Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen (深圳 Shēnzhèn) is a modern metropolis located in southern China, just across the border from Hong Kong. Known as a global center of innovation, this vibrant city is celebrated for its rapid development, cutting-edge technology, and rich urban culture. Once a small fishing village, Shenzhen has transformed into a bustling megacity in just a few decades. It is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of China" due to its prominent role in electronics and high-tech manufacturing.

For travelers and curious minds, Shenzhen offers a fascinating blend of skyscrapers, historic sites, sprawling theme parks, and traditional Chinese charm. From its buzzing electronics markets to its peaceful coastal walks and lush green mountains, Shenzhen embodies a unique juxtaposition of tradition and modernity.

Geography and Administrative Divisions

Shenzhen is located in southeastern Guangdong Province, bordering the South China Sea to the east and adjacent to Hong Kong to the south. It covers an area of approximately 2,050 square kilometers and enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Administratively, Shenzhen is a sub-provincial city divided into nine districts:

The city center, often referred to as the "Zero Mile" of Shenzhen, is typically considered to be the area around Civic Center (市民中心 Shìmín Zhōngxīn) in Futian District, where many government buildings, cultural institutions, and transport hubs converge.

Demographics and Languages

Shenzhen has a population of over 17 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in China. However, what sets it apart is that a vast majority of its residents are migrants from other provinces, giving the city a uniquely cosmopolitan character within the Chinese context.

The dominant ethnicity is Han Chinese, but you'll find a mix of regional cultures including Hakka (客家人 Kèjiārén), Cantonese (粤人 Yuèrén), and people from across the nation. Due to this, Shenzhen is often regarded as one of China’s most open and inclusive cities.

The primary languages spoken in Shenzhen include:

  1. Mandarin Chinese (普通话 Pǔtōnghuà) – The official language and widely spoken in schools and workplaces.
  2. Cantonese (粤语 Yuèyǔ) – Common in older neighborhoods and among people with roots in the Pearl River Delta.
  3. Hakka (客家话 Kèjiāhuà) – Spoken in many suburban and rural areas of the city.

English is increasingly spoken, especially in tourist areas, international schools, and among the younger generation and business professionals.

Brief History of Shenzhen

Shenzhen’s transformation is one of the most remarkable urban stories of the 20th century. Prior to 1979, it was a modest fishing village in Bao’an County, with a population of around 30,000. That year, it was designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone (SEZ), an initiative championed by then-leader Deng Xiaoping as part of China's economic reforms.

Since then, Shenzhen has grown at an unprecedented pace, evolving into a global manufacturing and tech powerhouse. By the 1990s and early 2000s, skyscrapers began to dominate the skyline, infrastructure developed rapidly, and it became a magnet for talent and investment. Today, it stands as a symbol of China’s rapid modernization and innovation-driven growth.

Economy and Industry

Shenzhen’s economy is one of the most robust in the country, with a GDP that rivals that of some developed nations. It is a major exporter of electronics, telecommunications equipment, and semiconductors.

The city is home to major multinational tech firms, including:

Shenzhen’s economy is diversified, with sectors ranging from finance and logistics to green energy and biotechnology. Its port is one of the busiest in the world, and the city is considered a vital node in global supply chains.

Transportation and Access

Getting to Shenzhen is convenient due to its well-developed transportation network.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (深圳宝安国际机场 Shēnzhèn Bǎo’ān Guójì Jīchǎng) serves domestic and international flights, connecting the city to Asia, Europe, and beyond.

The city has several major railway stations, including:

Shenzhen is also accessible via several expressways such as the G4 Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Expressway, G94 Pearl River Delta Ring Expressway, and S3 Guangzhou–Shenzhen Expressway, ensuring fast travel to nearby cities like Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Zhuhai.

Main Tourist Destinations

Shenzhen offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, ranging from cultural landmarks to theme parks and nature reserves.

Quick Facts


Painting of Shenzhen, ChinaPainting of Shenzhen, China

Page Details

This page was created on 14 June 2025.

Return to China mainpage