Many foreigners living in the city of Xi'an – capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province – have praised the city for its resolute and strenuous fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that as a result they feel protected by the strict measures.

The declaration "I am fine and safe in Xi'an" by foreigners was reportedly a common remark to be heard when the virus hit Xi'an. Expats living in the city were overheard to use it often in the face of worries expressed by their families and friends.

An Indian who has been living in Xi'an for seven years and has opened several restaurants there said: "Xian's management is very strict. During the pandemic, the restaurants I opened had to close, but I think it was only a short-term loss."

"For me, the period was precious and I enjoyed spending time with my family."

He also posted videos on his social media accounts of himself cooking food, tutoring his children's homework and playing badminton at his home, arousing the attention of netizens.

Irishman James Fitzpatrick, a foreign teacher in Xi'an, said: "Xi'an has taken the most appropriate way to prevent the spread of the pandemic, and more importantly, people are willing to abide by these measures for the health of others."

An international student from Tajikistan helps her local community sell vegetables. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

International students in Xi'an have also actively participated in the voluntary work in the fight against the virus.

One of them is a French woman with the Chinese name of Wu Hong, currently teaching at Northwestern Polytechnical University, who has worked and lived in Xi'an for nearly 10 years. She said she had long regarded Xi'an as her second hometown. Wearing protective clothing, masks and goggles, she served as a volunteer to record nucleic acid testing information.

In addition, she helped the university organize and distribute vegetables. She was impressed that everyone was willing to serve as volunteers.

One international student from Tajikistan took the initiative to help the community sell vegetables.

As an international metropolis and an important scientific research and education center, Xi'an has attracted a large number of foreigners and students to work, study, start a business and live there in recent years.

Facing the sudden pandemic, they are said to have guarded the city in their own way.