Expats find Pingshan's diverse charm in video

After watching the Pingshan District international promotional video —“What’s Your Next Step?” — American Don Rechtman immediately boarded the Shenzhen Metro from his home in Luohu District to head for Pingshan. 

Taking Metro Line 14, he arrived at the city’s northeastern district in about 35 minutes, spending a cozy afternoon exploring Pingshan Theater, Pingshan Library, and the surrounding areas. He was impressed by the library’s extensive book collection and vinyl record space, as well as Pingshan’s pristine environment adorned with lush greenery.

Don Rechtman in a selfie taken outside Pingshan Theater. File photos except otherwise stated

A screenshot from the Pingshan District international promotional video. 

As a freelance editor, musician, and community volunteer who has been living in Shenzhen for 14 years, Rechtman was captivated by the cultural offerings of Pingshan. He commended Pingshan Theater as a world-class venue and expressed his desire to spend one or two days in Pingshan on his next visit to further explore the district’s businesses, hospitality, and natural beauty.

“The visit was brief yet amazing. It’s akin to being in a five-star restaurant where you sample a single dish with a teaspoon and are expected to review the whole restaurant based on that. All I can say is that it’s really great, and I want more,” Rechtman told Shenzhen Daily.

Screenshots from the Pingshan District international promotional video. 

The Pingshan District international promotional video has recently been released. 

In the four-minute video, viewers have a glimpse into Pingshan’s landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural landscapes, including the Shenzhen Pingshan Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Shenzhen State Biological Industry Base, Shenzhen Natural History Museum, BYD headquarters, SkyShuttle, robotaxis, Shenzhen Technology University, Pingshan Culture Center, Dawan Ancestral Residence, Maluan Mountain, and Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville. 

These scenes highlight the enduring charm of Pingshan as an innovative district with vast potential.

Screenshots from the Pingshan District international promotional video. 

Louay Ali Dib, a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador who has yet to visit Pingshan, expressed his interest in the district after watching the video. He praised the video for its high quality and comprehensive presentation of Pingshan’s unique features, which appeal to those seeking innovation, development, culture, education, sports, or nature experiences.

Louay Ali Dib gives a talk on artificial intelligence in a past event. 

A computer engineer from Syria, Dib found Pingshan’s innovation and technology particularly intriguing. “The video definitely inspires me to visit and explore the technological part of Pingshan, as such an innovative place may open up more opportunities and spark new ideas that can be used in my software engineering projects,” he told Shenzhen Daily.

“Meanwhile, nature in Pingshan is also very appealing and it seems like a perfect place for camping, which is something I love,” he added.

Screenshots from the Pingshan District international promotional video. 

Dr. Mrutyunjay Maharana, an Indian principal engineer and expert at a renowned corporation for new energy vehicles in Pingshan, expressed admiration for the state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities showcased in the video.

“Pingshan’s commitment to fostering innovation is impressive. The district hosts many research institutions and innovation platforms that encourage collaboration among academia, industry, and startups,” he said.

Dr. Mrutyunjay Maharana in Pingshan.  

Having resided in Pingshan for a few months, Dr. Maharana also lauded the high-speed trains, the SkyShuttle and robotaxis featured in the video. He commented that these developments highlight Pingshan’s role as a forward-thinking district that not only prioritizes technological growth but also ensures that such advancements are integrated into the daily life, promoting a sustainable and dynamic urban environment.

Screenshots from the Pingshan District international promotional video. 

Other residents of Pingshan echoed their appreciation for the video’s portrayal of the district’s offerings, many of which they have explored.

Keyth Cristina Nascimento Guimarães, a Ph.D. candidate at Shenzhen University and a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador, has been living in Pingshan for three years with her family. She said the video shows diverse activities in Pingshan. 

“We love living in Pingshan. We love spending our time at Pingshan Theater or the library, hiking at Maluan Mountain, walking in Julong Mountain Park, and exploring good restaurants throughout the district,” she said.

