From skies to sparkle: Luohu wows global creators

A group of international influencers from the "2025 A Date with China" media program began their one-day trip in Luohu District on Thursday, exploring the district’s emerging low-altitude economy and rich tradition of jewelry craftsmanship.

Participants of the "2025 A Date with China" media program pose for a photo at the Wutong Pavilion in Luohu District on Thursday. Photos courtesy of event organizer

The tour kicked off with a visit to the Wutong Pavilion atop Wutong Mountain, where the guests enjoyed panoramic views of Shenzhen’s eastern coastline and learned about Luohu’s efforts to develop the low-altitude economy, a growing sector involving urban air mobility and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Douglas Dueño of the United States films scenes during his visit to Shuibei on Thursday.

The delegation then headed to the Shuibei area, known as China’s jewelry hub, for a hands-on cultural experience. Participants decorated porcelain Pixiu — a mythical creature symbolizing wealth — using 24-karat gold leaf, gaining insight into the precision and artistry behind traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

British vlogger Jason Lightfoot captures his hands-on experience applying 24-karat gold leaf to a porcelain Pixiu in Shuibei on Thursday.

For many visitors, the experience offered a compelling contrast to Shenzhen’s image as a high-tech city. Several expressed admiration for how the city balances innovation with cultural preservation.

British vlogger Jason Lightfoot said he was deeply impressed by the craftsmanship and its cultural significance.

“It was very interesting to immerse myself in this culture of jewelry crafting,” Lightfoot said. “Events like this are essential to ensure intangible cultural heritage can be passed down through generations.”

Lightfoot added that he was struck by the affordability and variety of the jewelry on display, noting the intricate details found in both modern and traditional jade designs.

Aisling Ruddy (R) and Eoin Vincent Ruddy (2nd R) focus intently as they decorate porcelain Pixiu statues during a cultural workshop in Shuibei on Thursday.

For Jannelize Bessenger, a content creator from South Africa, the visit to the Shenzhen Jewelry Museum in Shuibei was her favorite part of the trip. “The diamonds on display were sparkling so much that my phone didn't know where to focus on,” she said with excitement, “They are so beautiful that I want to work harder so that I can afford that type of diamonds one day.”