Chong Hon Kean hangs out with friends in Qidong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

More and more expats are choosing Qidong over bustling metropolises, drawn by its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. Among them is Chong Hon Kean from Malaysia, who has come to regard the city as his second home.

Chong first set foot in Qidong in November 2013 as a quality inspector for a cylindrical FPSO project at COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore. In the decade since, he has returned multiple times, each visit strengthening his love for the city.

"Qidong is a wonderful place — beautiful, clean and safe, with a strong focus on green development," Chong said. He has witnessed the city blossom with new parks and colorful flower fields. From cherry blossoms to tulips, rapeseed flowers to sunflowers, Qidong now offers a sea of blooms throughout the year.

An avid cyclist, Chong joined the 2025 Freshest Qidong Highway cycling event on Sept 21. After work, he often takes his bike along the scenic embankments of the Yangtze estuary, passing by landmarks such as Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Beach. "The routes here are perfect for cycling, and the scenery is always breathtaking," he said.

Chong participates in a cycling event in Qidong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Through a local cycling club, Chong has also formed a circle of close friends. Their camaraderie has left a deep impression on him: "If my tire goes flat, the club president comes to help. My cycling friends often invite me to their homes. Their warmth makes me feel truly welcome."

For Chong, Qidong is no longer just a place of work — it has become a community where he feels at ease, embraced by both the city's charm and the hospitality of its people.