Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

"Where the heart is, there is home." For莫斯文, a 55-year-old American, the phrase is a vivid注foot to his 16 years of life in China. He came to China 16 years ago with a love for Chinese culture, planted the seeds of his career here, and has since garnered a sense of kinship, friendship, and belonging, turning a foreign land into a true "home."

From cultural yearning to Lijiang's roots, a journey across mountains and seas.

Moushwen's connection with China began at a young age when his mother influenced him to develop a strong interest in Chinese culture. In 2008, this sentiment prompted him to bring his family to Kunming to study Chinese, thus beginning his life chapter in China. From living and working in Dali, to coming to Lijiang in 2013 at the invitation of a friend, his steps have always been guided by his heart's yearning for China.

Moushwen checks the growth of seedlings. (Reporters of Lijiang Integration, He Baoque, Yang Guohui)

In Lijiang, Moushwen found a foothold for his career. He discovered that the climate of Lijiang is quite similar to that of Washington State in the United States, with cold winters and cool summers, which meets the temperature growth requirements of cherries. Thus, he established an agricultural technology promotion company, from planting cherries and apples to focusing on the cultivation of grafting and scion seedlings in 2018, with products sold all over Yunnan. He transformed his love for this land into a solid career.

Heart to heart, warm connections in the career

In莫斯文's nursery garden, there is a profound friendship that transcends cultures. Seven years ago, he met A Wei, a member of the Naxi ethnic group, when he rented land in Yangxi Village. They hit it off from the first meeting, and he invited A Wei to the nursery to help out. Today, A Wei has grown into a full-time manager, and the two of them work and eat together every day, becoming each other's most trusted partners. Every New Year's Eve,莫斯文 takes his family to A Wei's home to celebrate the Spring Festival with them, watching the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, playing games, and enjoying barbecue.

Moushwen planted seedlings with Avi.Lijiang reporter from Lijiang integration mediaHuo Bao Wei (Photo by Yang Guohui)

He treats customers with the same care. When the apple seedlings ordered by the fruit grower are unearthed, he immediately waters and packs them to prevent water loss. When bidding farewell to the truck driver, he repeatedly reminds: "When you see the customer, be sure to remind them to water a lot when planting. You've worked hard, thank you!" The simple words contain reverence for the business and a sincere heart for the people on this land.

Moushwen is trimming seedlings in the nursery.Lijiang reporter from Lijiang MediaHuo Bao Wei (Photo by Yang Guohui)

The look of home, the sense of belonging in family affection

For莫斯文, Lijiang is not only a career, but also a warm home. His four children grew up in China, and although his three sons have returned to the United States to attend university, his youngest daughter, Lili, was born and raised in Lijiang and has long regarded it as her hometown. "I think Western food is too greasy, and I prefer rice noodles and fried rice," said Lili, reflecting her deep integration into life in Yunnan. When asked where she is from, she did not hesitate to answer, "Lijiang."

Moushwen spent the weekend with his family.Lijiang reporter from the integrated media of LijiangHuo Bao Wei (Photo by Yang Guohui)

Family time is an unwavering commitment for莫斯文, and weekends are always reserved for family. His wife has also fallen in love with the warmth and hospitality here, "making many good friends". 16 years of life in China, 11 years of memories in Lijiang,莫斯文 candidly states: "99% of the beautiful memories are etched here."

Wherever my heart is, is my hometown.

From the yearning for Chinese culture to the career that took root in Lijiang; from the deep friendship with the Naxi villagers to the family's complete integration into local life, the莫斯 Wen family has proved that the definition of home is never limited to blood ties and nationality, but more about the belonging of the soul.

Moushwen and his family pose for a photo together. (Reported by He Baoqiu and Yang Guohui of Lijiang Integrated Media)

When莫斯文 said: "Our hearts are in China."

When Lily said: "Lijiang is really my home."

The phrase "Where the heart is, there is home" has found a warm interpretation. If the heart takes root, a foreign land becomes one's hometown; if the feelings are integrated, the years become gentle. The mountains and rivers, the humanity and the fireworks of Lijiang have long become the most precious "home" in the life of the莫斯 family.