Driven by a deep faith in China, Canadian businessman Adam McWhirter has ventured into a fresh career in the bustling city of Chongqing in southwest China, seizing the abundant prospects of this thriving city.
Chongqing is a city of skyscrapers, with a certain cyberpunk style. When McWhirter moved to Chongqing in 2007, his parents were astonished, wondering the allure of his choice.
McWhirter had done some research and had discovered that Chongqing is not only beautiful, but also one of the fastest growing cities in the world. This kindled his optimism for a future brimming with possibilities.
"I was working for a Chinese company at first, a very famous Chongqing company, and so then, I met my business partner late 2007. I have a lot of respect for the opportunity there, the company to bring me to China," said McWhirter.
A year later, he opened his own company, Maxxelli, specializing in relocation services for foreigners who move to China either to work or for a short-term stay.
Now, he sees his career growing in unison with this vibrant city.
"So the CEOs, the managing partners, the directors, the top engineers for all sorts of different companies. And so that is home search, school search, settling in some cultural training. You know, we kind of take care of the expats from the day they arrive to the day they leave," said McWhirter.
When not immersed in his work, McWhirter finds joy in conquering the nearby mountain peaks.
He has also made a lot of friends through his other leisure-time activities, which include managing a local jogging team and running an outdoor fitness club called "The Hub."
McWhirter expressed his unwavering belief in China's potential.
"I do believe in the opportunities in China, and I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in China," said McWhirter.
Canadian businessman thrives in bustling city of Chongqing
A team of four young people has been working in the heart of China's Qilian Mountain National Park to protect and provide medical care for the wild animals inhabiting the area.
The Qilian Mountain National Park, located at the border of northwest China's Gansu and Qinghai provinces, is home to thousands of rare species of wildlife, including snow leopards, Pallas's cats, and bharals. It is one of ten newly-established national parks in the country.
Ma Cunxin, head of the wildlife rehabilitation and breeding station in the park, together with his team members, shoulders the responsibility of rescuing wild animals and monitoring the ecology of the park.
"As a child, I loved small animals. So, I chose to study biology at university. During several field expeditions with my tutor, I developed a great fondness for wild animals," he said.
The station has recorded the movement of many rare wild animals and provide support for biological population monitoring in the park.
"We've set up cameras to monitor various ecosystems. One camera captured five snow leopards in a single image, and another, six Pallas's cats. We've also filmed Chinese mountain cats breeding at the highest altitude ever recorded. These are significant achievements for us," said Ma.
The park spans a vast area, and Ma leads a small team, including two girls, stationed at a remote location in its center. Their work can be highly challenging.
"Many of the wild animals we find can't be saved. We feel quite helpless. It's heart-breaking," said Xu Fengyi, a ranger at the wildlife rehabilitation and breeding station.
"This isn't the career path my family wanted me to follow. There is, as they say, little future in it. But I think the meaning of life is different for everyone," said Zhu Hongyi, another ranger.
The harsh environment and tiring daily routine often present difficulties, but the young people said the joy of saving a life banishes any misgivings.
"When an injured animal is rehabilitated and returned to nature through the hard work of our staff, it makes me feel wonderful to be part of this process," said Ma Jinglin, a member of the station.
Data shows that the number of bird species recorded in the Qilian Mountains region has grown to 220, and that of mammals to 35.
Young rangers guard wildlife in Chinese national park
