Mexican residential building manager bridges Chinese, foreign neighbors

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez puts on makeup for a cultural event in Shekou Subdistrict of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez, whose Chinese name is Bai Xiaoyu, is from Mexico City, Mexico. In 2004, driven by her love of Chinese culture and music, Nora came to China to pursue a master's degree. She later started a family in China and settled in Shekou, Shenzhen.

Shenzhen was one of China's first special economic zones. The city has emerged as a magnet for people from around the globe to live and work.

The residential compound where Nora and her family live is home to local residents and some 300 foreigners. Language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliarity with local policies and regulations are among the practical challenges many foreign residents face daily.

Nora has been involved in various volunteer activities since childhood. She joined an international volunteer service team in Shenzhen, putting her ability to speak six languages to good use by helping foreign residents better understand Chinese culture and familiarize themselves with local rules and regulations.

In June 2026, Nora became the first foreigner to serve as a residential building manager in Shekou Subdistrict. The role involves a wide range of routine yet often demanding tasks. She serves both as an interpreter of local policies and as a mediator among neighbors. Working closely with other community workers, Nora regularly helps her foreign neighbors understand regulations on residential registration, pet ownership and management, and other aspects of daily life.

In Nora's view, Mexican and Chinese cultures share many common values: both show respect for elders, place great importance on family, and cherish their own cultural heritage. Having lived in Shenzhen for nearly a decade, Nora now regards the city as her second hometown. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez (C) introduces a green commuting initiative to a foreign resident in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez (R) poses for photos with her friend during a cultural event in Shekou Subdistrict of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez (1st R) takes part in the "Hello APEC" cultural event in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, in 2026.(Xinhua)

This undated photo shows Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez serving as a residential building manager in her community in Shekou Subdistrict of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province.(Xinhua)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez helps her children with homework at the Dongjiaotou Community Public Service Center in Shekou Subdistrict of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez and her children walk out of the Dongjiaotou Community Public Service Center in Shekou Subdistrict of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez introduces Mexico at a community public service center in Shekou Subdistrict of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez is pictured in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

Nora Elena Carstens Blazquez is pictured at the Management and Service Center for Expats in Shekou Subdistrict of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 18, 2026.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)