A future city in the making

Unlike Shi, the 25-year-old engineer Yang Wenjun suffered from a long separation with his girlfriend, who was in his hometown in Zhejiang province. Coming to Xiong'an only three months ago, Yang felt that "the climate in Northern China is a bit challenging to me."

Newly graduated this year, Yang was still trying to adapt to a new life outside of campus and to a new working and living environment. While he may be reserved and introverted, he had a smile on his face when speaking of his girlfriend.