Meet the Residents: Jingzhi & Li

Jingzhi & Li at home

Can you introduce yourselves and tell us what you both do?
We are Jingzhi Gong, a Research Associate at King’s College London, and Li Yan, a doctoral researcher at Loughborough University.

Where are you moving from?
We are moving from Loughborough, where we have lived for several years.

Where did you live before Loughborough?
We are both originally from mainland China and have lived in the UK for several years.

How would friends describe you as a couple?
Our friends would describe us as supportive and family-oriented.

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy together?
We enjoy baking, cooking, photography and spending time with our Maltese assistance dog, Polo.

We hear baking is a passion: what is your signature bake, and are you starting a business?
Our bakery specialises in artisan breads, with a particular focus on Chinese-style soft breads. Our signature products include a range of soft breads, such as rice breads made with a blend of wheat flour and rice flour, along with other Asian-inspired baked goods. Yes, we have been operating as an online bakery business.

What first sparked the idea of moving from Loughborough to Nottingham?
We wanted a more permanent home with more space, better transport links and easier access to city life.

Why was now the right time to make the move?
We had reached a stage in our careers and business plans where we wanted greater stability and a long-term home.

Was moving to Nottingham something you had always planned to do?
We had always planned to settle in a well-connected UK city, and Nottingham gradually became our preferred choice.

What were you looking for in your next chapter of life?
We were looking for a modern, spacious, sustainable, safe and conveniently located home.

What has been the most exciting part of the move so far?
The most exciting part has been watching the house take shape, imagining our future there and planning how to personalise it.

What has surprised you most about the process?
We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly and kindly the developer and NDL team resolved our issues and by how the house and location exceeded our expectations.

Why did Nottingham stand out compared with other UK cities?
Nottingham offered an excellent balance of transport links, culture, convenience and quality of life.

Had you visited Nottingham before deciding to move?
Yes, we visited Nottingham several times and explored the city before making our decision.

What did you like most about the city?
We liked its combination of historic character, modern amenities and the convenience of city-centre living.

Were there particular neighbourhoods, amenities or cultural aspects that appealed to you?
We were especially drawn to Victoria Centre, Sneinton Market, cafés such as Interestea Nottingham, international restaurants including Made in Brazil, Wonder Pho and Oasis, and the convenient Lidl and food centre nearby.

How does Nottingham compare with life in Loughborough and mainland China?
Nottingham feels livelier and more diverse than Loughborough but calmer and less crowded than many large Chinese cities.

What are you most looking forward to experiencing in the city?
We are looking forward to exploring Nottingham’s food, culture, neighbourhoods and dog-friendly places.

What first attracted you to the development?
We were attracted by its central location, distinctive phase-one and award-winning sustainable design.

How would you describe the development’s personality or style?
We would describe it as modern, characterful and community-focused.

What makes it feel different from other places you viewed?
It offered the privacy and space of a house while still being located in the city centre.

Which features immediately stood out to you?
The sustainable design, the under-floor heating and the emphasis on creating a community immediately stood out.

Did the quirky character of the development appeal to your personalities?
Yes, its individual and unusual character suited our interest in design and creativity.

How important were community and atmosphere in your decision?
They were very important because we wanted a safe environment that offered both community connections and personal privacy.

What room or space are you most excited to make your own?
We are most excited about personalising the kitchen and living area.

Do you already have ideas for how you will decorate and personalise the house?
We are planning a warm and natural interior with soft white tones, wooden furniture and practical storage.

Is there enough kitchen space for baking experiments?
Yes, the kitchen has enough space for our baking equipment, including multiple fridge-freezers, an oven and mixers, making it more than suitable for baking as a hobby. The built-in oven provided also performs very well.

How does it feel to be among the first people moving into this next phase?
It feels special to watch the development take shape, and we especially enjoy eating in the back garden in the late-afternoon sunshine. The sunset is also surprisingly good and we enjoy walking in the common area to view the sunset.

Does it feel like you are part of something new and exciting?
Yes, it feels like a new chapter for both our lives and the wider community.

What kind of community do you hope develops here?
We hope it becomes a safe, friendly, inclusive, respectful and supportive community.

Are you looking forward to meeting neighbours and getting involved locally?
Yes, we are looking forward to meeting our neighbours and supporting local businesses.

What do you think this development will bring to Nottingham living?
It offers a distinctive combination of city-centre convenience, private homes and shared community spaces.

What does a perfect weekend look like for you both?
Our perfect weekend includes breakfast at home, a walk with Polo, some baking and a visit to a local restaurant.

Where do you think you will spend most of your time in Nottingham?
We expect to spend most of our time at home and exploring the city centre’s markets, shops and restaurants.

Are there any local cafés, bakeries or restaurants you are excited to try?
We are excited to explore the independent cafés, bakeries and restaurants throughout the city.

What is one thing from mainland China that you will definitely bring with you culturally or personally?
We will continue celebrating Chinese New Year and sharing Chinese traditions in our new home.

What are you hoping your life in Nottingham will feel like a year from now?
We hope to feel settled, connected to the community and completely at home in our newly decorated house.

In one sentence, why did this development feel like home?
It felt like home because it offered space, individuality and community in the heart of Nottingham.

What would you say to other people considering a move to Nottingham?
Nottingham is a welcoming and well-connected city with an excellent balance of culture, convenience and community.

If you could describe this next chapter in three words, what would they be?
Creative, settled and hopeful.