Simone from Italy, whose Chinese name is Ma Chao, is the founder of the Italian restaurant Dolce Amore in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.
After nearly a decade he is a total fan of the city.
"Nine years ago, I came to Guiyang with my girlfriend for the first time and I was attracted by the traditional Chinese culture in this city," he said. "Now, we are married and have a two-year-old baby," Ma added.
Ma Chao has loved Chinese culture since he was a child and likes to read books about ancient China. His Chinese name also comes from the stories of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) he read at that time.
"When I was a teenager, my friends liked all kinds of football players, but the hero I liked was Bruce Lee," Ma said.
In Ma's view, Guiyang is a rapidly developing city that is becoming more and more modern and international. In nine years, Ma has witnessed the changes in Guiyang.
As a professional restaurateur, Ma believes that the catering industry in Guiyang has also undergone great changes in recent years.
"When I founded Dolce Amore in Guiyang, most of the Guiyang catering market was dominated by local catering, plus some Japanese, Korean or fast-food chains. After many years, more and more cuisines from other Asian countries or western restaurants appear in Guiyang, and more Guiyang people are willing to experience the new food culture," Ma said.
In the future, Ma hopes to make his restaurant better, so that more Guiyang people can experience Italian culture through food.
Also, with his restaurant as a bridge, he hopes to promote Guiyang to his friends and partners in other countries.