The visiting delegation came to U.S. this month to learn about mixed lakeside development.  They spend Monday afternoon on the Chain of Lakes learning about residential and commercial lakeside development to incorporate into growth plans when they return to their homeland.

These officials are here to see how they can make the Shanghai Fengxian district into a center of China's leisure marine industry.

The Shanghai Fengxian district is similar to Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes community, and the delegates are hoping to borrow ideas for future lakeside development for their country, said George Lin, a Lakeland resident who was interpreting for the group.

The business casual-clad, briefcase-toting officials have been in the United States since the 1st of December, and as part of their tour they have inspected marinas, resorts, yacht clubs and other lakeside leisure attractions.

Lakeland businessman Robert Lee played host to the group on their visit to Winter Haven. Lee, who became friends with the leaders through a Tampa-based organization, introduced the group to the chain of lakes.  The tour was conducted on a pontoon boat.

They passed through the canals from Lake Shipp to Lake Lulu and Lake Eloise. While on the boat, the group had the opportunity to see residences along the chain, the Harborside Restaurant and a ski show at Cypress Gardens.

The group is working with a Tampa investment firm to create a direct ocean shipping service between Tampa and Shanghai.


Overall, the report from the group was that they saw a good balance of development and the natural environment along the chain.  The place is well preserved and the water is beautiful.