Officials listen as a group of expats give their advice on making Hangzhou attractive to foreign residents and visitors. [Photo/rev.uar.hubpd.com]

Expats living in Hangzhou's Xihu district were invited to propose suggestions on how to make their residential community more foreigner-friendly, during a local committee meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Oct 25.

The Xihu District Committee of CPPCC has long been interested in better meeting the needs of expat residents in Hangzhou, as an increasing number of foreigners are choosing to visit, study, work and live in the city, following the G20 Summit held in 2016.

The meeting was attended by officials, local residents and expats, with a number of interesting contributions made.

Kevin Nance, an English teacher living in the city, spoke about the lack of English-language magazines and books covering Chinese culture.

He also complained about the lack of playgrounds, facilities and supermarkets near his residential community. 

Officials from different departments of the local government responded to the feedback provided by expats in attendance. For issues that could not be addressed quickly, the government has promised to produce a concrete plan on tackling them. 

It is a priority for us to identify the needs of local expats and help them live comfortable lives, said Ye Weiping, chairman of the Xihu District Committee of CPPCC, speaking at the meeting. 

A report outlining research on accelerating the building of expat-oriented communities in Xihu district was presented during the event. 

Prior to the discussion with the expat group, a delegation of officials visited a workshop on Chinese handicrafts in Huanglong Community, which is one of the four residential communities in Hangzhou recognized for its international orientation.

At Huanglong, bilingual services are very easy to access, and cultural activities are held regularly to make the area attractive to people from abroad. 

The Xihu District Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) holds a meeting on building international-oriented communities. [Photo/rev.uar.hubpd.com]