometers and comprises four functional areas for culture and tourism, education, agriculture and smart manufacturing.

At the Zhang Jian Memorial Museum, the expats were impressed by Zhang's devotion to developing local industry, education and social welfare.

"I heard of Zhang as a great man when I first came to Haimen. Today's tour has deepened my understanding on him and Haimen," said Davis Phillip, who has been working in the district for  half a year.

Haimen has established trade exchanges with more than 100 countries and regions over the past few years. It is currently home to more than 700 foreign-funded enterprises and nearly 800 foreign professionals.

The district has been working to promote local culture to these expats so as to push forward the internationalization of Haimen, said Huang Jing, director of the district's publicity department.

A girl tries her hands at making a dough figurine during a tour in Haimen district, Nantong on Nov 20. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Expats are treated to Chinese rice wine during their visit to Haimen district in Nantong on Nov 20. [Photo/ntfabu.com]