Expats pose for a group photo in front of the Jianghai Museum in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on June 16. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Eleven expats from countries including the United States, Canada, Italy, Columbia and Egypt are paying a two-day visit to Haimen district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, from June 16 to 17.

These expats visited Haimen's cultural landmarks, such as the Jianghai Museum and Yisheng Cultural Park, to explore its history and culture, and will visit natural landscapes such as Dongbuzhou Long Beach Park and Jiangong Lake Eco Park.

They will also visit Haimen's Linjiang New Area, where strategic emerging industries such as biomedicine and new energy are booming.

Dean Gordon Munk, a Canadian who has lived in China for more than 20 years, said that Haimen seamlessly combines tradition with progress, offering a glimpse into China's vibrant history while embracing the innovations of the modern world. It is a place where traditions breathe, progress is relentless, and hospitality shines.

Dubbed "the gateway to the River and the Sea", Haimen sits right at the point where the Yangtze River meets the Yellow Sea, with Shanghai just on the other side of the bank. Haimen's strategic location allows it to play a significant role in the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region.

The city has in recent years been channeling more resources towards construction on transportation infrastructure, including the Haimen-Taicang Tunnel and the high-speed railway along the Yangtze River, which is expected to inject new vitality into its economic growth.