Botswanan sinologist marvels at SZ's rise ②

Video and photo by Zhen Jianhong

In a visit to Shenzhen to attend The World Conference on Sinology 2025, Gracious Tshepiso Masule, a Botswanan sinologist from Beijing Language and Culture University, along with other 200 representatives from the world, got a chance to learn about the great changes that had taken place in Shenzhen over the decades and the latest technology development of the city.

The conference, first held in Shenzhen, a tech hub of China, delves into the intersection of Chinese studies and artificial intelligence, fostering a critical exchange between time-honored humanities and cutting-edge technology — a convergence of singular relevance and scholarly merit.

During the conference, Gracious Tshepiso Masule test drove a driverless car by Deeproute.ai, a company based in Hetao Shenzhen Park, and marveled at the implementation of scientific and technological innovation in this sector.

Gracious Tshepiso Masule, a Botswanan sinologist from Beijing Language and Culture University, during an interview in Hetao Shenzhen Park. 

“40 years ago, if you looked at Shenzhen and Hong Kong, you'd see mostly fishermen on the Shenzhen side. But now, Shenzhen is developing so fast,” said Gracious Tshepiso Masule at an interview in a building in Hetao Shenzhen Park, overlooking the border area between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.  

After test driving the driverless car, he was excited to say that the vehicle could work perfectly without any issues in Africa.