HEFEI, June 2 (Xinhua) -- When some mayors and city representatives from around the world visited Yixian County for an international event, 8-year-old Alina, who received these foreign guests with her parents, quickly caught people's attention. Fluent in both Chinese and English, she welcomed the guests with a lively performance of Chinese martial arts and Huangmei Opera, earning warm applause.

Alina grew up in a multicultural family. Her father, an Austrian native Armin Schober, and her Chinese mother, Huang Qiong, visited Hongcun Village of Yixian County in 2021 and fell in love with its scenery and rich culture. The couple later quit their jobs in Shenzhen and opened a guesthouse called "Alina's Garden" in Yixian County. In 2023, they added a shop serving coffee and pizza.

For Alina, local life is full of freedom and fun. She runs through fields with local friends, practices martial arts and shares some of the moves with her classmates. She is also learning Tai Chi. "Martial arts have helped Alina feel closer to Chinese culture," Huang said. "She is much stronger, and martial arts have become part of her everyday life."