Foreign diplomats, business leaders gather in Nanshan for exchange

Video by Lin Jianping

A group of consular officials and business representatives were invited on a curated coastal tour of Shenzhen's innovation-centric Nanshan District on Friday. 

The district’s Spring Festival appreciation event blended scenic views with technology demonstrations to frame the city as a forward-looking host for the upcoming 2026 APEC summit.

Foreign guests take a walk in Shekou, one of the key landmarks in Nanshan. Photos courtesy of event organizer

South Korea’s deputy consul general in Guangzhou, Ahn Dong-ouk, expressed his amazement at the district’s atmosphere.

“This is my first time here. I’ve been to Shenzhen several times, but it's my first time in Nanshan,” Ahn said. “So I’m very amazed by the beauty and atmosphere.”

He added that he sees the district expanding its global role. “I think Nanshan is now beginning to expand to the world and to serve as the gateway between the world and China,” Ahn said. “So I think it will never stop fulfilling that kind of function.”

Ahn Dong-ouk, South Korea’s Deputy Consul General in Guangzhou, joins the coastal bicycle tour.

“Incredible, dynamic, and energetic,” said Kob Suchitra, consul of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Guangzhou, describing her impressions. Having arrived in China just one month ago, she noted, “This is my first time in China and my first time in Shenzhen, and also in Nanshan. So it's very unexpected, very beautiful.”

She also highlighted the human landscape: “And the people as well. Very young and vibrant. A lot of international people.”

Mauro Rubin (L), co-founder of China Europe Africa Promotion Co., chats with a fellow participant during the tour.

Mauro Rubin, co-founder of China Europe Africa Promotion Co. Ltd., used three words to summarize his takeaway — innovation, future, and inclusivity. “It is like living in the future,” Rubin said.

He was particularly impressed by the local adoption of technology. “The most impressive thing is how local people can adapt quickly to new technology,” Rubin explained. “That is the mindset that can bring more opportunities, progress and innovation.”

Rubin cited local companies developing robots and drones as examples.

“They are able to deploy such technology in real time into daily life, which benefits both citizens and those who visit Shenzhen,” he said.

Jennifer Jakob (C), consul of the Consulate General of Canada in Guangzhou, engages in a friendly exchange with attendees on board the Minghua Ship.

The event included a curated bicycle tour along coastal landmarks, a VR exhibition, and an evening reception aboard the historic Minghua ship. The itinerary was designed to showcase the district's blend of green space, urban development, and technology.