American finds new life in millennia-old city

ZHENGZHOU — When Daniel Welker delved into Asian studies as an undergraduate back in the United States, he had no idea that the seemingly casual interest would later bring him across the Pacific to start a life in China.

Welker hails from the US state of Kentucky and has lived in China for 12 years. He has found his second home in Luoyang, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization and the capital of 13 dynasties.

Over time, Welker has immersed himself in the local culture, enjoying specialties like spicy soup, wearing traditional Chinese clothing to feasts and even picking up some local dialects.