Why Shenzhen is my preferred Chinese city

I’m Charles Sprinkle, an American acoustic engineer, and despite the common joke that Shenzhen is somewhat unexciting or lacking a distinct character, I’ve found it to be my favorite city in China.

Over more than a decade of traveling regularly between Shenzhen and California for work — spending roughly half the year in each place — I’ve developed a deep connection with this hospitable southern Chinese metropolis.

Shenzhen’s diversity is one of its strongest draws. It hosts a large population of migrants from across China and is becoming ever more attractive to expatriates worldwide.

This melting pot creates an environment where everyone — whether a newcomer or a seasoned resident — is valued and welcomed. That inclusiveness has been key in attracting talented professionals like myself to help drive Shenzhen’s rapid development.

With its skilled workforce, market-oriented legal system, and robust industrial supply chains, Shenzhen is a favored spot for entrepreneurs.

My own company, Kali Studio, originally founded in Burbank, California, decided to establish its production base here in 2019. Thanks to trusted manufacturing partners in Shenzhen, it’s much easier for us to source raw materials and components for our high-end loudspeakers, which serves both recording studios and audio enthusiasts worldwide.

Without our Shenzhen base, maintaining consistent product development would be incredibly challenging. The city’s dense industrial ecosystem shortens the distance from R&D to product launch, greatly enhancing our operational efficiency.