Matthias Roeder tells his life in Taicang. [Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Having lived in Taicang for 15 years, Matthias Roeder, a 60-year-old German, has seamlessly assimilated into local life. 

As a meticulous mechanical engineer, Roeder heads a German-funded enterprise specializing in environmentally conscious brick production.

Taicang, renowned as the hometown of German enterprises in China, fascinates Matthias with its rapid development and boundless opportunities. 

Roeder's work includes a project at Taicang Port, the largest along the Yangtze River Delta. Though having secured the project, Roeder faced a unique challenge—utilizing recycled materials for brick production to align with China's evolving standards.

Roeder has embraced local traditions, swapping coffee for tea and pop for traditional Chinese melodies. He considers Taicang to be his home and loves strolling the ancient streets and participating in cultural events.

Fueled by his dreams and passions, Roeder envisions Taicang as a global focal point, drawing inspiration from history's great journeys. His entrepreneurial spirit mirrors Taicang's own evolution — a story of innovation and assimilation, where a German craftsman finds success in a thriving Chinese city.

Learn more about Matthias Roeder's life in Taicang in the video above.