深圳 (Shēnzhèn)

Administration Type	Sub-provincial city
Area	2020 km²
Population	4.5 million (2005)
GDP	¥493.7 billion
Major Nationalities	Han Chinese
County-level divisions	6
Township-level divisions	Special Economic Zone
Area Code	755

Shenzhen (Chinese: 深圳; pinyin: Shēnzhèn; Hakka:cim₁ zun₄; Cantonese Jyutping: sam₁ zan₃; Yale: sām jan; Sham Chun or Shamchun in old or Hong Kong documents; lit. deep drains) is a sub-provincial city of Guangdong province in southern China, located at the border with Hong Kong. Shenzhen is a mecca of foreign investment and since the late 1970s it has been one of the fastest growing cities in China or anywhere in the world. It is the busiest port in China. In the past two decades, more than $30-billion has been invested by outsiders in Shenzhen: building factories, forming joint ventures.

History

The one-time fishing village of Shenzhen, singled out by late Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, is the first of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) of China. It was originally established in 1979 due to its proximity to Hong Kong, then a prosperous British colony. The SEZ was created to be an experimental ground of capitalism in communist China. The location was chosen to attract industrial investments from Hong Kong since the two places share the same language, dialect and culture. The concept proved to be a great success, propelling the further opening up of China and continuous economic reform. Shenzhen eventually became one of the largest cities in the Pearl River Delta region which is one of the economic powerhouses of China and is the largest manufacturing base in the world.

Shenzhen, formerly known as Bao'an County (宝安县), was promoted to prefecture level, directly governed by Guangdong province, in November 1979. In May 1980, Shenzhen was formally nominated as a 'special economic zone', the first one of its kind in China. It was given the right of provincial-level economic administration in November 1988.

Shenzhen is the earliest of the four special economic zones in China. The Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping is usually credited with the opening up of economic revival in China, often epitomized with the city of Shenzhen, which profited the most from the first legacies of Deng.

Administration

Shenzhen Municipality comprises six districts: Luohu (罗湖), Futian (福田), Nanshan (南山), Yantian (盐田), Bao'an (宝安), and Longgang (龙岗). The Special Economic Zone comprises Luohu, Futian, Nanshan, and Yantian but not Bao'an and Longgang.

Located in the centre of the SEZ and adjacent to Hong Kong, Luohu is the financial and trading centre. It covers an area of 78.89 km². Futian, where the Municipal Government is situated, is at the heart of the SEZ and covers an area of 78.04 km². Covering an area of 164.29 km², Nanshan is the centre for high-tech industries and it is situated in the west of the SEZ. Outside the SEZ, Bao'an (712.92 km²) and Longgang (844.07 km²) are located to the north-west and north-east of Shenzhen respectively. Yantian (75.68 km²) is known for logistics. Yantian Port is the second largest deepwater container terminal in China and fourth largest in the world.

Geography

The boomtown of Shenzhen is located in the Pearl River Delta. It covers an area of 2,020 square kilometres (780 square miles), with a population of thirteen million. Shenzhen is a sub-tropical maritime region, with frequent typhoons in late spring and early summer, but otherwise, this city has a pleasant climate, often blessed with cool breeze at night, with an average temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius year-round (72 degrees Fahrenheit).

It is located 160 km south of the provincial capital Guangzhou, 70 km south of the industrial city of Dongguan. To the northwest, resort city Zhuhai is a mere 200 km away, and it is 35 km north of Hong Kong.

Demographics

Shenzhen has seen its population and activity develop rapidly since the establishment of the SEZ. With its official population listed at around five million, but estimated at a total population of thirteen million in metropolitan and its peripheral areas in 2005, Shenzhen has been the fastest growing city in China for the past thirty years, and likely to be the most rapidly evolving city in the world. But one problem with such a rampant growth of population is the accompanied problem of people without hukou (with 70% of that number being residents without a permanent hukou), most "old" Shenzhenese felt that the practice of freeing the city to inland is making it less competitive with other Chinese cities. Among the reasons for this development is the cost of labour, which is substantially lower than in neighbouring Hong Kong.

There had been migrants flowing into the Shenzhen area since the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 A.D.) and the number has been soaring after it was established as a city. In Guangdong, it is the only city where Mandarin is mostly spoken, with migrants from all over the country. At present, the average age in Shenzhen is less than 30. Among the total, 8.49 percent are between the age of 0 and 14, 88.41 percent between the age of 15 and 59, one-fifth between 20 and 24 and 1.22 percent are aged 65 or above.

