Chinese 'Survivors' get taste of Bulgarian mountain village

Impressive environment

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The Chinese wanted to capture sunsets "because they, hectic in their metropolis, miss those small joys," Nikova said.

"Indeed, when you look at the sunset or sunrise even for a few minutes, you relax from all of life's tensions," Nikova said.

Zhang Zhendong, one of the "survivors" in this show told Xinhua that he is a part-time racing driver from Shanghai, relaxing between competition seasons. "The environment in the village makes me totally relaxed, and I keep exercising everyday," said Zhang.

Zhang said the hospitality of the villagers and their healthy living style were the most impressive things to him. He also experienced his first time riding a horse and going hunting in Bulgaria.

Fruitful cooperation

The Shanghai company first came to Momchilovtsi in 2008, Nikova said. The following year, the company launched a dairy product labeled "Momchilovtsi," and in 2012 the village and the Chinese manufacturer officially shook hands and began cooperation.

Nikova said that since then, the Chinese company has been sending to the village tourist groups numbering around 500 people a year.

"Thus, they support the economy of Momchilovtsi because when a group arrives, they enter shops, restaurant, attends our folk programs and see museums," she said.

The local museum has exhibited a special wall showing the friendship between China and Momchilovtsi, including a picture of a Chinese group with the inscription: "Mimchilovtsi I love U. Warm wishes and heartfelt thanks from China."