Liu No-yu coaches a student during a dance class at her studio in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. ZHOU HUIYING/CHINA DAILY
 
Despite it being over 3,000 kilometers from her hometown in Taiwan, Liu No-yu has decided to settle in Northeast China's Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, to pursue her dreams.
 
Though the city is mostly known for its ice and snow festival, the 26-year-old dance teacher has had anything but an icy reception.
 
"I've never felt such warmth in any other city before," Liu said while at her dance studio in the city. The creative space is equipped with the latest mod cons, including bright lights, stylish decorations and personalized touches.
 
Since opening the LoveDance studio on July 19, offering adult classes in Latin, jazz and hip-hop, a steady stream of students has made its way in.
 
Awareness of the warm and cozy environment, personalized service and professional teaching quickly spread via word of mouth and social media.
 
"So far, we have received over 40 students," said Liu. "I hope I can bring the service concept and approach from Taiwan for our students to experience.
 
"After class, students can come to the teacher for guidance at any time and we welcome them to practice their dancing in the studio whenever they want."
 
Born in Taichung, Taiwan, Liu left her hometown at the age of 18 to work on geological surveying in Chengdu, Sichuan province.
 
After spending years traversing mountains, measuring and organizing geological data, she resigned last winter and went to Sanya, Hainan province, for a vacation to recuperate.
 
While there, Liu met a young man from Harbin with whom she fell in love, and so, followed him north in March this year.
 
Liu quickly decided to stay in the city and start her own business.
 
"During my years in Chengdu, I studied dance in my spare time and hoped to get a job related to fashion or art," she said. "That's why I decided to open my own dance studio in Harbin.
 
"I've been to many cities in China, but Harbin is the most unique," she added. "I chose here not only because of its distinct four seasons and beautiful snow and ice, but more because of the warmth of the people in the city."
   
Liu poses in her dance studio. ZHOU HUIYING/CHINA DAILY
 
Liu recalled that when she first arrived, she took a taxi, and the driver immediately remarked upon hearing her accent.
 
"Learning that I am from Taiwan, the driver enthusiastically recommended beautiful and interesting places in Harbin throughout the journey, and advised me on what to eat, what to pay attention to, and where to seek medical help if I fell ill due to the unfamiliar climate," she said. "I felt like the driver was like a worried father, constantly advising his child before departure."
 
After careful consideration, she purchased a 260-square-meter space in a commercial office building for her studio.
 
Despite having broken up with her boyfriend, Liu remained undeterred.
 
"Although my journey in love ended, my new life in Harbin began, and I've experienced many random and heartwarming moments," she said. "I've met warmhearted neighbors who've helped me with renovations, and various Harbin friends at dinner parties. Harbin is an exceptionally inclusive and warm city."
 
Most of Liu's students are young women who are middle- to high-income white-collar workers, and so she hopes to provide more extended services in the future.
 
"We are going to provide beauty and massage services in the studio, making it a place where students can improve their dance skills, enjoy wellness and share a beautiful social circle," she said. "I also hope to open more studios with this model and build them into the most high-end studios in Harbin."
 
Liu has received great support from her family and friends, and her best friend has come to Harbin to assist her at her studio, she said.
 
"I hope there will be more young people from Taiwan who come to Harbin to develop their careers," she said.
 
"I want to show Harbin to my parents, and show them that their daughter is amazing and that Harbin is truly beautiful."