Home is where the heart finds peace

International entrepreneur Philip has been in China for 17 years.In 2018, he came to Longhua, Shenzhen, and here, he found his answer. From a newcomer who could not speak Chinese, to building his own company, bringing his family to join him, and settling down, he has turned "striving" into a life of grounded happiness. In this episode of Stories of Strivers, let's step into Philip's story in Longhua.

From "knowing nothing" to a "China hand"

When Philip arrived in China in 2008, language was his first hurdle. Starting from scratch, he even tried to learn Chinese by chatting with restaurant owners. Today, his fluent Chinese is no longer a barrier—it has become a bridge for business and friendship.

From Rocky Start to Solid Growth

In 2018，Philip came to Longhua,where the open, inclusive, and efficient business environment allowed him to focus more on the work itself. In 2024, he founded his own foreign trade company.

At the beginning, he hardly had any orders, so he sent company introductions to old clients and friends, while also consistently promoting himself on social media platforms both domestically and internationally. During the day, he visited factories one by one searching for suppliers,and at night, he adjusted for time zones to communicate with clients, barely finding time to rest."There were moments I wanted to give up, but I knew persistence is key —hard work always pays off."

Starting from scratch and gradually accumulating large orders, his company finally got on the right track.He said that in Longhua,he could visit three or four factories in a single day. "The industrial cluster makes us highly professional and efficient."

Longhua's international vibe

As the 2026 APEC meeting approaches, Philip is full of anticipation — That means more exchange, and also new opportunities.

Philip is also amazed by LICC's public services. A quick code scan handles temporary accommodation registration, and both personal and business matters are wrapped up at a single window.

What's more valuable is that an active "international community" has been built here. It was at an LICC event that Philip met a copper merchant from Zambia, opening the door to new collaboration. Many partnerships do not begin at the negotiation table, but in an encounter of being introduced and connected.

Hard-earned Happiness on Solid Ground

Now with his wife and kids by his side in Longhua, Philip enjoys a steady, grounded family life.

"Longhua is a wonderful place to live and build a future. I have realized my dreams here and settled my family well. To me, home is happiness. The happiness I have now is something I've worked hard for with my own hands, so it feels truly solid and real."

Even with limited Chinese, you won’t have any barrier to live here — bilingual signs are everywhere, and convenient life apps are at hand, where inclusiveness is reflected everywhere.

To Philip, "Once you come, you're a Shenzhener" isn't just a slogan — it's the embrace and warmth he truly feels every day.

Strive and thrive in Longhua — you're always welcome

Here, every effort gets witnessed, and every dream finds a place to land.