Keyth Cristina Nascimento Guimarães (R) makes a lamp with residents at a past event organized by Maluan Subdistrict in Pingshan. Photo courtesy of the event organizer 

Samuel Sadiq, a German teacher at Shenzhen Technology University in Pingshan, has been living in the district for six years and participated in numerous volunteering activities. He said he was impressed by the Hakka villages, wetlands and hiking spots featured in the video, reminiscent of his past wonderful experiences.

Samuel Sadiq (L) and Shenzhen Technology University student Su Shengliang read a German book for children at an event organized by Maluan Subdistrict in Pingshan. Photo courtesy of the organizer

The video embodies the balanced development of Pingshan, blending modernity with tradition, old with new, and integrating verdant green spaces with smart city elements.

After watching the video, Russian vlogger and Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador Marina Vilchinskaia recalled her visit to Maluan Mountain in the summer. She said that during the 2024 Maluan Nature Walk Activity, she and a group of Chinese and expat residents experienced the ecological wonders of the mountain through hiking and photography. 

Venturing through the lush greenery and pristine waters of the mountain, attendees marveled at the cascading waterfalls and immortalized the beauty of diverse plants and animals through photography.

Marina Vilchinskaia poses for a photo with fallen leaves she collected during the 2024 Maluan Nature Walk Activity. Photo courtesy of the event organizer 

Participants pose for a photo during the 2024 Maluan Nature Walk Activity. Photo courtesy of the event organizer 

“My first encounter with Maluan Mountain was unforgettable. The natural splendor and the warmth of the locals deeply touched me. I eagerly anticipate engaging in more such activities to explore the nature and ecology of Pingshan,” said Vilchinskaia.

Matteo Convertino, an associate professor of Institute of Environment and Ecology at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, highlighted Pingshan’s efforts in harmonizing the natural and built environments through thoughtful development and conservation, enhancing habitats for water-dependent species. 

The ecosystems expert and Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador said that a key example is the upcoming Shenzhen Natural History Museum, which is expanding the natural riparian habitats as freshwater wetlands, mirroring water flow in its design.

Matteo Convertino during work. Photo by Lin Jianping

A screenshot from the Pingshan District international promotional video. 

The Pingshan District international promotional video has received positive feedback on Shenzhen Daily’s social media accounts, including YouTube, X, and Facebook. The video also garnered 2.32 million views after being posted on Xinhua News Agency’s Facebook account and reposted by New Marco Polo.

On Facebook, user @kevinchang4503 lauded Pingshan as “a perfect combination of nature and urban life!” User @Ninalian-jw8kl echoed the sentiment, stating, “Can’t wait to explore.” User @danli-of2ez remarked, “Looks like many world citizens have found a new home in Pingshan.” 

Comments like “innovative,” “high tech,” “smart,” “chic” and “the future is here” demonstrate an appreciation for the video’s portrayal of a technologically advanced Pingshan.

Overseas internet users’ comments.

Dr. Maharana believes that the video has the potential to significantly enhance Pingshan’s global visibility and inspire individuals and organizations to explore the district. Dib also expresses that people seeking information about Shenzhen will find this video very informative and it serves as excellent promotion not only for Pingshan but also for Shenzhen in general.

A screenshot from the Pingshan District international promotional video. 

The Pingshan District international promotional video is being shown at the “Pingshan Station” space in the underground City Hub shopping center near Gangxia North Metro Station. Photo by Cao Zhen

Currently, the video is being shown at the “Pingshan Station” space in the underground City Hub shopping center near Gangxia North Metro Station. Opening May 31, “Pingshan Station” is the first cross-regional urban promotion space in Shenzhen, featuring industries, livelihood, culture, and ecology through holding exhibitions and activities, and displaying cultural products. 

It not only presents Pingshan’s urban charm to visitors from all parts of the city but also offers a promotional platform for businesses, encouraging citizens and tourists to explore Pingshan.