Italian student's affection for 'Mountain City' in SW China

"In China, you have the most convenient online shopping, logistics and food delivery, especially during the epidemic," Buttarello said. "All you have to do is to move your fingers."

Buttarello said he has witnessed how the Chinese people united and quickly contained COVID-19 since its outbreak.

"I saw how the Chinese government put people's lives first," he said. "China and Italy have cooperated in the fight against the epidemic, and I hope the two countries will continue to help each other."

Buttarello is just one example of the deepening exchanges between Chongqing and Italy.

In recent years, Chongqing has conducted various friendly exchanges with local governments in Italy. More than 160 Italian students have come to study in Chongqing, and close to 60 Italian experts or teachers have come to work in the city. By February 2019, Chongqing had 46 Italian investment companies. In March this year, Chongqing donated 180,000 masks to Italy to aid its fight against COVID-19.

Buttarello plans to stay in Chongqing after graduation. He hopes to find work in the field of international cultural communication.

"I hope to become a bridge for the people-to-people exchanges between China and Italy," he said.