The population structure polarizes into two opposing extremes: densely populated intellectuals with a high level of education, and migrant workers with poor education. [1]

According to the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, in 2002, 7,200 Hong Kong residents commuted daily to Shenzhen for work, and 2,200 students from Shenzhen commuted to school in Hong Kong. Though neighbouring each other, daily commuters still need to pass through customs and immigration checkpoints as travel between the SEZ and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is restricted.

China relaxed travel restrictions to allow individuals from southern cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as Beijing and Shanghai, to visit Hong Kong in late July 2003. Previously, mainland travellers could only visit the city as part of tour groups. (See Individual Visit Scheme)

Immigration into Shenzhen from the Chinese interior is heavily restricted by the hukou system. One consequence is that just outside of Shenzhen there are large towns which consist of a large number of migrants from the Chinese interior who attempt to enter the city.

Economy

In 2001, the working population reached 3.3 million. Though the secondary sector of industry had the largest share (1.85 million in 2001, increased by 5.5%), the tertiary sector of industry is growing fast (1.44 million in 2001, increased by 11.6%). Shenzhen's GDP totaled CNY 492.69 billion in 2005, up by 15 percent over the previous year. Its economy grew by 16.3 percent yearly from 2001 to 2005 on average, The proportion of the three industries to the aggregate of GDP was 0.3:51.6:48.1 in 2004 and 0.2:52.4:47.4 in 2005. The proportion of the tertiary industry to GDP was down by 0.7 percent [2]. Shenzhen is in the top ranks among mainland Chinese cities in terms of comprehensive economic power. It ranked the fourth in GDP among mainland Chinese cities in 2001, while it ranked the top in capitation GDP during the same period. Its import and export volume has been the first in the last nine consecutive years. It is the second in terms of industrial output. For five consecutive years, its internal revenue within local budget ranks the third. It comes the third in the actual use of foreign capital. [3]

Shenzhen is also a major manufacturing center in China. One highrise a day and one boulevard every three days is one famous line referring to Shenzhen in the 1990s. With 13 buildings at over 200 meters tall, including the Shun Hing Square (the 8th tallest building in the world), Shenzhen is a marvel of lights after sunset. A person cannot help but ask oneself if one is in a video game or in a real city. [4]

Shenzhen is home to some of China's most successful high-tech companies, such as Huawei and ZTE. A number of foreign IT companies also have facilities in the city - [FoxConn] has a manufacturing plant based in Shenzhen where they make most of the iPods and laptops for Apple Computer. It appears to be shipping a large majority of the new Intel based machines at this stage.

The city has more than four hundred of the world's five hundred biggest companies.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (the SSE) is a mutualized national stock exchange under the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the CSRC) that provides a venue for securities trading. A broad spectrum of market participants, including 540 listed companies, 35 million registered investors and 177 exchange members, create the market. Here buying and selling orders are matched in a fair, open and orderly market, through an automated system to create the best possible prices based on price-time priority.

Since its creation in 1990, the SSE has blossomed into a market of great competitive edges in the country, with a market capitalization around RMB 1 trillion (US$ 122 billion). On a daily basis, around 600,000 deals, valued US$ 807 million, trade on the SSE.

China securities market is undergoing fundamental changes. The implementation of the new Securities Law, Company Law, self-innovation strategy as well as the development of non-tradable share reform embodies enormous opportunities to the market. Adhering to the principle of "Regulation, Innovation, Cultivation and Service", the SSE will continue to maintain its focus on developing the Small and Medium Enterprises Board, while seeking for a tier market. [5]

The initial public offering (IPO) activity in Shenzhen stock exchange was suspended from September 2000 as the Chinese government pondered merging its bourses into a single exchange in Shanghai and launch a Nasdaq-style second board in Shenzhen aimed at private and technology companies.

Integration with Hong Kong

Many visitors that cross the Hong Kong SAR/mainland China border to Shenzhen go for the shopping, where goods and services are supposedly far cheaper than those in Hong Kong. However, without coming prepared knowing the prices of specific items the goods may end up being far more expensive than in Hong Kong while others are only marginally cheaper, even after a long phase of negotiating. The lack of a price differential and inconvenience may make it better off buying in Hong Kong.

