(China’s New Look) Shenzhen- Continue to write the -Spring Story- with the characteristics of -dare to venture and dare to try-
In an exclusive interview about the vibrant and rapidly evolving landscape of Shenzhen, we had the opportunity to speak with several influential figures who shared their insights on this dynamic city.
Li Guangxin, a Hong Kong youth who has launched his career in Qianhai, expressed his fondness for the area. “Running in Qianhai is a delightful experience, with the refreshing sea breeze and abundant greenery,” he shared during his first outdoor run. From this vantage point, he could see iconic sights like the Ferris wheel and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. Li hopes more young people from Hong Kong will fall in love with Qianhai, highlighting the region’s growth and its potential to inspire entrepreneurial spirit.
As the primary stepping stone for young people from Hong Kong and Macau entering mainland China, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub has fostered 1,232 entrepreneurial teams, with 765 hailing from Hong Kong. Many youngsters are not only realizing their dreams but also enjoying the high-quality lifestyle that Qianhai and Shenzhen offer.
Looking back at the region’s history, Qianhai was established as a modern service industry cooperation zone 31 years after China’s reform and opening-up began. It has become known as a “special zone within a special zone.” Over the last 14 years, Qianhai has expanded from 14.92 square kilometers to 120.56 square kilometers, showcasing its transformative nature with an average of one new institutional innovation announced every three days.
Currently, Qianhai has introduced a total of 835 innovative initiatives, with 94 adopted nationwide. Recent developments such as the “Qianhai Cross-Border E-Station” and various financing solutions have emerged to address common funding challenges faced by Hong Kong enterprises.
Ceng Jianpeng, director of the Shenzhen Park Development Authority at the He Tao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, emphasized the importance of this project. “We’ve made significant progress in overcoming challenges related to the movement of personnel, funds, and data,” he noted, highlighting enhanced accessibility for researchers traveling between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Shenzhen, with its bold reform agenda, has made groundbreaking advancements over the years, achieving over 1,000 national firsts in reform initiatives. Recently, the city has introduced pioneering regulations on smart vehicles, data governance, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in exploring new frontiers.
This year, several notable initiatives have underscored Shenzhen’s innovative drive, including the launch of China’s first digital RMB prepaid card and the establishment of the “Shenzhen (Qianhai) Large Model and Algorithm Innovation Service Center.” The city’s continuous introduction of innovative initiatives showcases its commitment to leading the nation in technological advancement.
Reflecting on her journey, Ru Xianguli, the chief magician at Happy Valley, shared her deep affection for Shenzhen since moving from Xinjiang in 1998. “Watching a city grow and being part of that transformation is incredibly moving,” she said. “As a resident of Shenzhen, I feel proud and fortunate to contribute to its ongoing evolution.”