Dalian car enthusiast brings auto museum, racetrack to hometown

Wang Qunjie can hardly count the number of times he has visited the United Kingdom.

During his most recent trip in September, he drove more than 2,600 kilometers over eight days, visited seven cities and met with dozens of entrepreneurs and government officials to promote international cooperation with Dalian, his hometown in Northeast China's Liaoning province.

Currently, Wang is in charge of at least two development projects - an international racetrack project in coordination with the UK-based Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, the world's largest Jaguar automobile association, and an international automotive museum in cooperation with the English city of Coventry.

Both are expected to begin construction early next year in the Dalian Huangyuankou Economic Zone, which is about 120 km to the northeast of downtown Dalian.

"I'm devoting myself to building Huayuankou into China's Goodwood," Wang told China Daily.

Goodwood, in West Sussex, is home to the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the UK's most renowned automotive festivals. The event attracts the best cars, legendary racers and motoring enthusiasts.

"Dalian is a well-known coastal city in China. It boasts a beautiful environment, a solid industrial foundation and a dynamic economy. The Dalian International Automotive Exhibition has been held for 20 years. It deserves a top international automotive race and festival," Wang said.

No fewer than 20 races will be held annually after the completion of the racetrack, he said. Around the track, there will be recreational and commercial facilities, such as a training school for car racing, a luxury seaside hotel, a motor sports theme park and a shopping center.

Wang, 33, studied and worked in the UK for six years. The first time he arrived in London in 2002, he could only speak 100 words of English.

However, three years later, he graduated from Middlesex University with a major in business administration. In 2007, he obtained a master's degree in marketing from London Metropolitan University.

"Diligence and interest is the secret," he said.

At first, Wang worked part time to support himself. When he decided to return to China in 2008, he earned nearly 40,000 pounds ($61,830) a year.

Although Wang came from a wealthy family, he said he always dreamed of starting his own business from scratch. In order to build experience, he went to the dynamic Chinese city of Shenzhen and worked as a salesman for only 1,500 yuan ($236) per month.

In 2011, he returned to Dalian, established his own company and started to build an online platform for motoring enthusiasts.

"Top Gear, a British TV series about cars, inspired me with its quirky, humorous and factual style. I wanted to give good service like that," Wang said.

He is now developing an app, Qunyi Club, as a magnet for car fans and clubs in China.

"We've contacted 1,300 clubs and have got a large sum of venture investment. We're willing to cooperate with car clubs around the world and bring top cars to Dalian," Wang said.

He said he will continue to promote exchanges between Dalian and Coventry, and other British cities. "Surely, the communication will be broadened in all aspects. I'm honored to do my best," he said.

zhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/20/2015 page18)