Why Shenzhen

Shenzhen, a coastal city in southern China, is adjacent to Hong Kong and located on the eastern bank of the Pearl River Estuary in Guangdong Province. It covers a land area of 1,997.47 square kilometers with a total coastline of 260.5 kilometers. The city, which features a subtropical monsoon climate, has an average annual temperature of 23.0°C. With a permanent population of 17.9895 million and an average age of 32.5, Shenzhen stands as one of China’s youngest, most dynamic, and vibrant migrant cities.

Established as a city in March 1979, Shenzhen became China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1980. In 2019, it was designated as one of the core engines of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and received Central Government support to build a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics. 

Over the past 40-plus years, Shenzhen has transformed from a small border town into a modern international metropolis, creating a miracle in the history of global urban development. In 2024, its GDP reached 3.68 trillion yuan, ranking third in China and eighth in the world. Despite occupying only 0.02% of the country’ land area, Shenzhen generated 2.72% of the country’s GDP.

As one of China’s most important manufacturing hubs, Shenzhen is home to the headquarters of world-renowned tech giants such as Huawei, Tencent, DJI, ZTE, and BYD. It is a key center for applied technology R&D and the first Chinese city to be named a “City of Design” by UNESCO. In 2023, the world’s first International Mangrove Center was established in Shenzhen, and in 2024, the city won the City Award, the top prize of the World Smart City Awards.

Shenzhen is one of China’s most economically open regions, having maintained the top position in export volume among Chinese mainland cities for the past 32 years. It serves as a vital gateway for China’s engagement with the global stage.

Today, Shenzhen captivates the world with its technological innovation, green development, and dynamic spirit. Looking ahead, the city is accelerating its development into a more globally influential economic center and modern international metropolis. It aims to become a globally leading hub for advanced manufacturing, industrial and technological innovation, as well as consumption, logistics, and finance, while building a better home for all.

Dynamic Innovation

Shenzhen is a “City of Innovation.”

In 2024, 10 Shenzhen-based companies were listed among the Fortune Global 500, with the city’s R&D investment accounting for 6.46% of its GDP.

It is home to 25,000 national high-tech enterprises. PCT international patent applications have ranked first in China for 21 consecutive years. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster has ranked second globally for five straight years. The city has attracted 220,000 returnees from overseas studies and 26,000 high-level talents. For two consecutive years, Shenzhen has ranked first in China in attracting talents born after 1995.

1,030 stations

Shenzhen is a “City of Superchargers,” committed to building a global pioneer in digital energy. It has established 1,030 supercharging stations, becoming the first city in the world where the number of supercharging facilities exceeds that of gas stations.

2.9353 million NEVs

Shenzhen is “China’s No. 1 City for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).” In 2024, it produced 2.9353 million NEVs, accounting for 23% of the country’s total.

250 routes

Shenzhen is “China’s No. 1 City for Low-Altitude Economy,” with 250 drone routes in operation.

It has implemented the nation’s first regulation on low-altitude economy and achieved continuous 5G network coverage in airspace below 120 meters.

100%

Shenzhen is the “Smartest and Most Convenient City,” with 100% 5G network coverage. Public smart parking platforms, drone delivery services, AI government service assistants, and sanitation robots have become part of daily life.

Legal Excellence 

Shenzhen is one of the first “National Demonstration Cities for Law-based Government Administration” and has been recognized as the“City With the Best Reputation for Business Environment in China” for four consecutive years. It took the lead in China in releasing local standards for administrative reconsideration, credit risk management, and services for the protection of minors.

Shenzhen has been ranked among the most popular global arbitration destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. The arbitration rules of the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) are among the world’s most favored, with the amount in dispute of cases handled by SCIA ranking first in Asia and among the top three globally.

A modern public legal service system covering the entire city

A total of 810 public legal service centers (workstations, offices) have been established.

Building an efficient and precise “urban safety net”

A comprehensive monitoring, early warning, and command system for emergency management has been developed.

Creating a high-level business environment through all-round and in-depth efforts

Over 1,500 reform measures to optimize the business environment have been rolled out.

Cultivating world-class legal service institutions

Ten foreign law firms have set up representative offices in Shenzhen, and 16 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao partnership law firms have been established.

Cultural Diversity

As an international migrant city, Shenzhen embraces an open, inclusive, and diverse culture.

Shenzhen’s culture is vibrant

The city hosts renowned cultural events throughout the year, such as Shenzhen Fashion Week, Shenzhen Design Week, Shenzhen Reading Month, and the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair. Its dynamic performing arts market offers residents and tourists alike a rich cultural feast.

Shenzhen’s culture is dynamic

The original dance drama “Wing Chun” has toured global stages, dragon boat races enliven the Dragon Boat Festival, the China Cup International Regatta showcases thrilling maritime competition, and the Shenzhen Marathon exudes energy and excitement.

Shenzhen’s culture is reflective

Designated by UNESCO as a “Global Model for the Promotion of Reading among the General Public,” Shenzhen advocates the idea of“letting light of reading shine through every window.”

Shenzhen’s culture is rich

Known as the “City of Coffee,” Shenzhen leads major Chinese cities in coffee shop density, with 2.23 coffee shops per square kilometer.

Shenzhen’s culture is diverse

The city boasts over 1,800 cultural venues. Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, and Shenzhen Concert Hall are popular destinations. The under-construction Shenzhen Opera House, Shenzhen Creative Design Hall, and Shenzhen Maritime Museum will soon open their doors.

Quality Life

Shenzhen is accelerating its development into a modern international metropolis by implementing a series of measures to enhance the international standards of urban construction and management, facilitate the lives of expats, improve international healthcare and education, and boost tourism appeal.

38 “International Blocks”

Shenzhen has established “I-House” facilities in 38 international blocks across the city to provide government and livelihood services for expats.

"Business-friendly Environment for Expats"

One-stop service centers for expats have been set up at major checkpoints and the airport, offering convenient services for payments, transportation, culture and tourism, telecommunications, and immigration.

“High-quality International Healthcare and Education Resources”

Shenzhen is home to many medical institutions and community health centers that provide services in English. Its 13 universities have attracted nearly 4,000 international students to study in Shenzhen.

Eco-friendly City

Shenzhen boasts azure coastlines and lush green forests, with air quality ranking among the best in China.

A total of 1,320 distinctive parks are scattered throughout the city. Wetlands covering 34,700 hectares provide habitats for tens of thousands of migratory birds, while 296.18 hectares of mangrove forests are home to mudskippers and black-faced spoonbills. 

Biodiversity — In 2022, Shenzhen was honored as a “Biodiversity Charming City” and invited to join the international “CitiesWithNature Action Platform.” Over 20 species of wild animals and plants are named after Shenzhen.

Waste-free City — Shenzhen was selected as one of China’s first pilot “Waste-free Cities” and one of the first key cities for building a waste recycling system.

Green Travel — As the world’s first city with 100% electric buses and taxis, Shenzhen achieved a 76.9% penetration rate of new energy vehicles in 2024. 

Mountain-Sea Vistas and Cycling Fun — The city has planned and developed a leisure cycling network that connects important urban locations, key areas, landmark buildings, and natural landscapes.