Shenzhen - Marshland to Magnificence

Shenzhen - From Seaside Village to Economic Powerhouse

Setting the Scene

The sheer amount of residents in China’s internationally renowned urban centers easily surpasses the combined populations of several capital cities across the globe. One of the most densely populated areas in the world, the Pearl River Delta metropolitan area houses five of China’s most profitable and developmentally advanced economic centers: Guangzhou, Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Each city represents an invaluable element of the Pearl River megalopolis. Foreign direct investment, business launches, and trade relationships flourish within the boundaries of this region, making the Pearl River a popular place for migration among Chinese nationals and international workers alike. Shenzhen is unique for its concentrated focus on technology and its exponential growth. As of 2024, it was the city with the tenth highest GDP per capita in all of China.

A 1990s snapshot of Shenzhen, a short decade into its then-unprecedented growth

A Brief Introduction

Shenzhen, located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Hong Kong, lies on the southern border of Guangdong province in southeastern China. The city has served as the backdrop to some of China’s earliest interactions with Europe due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Despite its prime location and contemporary privileges, the city was considered a lower-level village until the later half of the twentieth century when its fortunes changed.

Deng Xiaoping, universally recognized as the original architect of China’s opening up to foreign markets and changing dynastic trends of isolationist policy, first designated Shenzhen as a special economic zone in 1979. A series of processes were undertaken to attract business development opportunities and foreign interest. Meanwhile, physical barriers were established separating it from the bordering northern territory. In 1992, the city gained the administrative right to make decisions on its own behalf. Later, in 2008, the city gained further autonomy over policies including sustainable practices, regional integration, and innovation. As the city gained notoriety for its economic potential, migrants began to travel to Shenzhen in droves.

A photo documenting Shenzhen in its original state - a humble fishing village before foreign and domestic interest

Current Demographics

The Shenzhen of today has a comparatively young population to the rest of China; its employment opportunities in the technology and entrepreneurial sectors make the city an attractive destination for young graduates and those seeking to expand within China. Of residents with Chinese origin, the main ethnic groups include the Hakka, Cantonese, and Chaoshanese. Foreign residents come from all parts, including the Republic of Korea and numerous other locales to pursue business ventures or study at the city's renowned research universities.

Sights to See

Shenzhen boasts a sprawling metropolitan area, connected by efficient and timely public transportation. The city's best attractions range from cultural preservation sites to museums, parks, botanical gardens, and artistic entertainment complexes that combine shopping, cultural exposure, and restaurants within reasonable walking distance. Some of the most famous sites include the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, the warehouse that houses the OCT Contemporary Art Terminal, and the Splendid China Folk Village, which hosts several precise reproductions of ethnic villages and nationally famous landmarks that allow for a condensed journey across China within the space of a few hours.

A photo displaying the diverse array of plant life available to visit at the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden in Shenzhen

Forging Your Path in Shenzhen

As an intern, time spent in this beautiful locale is limited. But don’t fret! There are several activities, events, and sites to see that have attracted their share of dreamers and doers over the last forty-five years since the city was designated as a Special Economic Zone. Today, Shenzhen boasts a healthy balance of restaurants, nightlife, and vestiges of its ancient history that showcase just how far the city has come.

A magnificent view of China's first Special Economic Zone and the development it has undergone to emerge as a crown jewel in the Pearl River Delta crown

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Michelle has a talent for identifying and signing partnerships with amazing hotels for interns in China.

Shenzhen - Marshland to Magnificence

Michelle

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