An eight-journalist delegation from France paid a visit to Zhangjiagang between May 16 and 19 to have a better and more objective understanding of the city.

In Yonglian village, journalists show great interest in the city's new rural cooperatives and work to understand the change and development of Chinese villages from Yonglian's development.

Quotes from foreign journalists visiting Zhangjiagang

Michela Secci: Chairwoman, French Foreign Press Association and journalist, France’s Albatros Magazine and Agra Press

We were impressed a lot by the people of Zhangjiagang, a natural harbor in Jiangsu province. We learned of the effort they made to develop Zhangjiagang in the past. The management of industries and rural areas there was great.

We had an interview with the head of La Brioche Food Production (Zhangjiagang), a wholly-owned French manufacturer of frozen dough, established in Zhangjiagang in 2004. His experience as a foreigner contributing to Zhangjiagang’s development can be used by other foreigners for reference.

We believe we will continue the relationship with Zhangjiagang in the future.

Martina Zimmermann: Director, French Foreign Press Association Council and journalist, Radios publiques allemandes (ARD) and Agence de presse（EPD）, France

The visit to Zhangjiagang these days has been very interesting and meaningful. Zhangjiagang represents a modern China, or even super-modern.

From a poor foundation, Zhangjiagang developed by integrating ecology and modern elements and Zhangjiagang is a picture of cities general development in future.

I am also impressed that the Chinese people are very open. They are warm and friendly communicating with foreigners.

Danielle Raymond: Journalist, Para Ti in France

In the eyes of Argentines, China is a model country, with an efficient organizational model and rapid development. The Chinese are hard-working and have a strong sense of happiness.

Zhangjiagang was once a peasant area. However, they got into modern development at a very fast pace and everyone I saw on the street had a smartphone.

The protection of tradition in modernization is important and Zhangjiagang is a combination of modern and rural traditional culture, where I witnessed the protection of tradition.

I believe Zhangjiagang will continue to develop.