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The City
The guide was updated:
Shenzhen’s story is one of the most remarkable transformations in modern China. Just over 40 years ago, this bustling metropolis was nothing more than a humble fishing village with a small population. Everything changed in 1980 when the Chinese government designated it as the country's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This bold experiment was part of Deng Xiaoping's reforms to open China to the world, drawing foreign investment and setting the stage for rapid development. Almost overnight, Shenzhen became a magnet for entrepreneurs, builders, and investors from across China and beyond, sparking an economic boom that few could have imagined.
Today, Shenzhen feels like the beating heart of China's tech scene—it's often called ‘China’s Silicon Valley’. Here, sleek skyscrapers, sprawling tech campuses, and start-ups abound. Walking through the city, you might pass the headquarters of giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, which have made Shenzhen their home base. And yet, for all its modernity, Shenzhen has preserved pockets of its past, with temples, traditional markets, and quiet, older neighbourhoods tucked between the glass and steel towers. This mix of old and new makes Shenzhen a unique place that feels both forward-thinking and deeply rooted, an exciting stop for travellers curious about China’s dynamic evolution.
Today, Shenzhen feels like the beating heart of China's tech scene—it's often called ‘China’s Silicon Valley’. Here, sleek skyscrapers, sprawling tech campuses, and start-ups abound. Walking through the city, you might pass the headquarters of giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, which have made Shenzhen their home base. And yet, for all its modernity, Shenzhen has preserved pockets of its past, with temples, traditional markets, and quiet, older neighbourhoods tucked between the glass and steel towers. This mix of old and new makes Shenzhen a unique place that feels both forward-thinking and deeply rooted, an exciting stop for travellers curious about China’s dynamic evolution.