Picture of Dang learning how to prepare hotpot seasonings and when he was studying in Canada. (Photo/Scol.com.cn)

Like any other day, Dang Haifeng wakes up early in the morning and goes to the market for hotpot ingredients. After that, Dang starts to prepare the seasoning, which normally takes two hours to complete. Then Dang packs everything up and delivers it to his hotpot restaurant. Seeing Dang settled in his daily routine, it’s almost hard to believe that he is a returnee who spent five years living in Canada.

In 2008, Dang Haifeng decided to go to Canada for college after graduating from high school in Chengdu. He studied at Saint Mary's University for the first year, then transferred to the University of Western Ontario where he majored in business management and organization. Dang graduated in 2013 with honors. After a great deal of consideration, he decided to move back to China with his then girlfriend.

Dang’s first job back home was financial manager of a well-known hotpot restaurant. After a while, Dang developed the idea of opening his own hotpot restaurant. In order to learn how to cook the best hotpot seasonings, Dang went to Chongqing to learn from a master. In 2015, Dang and his girlfriend tied the knot and finally opened their own restaurant. In just half a year, Dang has sold over 2,900 bags of the special hotpot seasoning that he makes himself.

Some people around Dang support his enterprising spirit, while others are against his idea. No matter what people’s reactions, Dang thinks there is nothing he hasn’t been prepared for when it comes to opening his own restaurant. “My experiences studying abroad and working part time at local restaurants were all very helpful. Though I spent almost 1.5 million yuan while I was studying abroad, I know I can make that money back with my hotpot business,” said Dang.

Picture of Dang learning how to prepare hotpot seasonings and preparing to open his own hotpot restaurant. (Photo/Scol.com.cn)