How expats are finding belonging in Taicang

When the morning light filters through the colorful windows on the Rothenburg Waterfront Street, German baker Erwin is placing freshly baked pretzels in his bakery. Once a newcomer to Taicang, he is now one of many foreign residents building a life here.

Taicang officially opened its Service Center for Expatriates last year. As one of the first beneficiaries, Erwin has received the "Hi Taicang Card," an all-in-one service card for expats, and with support from the center, has obtained China's Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.

Erwin's experience is a testament to the opening-up of Taicang, also known as the "hometown of German companies in China." The county-level city of Suzhou is home to over 1,800 foreign-funded companies and more than 1,000 long-term foreign residents, and welcomes over 20,000 overseas visitors every year. Behind this growing global appeal is its continued push to improve international services and foster a stronger sense of belonging for expats.

One place to get all things done

On March 31 last year, Taicang Service Center for Expatriates was put into operation. Located on the third floor of German Student Entrepreneurship Park, the center integrates 73 foreign-related services, covering business, investment, tourism and daily life.

It has also introduced a special section for expats on the WeChat mini program of " 太e办 ," offering access to 38 administrative services.

One card to unlock everyday convenience

German entrepreneur Philipp Zorn, one of the first holders of "Hi Taicang Card," said hotel check-ins, hospital registration and mobile payment verification used to require passport and complicated procedures. Now with the card, he can enjoy the same convenience as locals in payment, check-ins, transportation and consumption, among other fields.

As of March, more than 80 foreign nationals had received the card, with authorities aiming to expand coverage to all long-term foreign residents this year.

One city to call home

Besides convenience, Taicang has put great effort into making expats feel at home. The Rothenburg Waterfront Street, modeled after the famous German town, has become a landmark for Sino-German cultural exchange, featuring German food, beer, hotels and cultural experiences. The city's hi-tech zone has hosted 20 editions of Oktoberfest .

Taicang continues to tell a story about openness, inclusiveness and innovation through concrete actions. And its next chapter will be written together with expats who come here, stay here and fall in love with the city.

Source：iSuzhou（Source: 太仓发布 (WeChat ID: tcfbgw) ）