Livable Changzhou emerges as magnet for global investment, talent

Photo shows the Changzhou Science Education Town in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of Changzhou)

Nestled at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu province, is a city where rich cultural heritage meets modern vitality. Leveraging its comprehensive industrial ecosystem, high-quality business services, and inclusive urban environment, Changzhou has steadily expanded its opening up and become fertile ground for both living and working.

The city continues to attract global talent and resources. Today, more than 4,000 foreign residents have made their homes and careers there, evolving from witnesses to the city's development into active participants who grow alongside it and contribute to its success.

A Robust Industrial Ecosystem

Industry forms the backbone of urban development and provides the foundation for greater opening up. Changzhou's well-developed industrial chains and full-cycle business support services offer solid backing for both foreign-invested enterprises seeking long-term growth and international professionals pursuing career development.

One notable example is Germany's industrial giant Thyssenkrupp, which has increased its investment in Changzhou six times over the past six years, becoming a vivid illustration of mutually beneficial cooperation between foreign investors and the city.

The city's mature industrial and supply-chain ecosystem is a major draw for long-term corporate investment, according to Arne Mayer, a German national who is general manager of Bilstein, a German manufacturer of high-performance suspension under Thyssenkrupp.

"Here, personal growth, business growth, and industrial development are closely interconnected and reinforce one another," he said.

Changzhou attracts global businesses not just with its robust industrial infrastructure, but also with an efficient, welcoming business environment celebrated by international companies.

In October 2022, Ypsomed Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Switzerland's Ypsomed Group, a leading developer and manufacturer of self-injection systems for liquid medications, chose Changzhou as the location for its first production base in the Asia-Pacific region.

Talking about this decision, Reto Felber, head of Ypsomed Manufacturing Co., Ltd., emphasized Changzhou's exceptional business climate: "The city's excellent business environment was what impressed us most. Government departments function efficiently, attentively listen to companies, and actively help solve practical issues."

This confidence is shared widely. Today, Changzhou hosts over 3,000 foreign-invested enterprises. 107 Global Fortune 500 corporations have established 216 individual projects within the city. Furthermore, Changzhou supports 34 regional headquarters and functional centers for global multinationals, alongside 35 international research and development facilities. Complementing this network are six high-profile international cooperation parks, including key zones dedicated to German and Swiss partnerships.

Foreigners pose for pictures at the "Love Changzhou" expat salon, May 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of Changzhou)

Inclusive Urban Governance

Beyond its economic strengths, Changzhou embraces international residents through its vibrant lifestyle and open governance. When Brazilian youth football coach Cassiano joined Changzhou's training programs in 2024, he was quickly immersed in the province's sporting culture through participation in the Jiangsu Football City League -- a wildly popular amateur tournament. Beyond the pitch, he discovered the city's historical charm through walks along Qingguo Lane and cultural district alleys, savoring local delicacies like sesame cakes (magao) and shrimp cakes.

This welcoming environment enables foreign residents to build meaningful lives. British educator Steven William Ronald has called Changzhou home since joining Changzhou Institute of Technology in 2011. His integration culminated in a January 2025 invitation to observe municipal government proceedings as a non-voting delegate at the 17th Changzhou Municipal People's Congress (4th session). "This recognition reflects true openness," Ronald noted. "It makes us feel like active participants in Changzhou's development, not bystanders."

Positioning itself as a youth magnet, the city has attracted young professionals globally through its dynamic multicultural environment. Regular cross-cultural events like the "Love Changzhou" expat salon -- hosted annually since 2012 with over 3,000 participants-- strengthen community bonds. International corporate teams increasingly participate in local sports leagues too, with 1,200 joining 12 editions of football activities.

Such initiatives have earned Changzhou recognition among China's top three major cities for foreign talent attraction. With its unique combination of cultural richness and inclusive spirit, international visitors continue to be drawn here to experience, contribute to, and help shape Changzhou's future.

Photo shows a scenic area featuring bamboo forests in Tianmu Lake in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of Changzhou)

A Comfortable and Fulfilling Life

When late spring turns to early summer, Arne Mayer enjoys cycling along Changzhou's riverside greenbelt, immersed in its lush natural scenery. After nine years living in Changzhou, the German native has built his family life here, finding a stable yet fulfilling rhythm. "I've found the perfect work-life balance in this city," Mayer remarked when discussing his settled existence.

An avid sportsman, Mayer particularly praises the continuous upgrading of recreational facilities across Changzhou. From football pitches and baseball fields to neighborhood pocket parks, diverse leisure spaces now enrich residents' day-to-day lives. He equally commends the ecological transformation along the Yangtze River waterfront, noting: "That picturesque green corridor has become our favorite spot for exercising and unwinding."

Such satisfying environments and convenient urban living are shared experiences among Changzhou's international residents. Xavier Desfertilles, a French executive who has helmed a local metal company for 27 years since 1999, attests to Changzhou's exceptional livability. The 50-year-old highlights thoughtful provisions: bilingual public signage throughout the city, universal acceptance of international payment cards alongside mobile payments, and multilingual medical staff at major hospitals. "Everything's designed around daily convenience," he emphasized, reflecting on his quarter-century as a city resident.These thoughtful details -- woven into Changzhou's cultural fabric -- enable residents to fully embrace both the tranquility of riverside parks and the efficiency of modern services.

Arne Mayer (right) goes canoeing with a friend. (Photo courtesy of Arne Mayer)