Feng Zifeng is in class. [Photo by Li Xusheng]

In Shaxi's Xiaze Primary School, students of Class Two, Grade Three are having a basketball class. Among the lively children, a little boy with chocolate skin was playing happily with his classmates.

"My name is Feng Zifeng and my English name is Obioh Frincis," the outgoing, lively boy introduced himself in Shaxi dialect.

Born in Zhongshan in 2011, Feng Zifeng is an Afro-Chinese. His mother Feng Wenya, born in Xiaze Village, is a physical education teacher of Xiaze Primary School. His father Joe is a Nigerian who has lived in China for 15 years and now works in Guangzhou.

When Feng Zifeng was still babbling, his family had started to teach him Shaxi dialect. "Since we live in Shaxi, we need to speak the local dialect so that we can blend in and let him understand and feel the culture of his hometown," said Feng Wenya, adding that his son could speak Shaxi dialect when he was two or three years old. Shaxi dialect was the first language he mastered, and he later learned Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

At school, Feng Zifeng is very popular as many students love to play with him. Feng Zifeng's Shaxi dialect with a little English accent was praised by his friends. Sometimes he even corrected his classmates' pronunciation.

Shaxi is the hometown of delicacies. Feng Zifeng who grew up here has grown up with a "Shaxi Stomach". Speaking of his favorite local dish, he can list a series of special dishes, including porridge, noodles, Luanxi cake, glutinous rice cake and boiled tender chicken.

In addition to delicious food, the traditional dragon and lion dance also takes Feng Zifeng's heart. "I think the glittering lion and dragon are very lively and vivid and show Chinese characteristics."