Unlocking life in Gansu: an Egyptian professor's journey with the Five-Star Card

El-Sayed Salama, a professor at Lanzhou University's School of Public Health, has spent many years living and working in Gansu province. He recently received a Five-Star Card, the new version of China's permanent residence ID card.

"For me, it is more than just a card," Salama said. "It is like a master key that has unlocked a whole new life."

With the Five-Star Card, Salama now enjoys the same level of convenience as Chinese residents. Registering for hospital appointments is simple, and he has also experienced the unique appeal of traditional Chinese medicine. This access has given him a form of "Chinese-style happiness" that, in his words, offers efficiency and a strong sense of belonging.

According to the Gansu Provincial Public Security Department, since 2024, the province has intensified efforts to attract international talent. With the new Five-Star Card, multiple government departments have completed convenience upgrades in more than 60 service areas, including finance, education, healthcare, and transportation.

These measures have helped bridge the "last mile" in services for foreign professionals living and working in Gansu, according to Salama.

Now, traveling across China has become seamless for him. High-speed rail trips, hotel check-ins, and cross-border remittances, once time-consuming, can now be completed in minutes. "This is what I call Chinese speed," he said.

Beyond convenience, the Five-Star Card has helped Salama and his family integrate into everyday Chinese life. From mobile payments and lively night markets to museum visits and cultural experiences shared with his son, Gansu has become a place he now calls home.