Pakistan businessman drawn by China's prosperity and vibrancy

For Pakistan businessman Asif Osama, his journey in China has been an extremely rewarding one.

The journey started in 2011, when the young man came to China for his studies, deeply attracted by the country's prosperity and vibrancy. Five years later, he chose to settle in Xiuzhou district in the prefecture-level city of Jiaxing in East China's Zhejiang province, working in foreign trade.

Back then, his impression of Xiuzhou was "the hometown of woolen sweaters in China". Now, he has established his family and career there, fully integrating into city life and witnessing the district's development.

With an open business environment, rich cultural heritage, and a constantly pulsing spirit of innovation, Osama said, Xiuzhou exudes a unique urban character defined by openness, ambition, inclusiveness, and progressive energy.

Inspired by Xiuzhou's vitality and warmth, he decided to document his perspective of China, capturing stories that reveal the city's soul. An urban-themed short film, What is "Show", featuring Osama as the protagonist, was hosted by the Xiuzhou Media Center.

The film depicts his experiences and impressions of life in Xiuzhou, highlighting its open spirit and innovative vitality through four dimensions — industry, culture, technology, and daily life.

On the industrial frontline, Osama visited YTO Skyhub to learn how products from Xiuzhou are shipped to global markets, while at the Honghe Sweater Market, he explored the "SweaterPi" platform, which uses AI technology to intelligently create the latest styles. He also participated in the Sweater Culture Festival, gathering with buyers from various countries to experience Xiuzhou's sweater industry.

For its cultural charm, Osama explores Xiuzhou's folk customs and intangible cultural heritage. "Although we speak different languages, we can communicate through our works," he said. "Culture truly knows no boundaries."

Touching on the edge of innovation, the film also captures scenes of Osama visiting the Yangtze River Delta Research Institute of Beijing Institute of Technology (Jiaxing) to learn about the research progress of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and also visiting Tencent Music to experience AI music creation.

"In Xiuzhou, technological innovation has already integrated into daily life," he noted.

Towards the end of the film, scenes of Osama's daily life in Xiuzhou are recorded, showing him experiencing the beauty of life — he enjoys walking with his family at Ginkgo Swan Lake, tasting local snacks at Jiangnan Mall Food Street, and watching football matches at the sports field.

"I love life in Xiuzhou," Osama said. "I hope this short film allows more people to see an open, inclusive, and vibrant Xiuzhou."

Please contact the writer at yinmingyue@chinadaily.com.cn