Shenzhen, a dazzling pearl in southern China, enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. Located adjacent to the international metropolis of Hong Kong, Shenzhen attracts global attention with its unique charm. It is a city that never sleeps, a paradise for travelers and shoppers alike.
Perhaps you are one of the city's busy residents, constantly shuttling between skyscrapers but never pausing to appreciate its essence. Maybe you were once a fleeting visitor, catching only a glimpse of its splendor yet leaving with unforgettable memories. Or, you might have never set foot in this land—if so, follow my words and discover Shenzhen’s beauty through fresh eyes, experiencing its soul with an open heart.
A Dynamic and Rapidly Growing Metropolis
Shenzhen, also known as Pengcheng, is a sub-provincial city in Guangdong Province and one of China's mega-cities with independent planning authority. It stands as a model of China's Special Economic Zones, a national economic hub, and an international metropolis. As the gateway of China's reform and opening-up policy, Shenzhen has achieved remarkable growth at an unprecedented speed, earning global recognition as a dynamic international city.
Covering approximately 1,997.47 square kilometers, Shenzhen is not large by Chinese standards, yet its urban area surpasses 2.5 times that of New York, 3.3 times that of London, and 19 times that of Paris. With a permanent population exceeding 13.02 million, Shenzhen is the first fully urbanized city in China. Situated on the eastern bank of the Pearl River Estuary, it borders Daya Bay and Dapeng Bay to the east, while overlooking the Pearl River and Lingdingyang to the west. The city is a key center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Economic Powerhouse
Shenzhen’s economic performance is impressive. In 2020, its GDP reached 2.767 trillion yuan, with a growth rate of 3.1%. The city's import and export value contributed 12.4% to the national foreign trade growth, while its export volume remained the highest in China for 28 consecutive years. Shenzhen also leads in property prices, with an average new home transaction price reaching 66,422 yuan per square meter, making it the most expensive city in Guangdong Province.
A Rich and Deep-Rooted History
The name “Shenzhen” first appeared during the Ming Dynasty (1408 AD). By the early Qing Dynasty, the area had already developed into a bustling market town. The city’s modern history began in 1979 when Shenzhen was officially established. The following year, it was designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone, marking the start of its transformation into a global metropolis.
Despite its short history as an economic hub, Shenzhen has a long human history spanning over 6,700 years. Archaeological evidence suggests that indigenous people inhabited this region during the Middle Neolithic period. With a history of over 1,673 years as an administrative region, Shenzhen’s roots extend through the dynastic changes of China.
During the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), Shenzhen became part of Guangdong. Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China and established Nanhai Commandery, integrating Shenzhen into China’s central civilization. The area later became part of the Nanyue Kingdom.
Shenzhen’s administrative identity traces back to Guangzhou’s Bao’an County, established in 331 AD. During the Song Dynasty, it was a vital hub for maritime trade, famous for salt production and spices. By the Yuan Dynasty, it became known for producing exquisite pearls.
In 1573, during the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese government expanded the Dongguan garrison and established Xin’an County, which included today’s Shenzhen. This marked the beginning of Shenzhen’s historical and administrative identity.
The Division from Hong Kong and Modern Development
During the 19th century, Shenzhen’s fate took a dramatic turn. Between 1842 and 1898, China signed the Treaty of Nanjing, the Treaty of Beijing, and the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, ceding Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories to Britain. As a result, 1,055.61 square kilometers of land that once belonged to Xin’an County were severed from its jurisdiction, establishing the border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Shenzhen’s modern development began in 1979 when Bao’an County was restructured into Shenzhen City. That same year, the city was elevated to provincial-level status. In 1980, it was officially designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone. By 1988, Shenzhen gained administrative independence equivalent to a provincial-level region, and in 2004, it became the first fully urbanized city in China.
A Thriving Economic and Cultural Hub
Shenzhen consistently ranks among China’s top four economic cities and is one of the most economically efficient urban centers in the country. Strategically positioned at the forefront of the Pearl River Delta, it serves as a vital bridge between Hong Kong and Mainland China. Shenzhen excels in high-tech industries, financial services, international trade, maritime transportation, and creative industries.
The city has been a pioneer in China’s economic reforms, creating an unprecedented urbanization and industrialization miracle. In just a few decades, it has transformed from a small fishing village into a global financial and technological powerhouse, making it a testament to China’s remarkable economic progress.
A City of Migration and Diversity
Shenzhen has always been a city of migrants, welcoming people from across China and beyond. The city embodies a unique blend of cultures, preserving its Hakka heritage through historical villages while embracing the modern influences of its diverse population. The slogan “Once you come to Shenzhen, you are a Shenzhener” captures the city’s inclusive and welcoming spirit.
Walking through Shenzhen’s streets, one can experience an array of culinary delights representing various Chinese and international cuisines. This dynamic city, rich in both history and modern innovation, continues to evolve, embracing new trends while honoring its past.
Shenzhen’s Iconic Landmarks
Shenzhen’s skyline is a testament to its rapid economic development. The city’s iconic buildings, once dominated by the Electronics Building and Guomao Tower in the 1980s, have since been replaced by modern marvels like Ping An International Finance Centre, symbolizing Shenzhen’s ambition as a global financial hub.
As an entrepreneurial hotspot, Shenzhen attracts businesses of all sizes—from multinational corporations to innovative startups—earning its reputation as “The Silicon Valley of China.”
A City of Dreams and Opportunities
Shenzhen is a city built on dreams. It welcomes ambitious entrepreneurs, talented professionals, and anyone seeking a better future. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, Shenzhen offers opportunities to thrive.
The city’s beauty is not just in its skyscrapers and prosperity, but in its openness, inclusivity, and relentless pursuit of innovation. Like a compelling book, each chapter of Shenzhen’s story reveals its resilience, vision, and boundless possibilities.
Let us explore Shenzhen together—feel its energy, embrace its culture, and discover its limitless potential.
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