Michelin chef from Germany makes Changsha home

Mario Vieira, a Michelin chef from Germany, has chosen to work and live in Changsha, Hunan province, after having worked and lived in 18 countries.

He now runs a Western restaurant in Yanghu Wetland Park, located in the urban area of the city.

"When I was a little kid, I liked creating something different in the kitchen and wanted to be a chef," Vieira said.

In more than 30 years, he has worked and lived in 18 countries, including Italy, France, the United States and Australia.

"But I chose to stay here finally," he said, "When I first came here in 2007, I found I liked the city very much, especially how I was accepted by local people. I didn't speak Chinese at that time, but all the people were friendly."

The city did not let him down.

"I am lucky. I have many friends and old customers. They always follow me," he said, "I have customers who drive three hours to come here, just to eat my food, and then drive three hours home."

In the past 15 years, the German has witnessed the rapid development of the country. Skyscrapers have sprung up like mushrooms; high-speed railways extend in all directions; many beautiful gardens have emerged.

"Changsha is totally different now. It's like magic," he said.

"The construction of a building might be completed in a short period of time and a new shopping mall might be put into operation in three to four months," said Vieira, who travels a lot around the country for business and leisure, enjoying food, scenery, and culture.

"I met my wife here. Our son was born here. My business and my friends are here. China has become my second hometown," he said, adding that he wants to enrich his experience and gain more memories in China.