The shopping mall most visited by tourists is Lo Wu Commercial City, situated close to the railway station. This contains an overwhelming array of beauty parlours and stores selling clothes, handbags, fabric, jewellery and electrical goods as well as many vendors of pirated software, DVDs, counterfeit goods and mobile phones. With the number of tourists, it is also a popular location for prostitution, drugs, pickpockets and begging. However, Hua Qiang Bei (North of Huang Qiang Road) is the real mega shopping area favored by locals.

As of 2005, a modern subway links Lo Wu with most of Shenzhen along its east-west axis.

Port

Situated in the south of the Pearl River Delta in China’s Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Port is adjacent to HK. The city’s 260km coastline is divided by the Kowloon Peninsula into two halves, the eastern and the western. Shenzhen’s western port area lies to the east of Lingdingyang in the Pearl River Estuary and possesses a deep water harbor with superb natural shelters. It is about 20 sea miles from Hong Kong to the south and 60 sea miles from Guangzhou to the north. By passing Pearl River system, the western port area is connected with the cities and counties in Pearl River Delta networks; by passing On See Dun waterway, it extends all ports both at home and abroad. The eastern port area lies north of Dapeng Bay where the harbor is wide and calm and is regarded as the best natural harbor in South China.

Shenzhen handled a record number of containers in 2005, ranking as the world's fourth-busiest port, after rising trade increased cargo shipments through the southern Chinese city. Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, China Merchants Holdings (International) Co and other operators of the port handled 16.2 million standard 20-foot boxes last year, a 19 per cent increase.

Investors in Shenzhen are expanding to take advantage of rising volume. Hong Kong-based Hutchison, the world's biggest port operator, and its mainland Chinese partner plan to add six berths at Yantian by 2010, bringing the total to 15. China Merchants, a State-controlled port manager, said on January 6 it will increase its investment in a container terminal in Shenzhen's Mawan. The company also plans to pay its parent company HK$2.07 billion (US$265 million) for land at Shekou to expand its cargo business.

Yantian International Container Terminals, Chiwan Container Terminals, Shekou Container Terminals, China Merchants Port and Shenzhen Haixing (Mawan port) are the major port terminals in Shenzhen.

Transportation

Shenzhen can be reached by air, train, sea or road.

Shenzhen Airport is 35km from central Shenzhen and connects the city with many other parts of China, as well as some international destinations. It is normally cheaper for people based in Hong Kong to fly to Mainland Chinese destinations from Shenzhen than from Hong Kong, and it is usually cheaper for those based in southern Mainland China to fly out of Hong Kong to international destinations. Shenzhen airport is conveniently connected by coach directly to Hong Kong airport for a fee of ¥200 or HK$200. The airport is connected to the city by an airport bus route 330 which terminates at Hualian Dasha in Shennan Zhong Lu. Other city buses also connect with the airport, but some only turn round at the roundabout outside leaving passengers with a long walk.

Shenzhen Railway Station is located at the junction of Jianshe Lu, Heping Lu and Renmin Nan Lu and provides links to different parts of China. There are frequent trains to Guangzhou, plus long-distance trains to Beijing, Jiujiang, Maoming, Shantou and other destinations. The train journey from Hong Kong's Kowloon Tong KCR station to Lo Wu's border crossing takes approximately 40 minutes at a cost of (in September 2003) HK$33, or HK$66 for first class. Trains run every 3-8 minutes from 5:30am to 11:00pm and the border crossing is open daily from 6:30am to midnight.

There is another railway station located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen Xi, which is used for a small number of long distance trains, such as the one to Hefei.

Since February 2003, the road border crossing with Hong Kong at Huanggang has been open 24 hours a day. The journey can be made by private vehicle or by bus. A shuttle bus connects it with the Lok Ma Chau Public Transport Interchange on the other side of the border.

A metro system opened on 27th December 2004. It has two lines, one from Luohu (Lo Wu & Shenzhen railway stations) to Window of the World, and the other from Huanggang to a point further north. For details, please refer to the article about Shenzhen Metro.

Taxis are metered and come in three colours. Red taxis may travel anywhere, green ones are restricted to outside the SEZ, and yellow ones are restricted to inside the SEZ.

Shenzhen is also connected by fast ferries linking Shekou, on the west edge of the SEZ with Zhuhai, Macau, Hong Kong International Airport, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

Tourist Attractions

Although Shenzhen enjoys a good reputation for shopping and travel, some Hong Kong citizens are concerned about the relatively high crime rate in Shenzhen. Reports of businessmen and tourists being robbed and kidnapped in Shenzhen are not uncommon in Hong Kong newspapers.

