BEIJING - Wang Junfeng and seven fellow Chinese researchers at Harvard Medical School gave up life in the United States to move to a small island on the outskirts of Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui province. "Science Island" is home to more than 10 research institutes and 1,000 top researchers - and an ideal place to focus on their research, they said.

In the 1990s and early 21st century, many Chinese college students flocked to developed countries to pursue studies and professions that involved-more advanced research equipment.

In the past two decades, as its economy blossomed, China has attached greater importance to science and technology, making it an increasingly attractive base for researchers.