First Movers:  Xiong'an attracts dream seekers

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The high standards and vision of the Xiong'an New Area are attracting people from across China. Many are seeking new opportunities in the city. Our reporter Ning Hong has interviewed some of the first people to take up residence in the region. Let's take a look.

It is not an easy choice for people who first came to the city. Xiong'an is now mostly a rural area. For Hao Fengfei and many people like him, the living condition here is not so ideal.

HAO FENGFEI  ONE OF THE FIRST SETTLERS IN XIONG'AN NEW AREA "Many people have come and gone, but I stayed because I think you can't expect everything to be ready for you, and I hope our business could grow with the city."   

As more entrepreneurs pour into the city, some have spontaneously formed community groups, helping newcomers to sort out things such as registration, job hunting and fundraising. Liu Cun started an association to help new settlers. His association has helped over a thousand people settle down here.

LIU CUN  LOCAL RESIDENT "It is a good opportunity for our local people to learn. The most important thing I think is to share information and work together."

So far, the Xiong'an New Area has about a million residents. As more people rush in, the need for high-end services is rising. Catering businesses are among the top of the list. Wang Shurui is the head of a restaurant chain. Investing in Xiong'an has so far turned out be the right decision.

WANG SHURUI RESTAURANT OWNER "Our shareholders and myself are very optimistic about this city, and it turns out that the profits of this restaurant are better than I expected. So we went on and invested in several restaurants and hotels."

Public services also are improving. Teachers from Beijing are being assigned to schools in Xiong'an, preparing local schools for the rise in number of students.

NING HONG XIONG'AN NEW AREA "When talking to people here in Xiong'an, I have the strong impression that people have invested a lot of hope in the future of the city, and are proud of being a part of history. If there is to be a great city here, it is those who dared to venture here who will be able to take the credit. Ning Hong, CGTN. Xiong'an New Area."