APEC campaign launches multilingual portal, IP Shenzhen content bank

The APEC “China Year” campaign is officially launched in Shenzhen, setting the stage for the 2026 APEC meetings in the city. Photos by Tan Yifan

Shenzhen kicked off the APEC “China Year” campaign on Feb. 27, unveiling a series of promotional initiatives designed to sustain a high-profile public atmosphere ahead of the 2026 APEC meetings in the city.

The first wave of initiatives includes a revamped nine-language city portal, the launch of an “IP Shenzhen” content library, and the recruitment of “city storytellers” and “global communication ambassadors.” Organizers said the package aims to build a blended, cross-border communications ecosystem that combines multilingual distribution, co-created content, immersive city experiences, and broad public participation across online and offline channels.

Amazing Shenzhen nine-language city portal

Originally launched in 2023 as one of China’s earliest multilingual municipal portals, the upgraded Amazing Shenzhen website will strengthen policy releases and local news distribution while offering personalized information and services for overseas investors, international visitors, and the city’s expat residents. It is described as a one-stop city window that integrates news, services, and interactive engagement in nine languages.

Videos by Qiu Weibin

IP Shenzhen content library and co-creation

The new IP Shenzhen content bank will invite Shenzhen residents, visitors, overseas guests, and international influencers to co-produce a digital repository of city assets — text, video, audio, and images — that can be used to tell Shenzhen’s story abroad. The initiative is intended to increase content creation and expand the visual and narrative tools available for global promotion.

Ambassadors and storytellers mobilized

The Amazing Shenzhen global ambassadors and city storytellers program will recruit expatriates living in Shenzhen, foreign journalists, content creators, scholars, and overseas-facing enterprises to share Shenzhen stories internationally. At the same time, public service workers, managers, volunteers, and ordinary residents will be encouraged to act as local storytellers and promoters.

Representatives from the city’s public services, 13 company executives, and several foreign residents working and living in Shenzhen attended the launch.

Chico, a Brazilian student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) and an active Instagram creator, said he was energized by the city’s vibrancy and its blend of technology and fashion. “Being in Shenzhen makes me want to create and share — it’s a place full of energy and fresh ideas.”

Marina Vilchinskaia, an English-language reporter for the Shenzhen Daily from Russia, emphasized people-to-people exchange. “Russia is an important APEC economy and has close ties with Shenzhen. I want to bring Shenzhen’s story to Russia and bring Russian culture to China to deepen mutual understanding and trust.”

Brazilian student Chico introduces the IP Shenzhen digital content library, designed to connect the city with global content creators.

Marina Vilchinskaia from Russia calls on residents and international participants to join the Amazing Shenzhen global ambassadors and city storytellers program.

Speakers from district promotion offices also addressed the launch. Chen Xilin of the Bao’an District Investment Promotion Agency and Liu Zheng of the Nanshan District Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau shared, in fluent English, examples of “open-door hospitality” in public services and pledged continued, efficient support for international visitors and investors. Chen Jiongwen, Party secretary of Futian’s Huaqiangbei Subdistrict Office, highlighted Huaqiangbei’s role as a global tech showcase, noting that roughly 7,000 foreign visitors come to Huaqiangbei daily.

The campaign organizers say the publicity push will help shape sustained international interest and public engagement in the lead-up to Shenzhen’s APEC events later this year.