Shenzhen contains several beguiling scenic spots. Its major tourist attractions include the Chinese Folk Culture Villages, the Window of the World, Splendid China and the Safari Park in Nanshan district, the Sea World in Shekou, the Dameisha Promenade and Xiaomeisha Beach Resort in Yantian district, Zhongying Street, Xianhu Lake Botanical Garden, and the Minsk World. The city also offers free admission to a number of public parks including the Lianhuashan Park, Lizhi Park and Wutongshan Park. Shenzhen is famous for the great variety of cuisines that its numerous restaurants provide. Food lovers can enjoy delicious soup, roast meat, steamed fish, baked duck, stewed abalone, Cantonese-style seafood, preserved meat from Hunan province, Indian chicken curry, sizzling meats from Korean-style grills, etc.

In the new millennium, Shenzhen is introducing new elements into its existing resorts that promise even more interactive and entertaining experiences for visitors.

The Grass Field in Chinese Folk Culture Villages

Visitors to the Chinese Folk Culture Villages enjoy a spectacular view of a vast ocean and a grand stretch of grassland. The resort offers the only large-scale grass skiing ground in Shenzhen. The grass field is divided into two parts - one for grass skiing and the other for grass toboggans. The sports are suitable for both adults and children. Those who would like to try grass toboggans will experience the thrills of going down a slope at a high speed. Apart from grass skiing, the villages also give visitors a glimpse of the customs and lifestyles of diverse ethnic groups such as Inner Mongolians and Koreans.

Dameisha and Xiaomeisha Relaxing Seaside Tours

Located to the east of Shatoujiao town in Yantian district, the Dameisha Promenade and Xiaomeisha Beach Resort are known for their picturesque sea views. Lined with coconut trees, Dameisha boasts fine sand, long beaches and crystal clear water. Xiaomeisha features a collection of sculptures that add beauty to the seaside and offers relaxing musical performances and variety shows. The aquallum there showcases preserved specimens of nearly one hundred shark species. Visitors can also have a great time at performances by dolphins and sea lions.

Minsk World A Giant on the Sea

The Minsk World is a complex that serves sightseeing, scientific education and national defence education purposes. Built on a decommissioned aircraft carrier of the former Soviet Union, the military theme park is the only of its kind in China and even in the world. Situated at the seaside of Shatoujiao town in Yantian district, the park is in the vicinity of the famous Zhongying Street at the border with Hong Kong. The park consists of two parts, the aircraft carrier and a plaza on land. The renovated vessel displays its original artillery, command systems, torpedo and missile launching facilities, as well as the living quarters for officers and soldiers. The floating resort also showcases the former Soviet achievements in aviation and astronautics. Russian dance performances are available too.

Window of the World

Situated at the Overseas Chinese Town in Shenzhen, the Window of the World has a huge indoor skiing ground of 4,300 m2. The main trail measures 80 m long with an altitude of 16 m. The trail for kids is 20 m long with an altitude of 4.5 m. The ground is all covered with snow. Visitors can have a taste of skiing in the Alps when sliding down the slopes. The staff in the changing rooms provide skiers with the necessary gear - jackets, boots and air cushions.

Safari Park - An Eye-opener

Visitors can experience the natural world of Africa without taking long tiring journeys. Spanning 25,000 m², the park is inhabited by wildlife from all over the world. Travelling in buses, visitors can have a good look at animals. roaming freely on the fields. Recently, 16 young tigers and rare ape species imported from overseas have joined this animal world. The park is going to launch a series of activities, including an international exhibition on these ape species and a campaign for animal adoption by 500 children.

• Shenzhen is also widely known in the electronic component industry as being a hotspot for the sale of counterfeit parts.

• Shenzhen is the candidate of People's Republic of China for the organization of the 2011 Summer Universiade.

Colleges and universities

• Shenzhen University
• Shenzhen Polytechnic

Sister Cities

• Houston, The United States of America March 1986
• Brisbane, Australia June 1992.
• Poznań, Poland July 1993
• Nuremberg, Germany. May 1997

Panorama

See also

• Economy of the People's Republic of China
• Political divisions of China
• Sham Chun River (also Shenzhen River)
• Shenzhen Jianlibao

External links

• Shenzhen Government Online
• Shenzhen News Net (English)
• Shenzhen Travel Guide
• ShenzhenParty.com: Shenzhen Guide to Bars, Restaurants, Hotels, Jobs, Housing and Dating
• Shenzhen Airport
• Shenzhen Daily - News
• German speaking community Shenzhen
• Shenzhen Middle School Symphonic Band