International performers feed a hippo at Nantong Forest Safari Park. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

More than 50 foreign performers at Sendi Resort in Nantong have become part of the city's international community, with most coming from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Among them, a Ukrainian dance coach, who has trained many of the performers, has danced for 15 years and has not returned home for a decade. In her spare time, she continues to polish her routines and create more distinctive performances.

Two Russian dancers arrived two years ago. One, from a small town near St Petersburg, studied preschool education and had some dance training. With the coach's help, she quickly settled into her role. Off stage, they visit a nearby mall, stroll along the Haohe River and explore local streets.

A Russian dancer and her husband, a Nantong native, at Sendi Resort. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Two Belarusian dancers have lived in Nantong for nearly two years. They enjoy the Nantong Forest Safari Park within the resort, the moonlight and the breeze. Having visited other Chinese cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, they said that Nantong is less bustling but well supplied and livable. "We especially love Nantong's seasonal seafood, as well as sesame flatbread, steamed buns, noodles and fried dough sticks," one of them said.

The resort has hired private chefs to create meals that cater specifically to the performers' preferences, and has organized various aspects of their daily lives to help them feel at home. One Russian dancer said she would be willing to marry a man from Nantong if she met the right person, as she values mutual kindness over wealth.

That bond has already taken root: a local performer at the resort married a Russian dancer in late August after two years as colleagues.