Last September 11 the Expo Families in the Linfen Community started to run on a trial basis, accommodating the first group of foreign tourists from Spain, the Cote d'Ivoire, Sudan and Japan. Wu Guoxiang received her first guest, a young Japanese guy. Despite language barrier, the couple and their guest found creative ways to communicate with each other. That first night at Wu's home, the Japanese visitor was so excited that he invited over two tourists from other Expo Families for a drink. The pleasant and warm experience gave Wu and her husband lots of confidence. As she remarked, "Language will never be a barrier, provided that we treat each other sincerely and wholeheartedly."

Cheng Shuchu: Creating a Friendly Environment

Cheng Shuchu, aged 64, a former mathematics teacher, now presides over the Expo Village Committee. In this village, Cheng Shuchu is regarded as an observant and conscientious person. At the very beginning of the village's establishment, he drew up rules and regulations for the Expo Village and Expo Families.

"Actually, we've never been given any special requirements from the related authorities. What we do follows our heart," said Cheng. Since the establishment of the village, Cheng and his villagers have organized a variety of training courses targeted at their weaknesses, such as oral English. Volunteers are invited to teach them simple daily dialogues.

"We have also invited professional chefs to teach how to cook some popular foreign dishes, soups and desserts, and we have asked the authorities to train us on how to deal with home emergencies," said Cheng. The training courses have been well received.

In addition, Cheng Shuchu also runs a monthly journal Village Briefing, which is currently on its third issue. Expo villagers can enjoy colorful images of their neighbors and visitors and read their stories.

Recently, Cheng has got the idea of making presentation boards to showcase each family's special characteristics, and display them either in individual homes or in the community's meeting room, so that guests can have an overall impression upon arrival.

Cheng has developed an interest in photography since his retirement. The photos hung about his home indicate his amateurish but attentive style. "I hope to improve my photographic skills by discussing with my guests." Cheng also enjoys playing table tennis, practicing taiji, playing the erhu (a Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument), and singing. As he argued, "It's not about showing off my skills. I just want to create a warm and relaxing environment."

To make guests feel comfortable, the elderly couple moved into a smaller room, freeing the main bedroom for guests. After initial pilot stays, they thoroughly renovated their home and replaced all the old furniture. Cheng's home is on the first floor, so when you pull back the curtains in the master bedroom you can see a small but verdant yard with a plethora of beautiful plants and flowers, and a set of countryside-style table and chairs. "Bathed in the sunshine, one can enjoy a nice cup of fragrant tea, and feel as though he was in Shangri-la," Cheng grinned.

Gu Shiren: A Cozy Chinese Experience

When you step through the door of Gu's home and go into his living room you encounter a happy scene: Gu Shiren and his wife are playing with their 10-year-old grandson Alexander, an exceedingly cute mixed-blood boy. In the kitchen, a nanny busily prepares a delicious meal.