More overseas Chinese professionals return

There's been a surge in the number of wealthy Chinese professionals emigrating overseas; many of those same people have chosen to return home in recent years. CCTV reporter Wu Haojun finds out what's luring them back.

James Wang looks Chinese, but sounds North American. He was born in China but holds a Canadian passport. He's just one of around 45 million Chinese who have chosen to emigrate elsewhere. But now he's back, he says, to stay.

James Wang, Returned Overseas Chinese, said, "We didn't think we'd come back in the first place... closer to the family."

For James, nothing takes priority over family. It's one crucial consideration but not the only reason he's back.

"Having experiences abroad..."

And James is certainly not alone. According to the Ministry of Education, in 2010, the number of overseas talent who returned to China topped 130,000, a record high. That's in part to do with China's roaring economic engine, and in part due to active policies aimed at luring talent back home.

Back in 2008, the central government initiated the "Thousand talent program" which promised high salaries and attractive government funding to Chinese professionals working abroad.

Returning home wasn't an easy transition either. James had to make some sacrifices and learn to cope with the differences between Canada and China.

"I learned to drive in Canada....."

Despite the challenges, James says it's good to be back in China with family and friends. As they say, there's no place like home.