Shenzhen history

The history of Shenzhen is a unique example of a small territory transforming into one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world. Although settlements have existed here for centuries, the modern city owes its birth to the economic reforms of the late 20th century.

Foundation and first mentions. Historically, the territory of modern Shenzhen was part of Bao'an County, and the first settlements here can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (3rd century BC), when the region was known as a centre for the state salt monopoly. The name "Shenzhen" itself, which means "deep drainage ditches," was first mentioned in chronicles in 1410. This name refers to the irrigation systems used in the local rice paddies. Until the mid-20th century, it was a small market town, overshadowed in importance by the ancient county centre, Nantou.

Key development factors. Shenzhen's rapid ascent was predetermined by three main factors:

• Geographical location: A crucial factor was its immediate proximity to Hong Kong, which was a major international financial and trade hub at the time.
• Trade: The construction of the Kowloon-Canton Railway in the early 20th century increased Shenzhen's importance as a border trade station.
• Political will: The turning point was the decision of the Chinese government led by Deng Xiaoping. In 1979, Bao'an County was upgraded to the city of Shenzhen, and in May 1980, the country's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was officially established here. This decision was aimed at attracting foreign investment and testing market reforms.

Early cultural and economic features. Before its transformation, Shenzhen was a typical agrarian region of southern China. Its economy was based on fishing and rice cultivation. In the late 1970s, it was a quiet fishing town with a population of only about 30,000 people. Cultural life was centred around the local traditions of Guangdong province. The city's modern cosmopolitan appearance took shape after 1980, thanks to a massive influx of migrants from all over the country who came here to work and build a new life.

Key Dates in the History of Shenzhen

A chronology of events reflecting Shenzhen's journey from ancient settlements to a modern metropolis and China's technology hub.

• 331 — Bao'an County is founded, the administrative unit on whose territory modern Shenzhen later emerged.
• 1410 — The name "Shenzhen," meaning "deep drainage ditches," is mentioned in historical chronicles of the Ming Dynasty for the first time.
• 1910 — Completion of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, which linked the region with Hong Kong and boosted its commercial significance.
• March 1979 — Bao'an County is officially transformed into the city of Shenzhen, marking the beginning of its modern history.
• May 1980 — Under the initiative of Deng Xiaoping, China's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is created in Shenzhen to attract foreign investment.
• December 1, 1990 — The Shenzhen Stock Exchange is founded, becoming a vital financial centre in South China.
• October 1999 — The city hosts the China Hi-Tech Fair for the first time, which has since become an annual landmark event.
• December 28, 2004 — The Shenzhen Metro opens, marking a new stage in the development of urban infrastructure.
• 2008 — UNESCO designates Shenzhen as a "City of Design," recognizing its achievements in this field.
• July 2010 — The Special Economic Zone, which previously covered only four central districts, is expanded to cover the entire city territory.
• August 2011 — Shenzhen hosts the 26th Summer Universiade, facilitating a massive renewal and expansion of infrastructure.

Stages of Rapid Growth: From Village to Metropolis

The transformation of Shenzhen from a small fishing village into a global metropolis is a story of bold economic experiments and rapid changes. The key milestones of the city's development reflect its journey from an industrial site to an innovation and cultural hub.

• Creation of the first Special Economic Zone (1980). This decision, made on the initiative of Deng Xiaoping, became the starting point for Shenzhen's "economic miracle." The city received unprecedented economic freedoms, allowing it to attract foreign investment and launch market reforms that served as a model for all of China.
• The "Shenzhen Speed" phenomenon. In the 1980s and 1990s, the city became synonymous with incredibly fast construction rates. The erection of skyscrapers, industrial parks, and residential blocks continued around the clock, symbolizing booming economic growth and the influx of millions of migrants from across the country.
• Becoming a financial centre (1990). The opening of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange cemented the city's status as one of Asia's leading financial hubs. This allowed for the accumulation of capital for further development and stimulated the growth of the corporate sector.
• Transformation into "China's Silicon Valley". Starting in the 1990s, Shenzhen gradually reoriented from manufacturing to high technology. Tech giants such as Huawei, Tencent, BYD, and DJI were founded and grew here, turning the city into a global centre for innovation and R&D.
• Development of modern infrastructure. The opening of Bao'an International Airport and the first metro line in 2004 marked a new phase in urban planning. Hosting the Summer Universiade in 2011 gave an additional impetus to the modernization of the transport network and sports facilities.
• Recognition on the global cultural stage (2008). The designation of Shenzhen as a UNESCO "City of Design" highlighted its achievements not only in the economy but also in the creative industries. This recognition reflected the transition from a "Made in China" model to a "Created in China" model.
• Integration into the Greater Bay Area. In recent years, Shenzhen has played a key role in the strategic project to create the "Greater Bay Area" mega-region (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area), uniting the largest cities of the Pearl River Delta. This strengthens its position as a connecting link between mainland China and global markets.

The architectural appearance of Shenzhen is a unique phenomenon in global urban planning. Unlike cities with centuries of history, there is no succession of Gothic, Renaissance, or Classical eras here. Instead, Shenzhen represents a living exhibition of architectural achievements from the last 40 years, having transformed from a small fishing village into a futuristic metropolis. This phenomenon was made possible by the creation of the first Special Economic Zone in China in 1980, which triggered an unprecedented construction boom.

Era of ultra-fast growth: from functionalism to futurism (since the 1980s)

The city's development happened so rapidly that it gave rise to the term "Shenzhen Speed". The initial phase of construction (1980s – 1990s) was characterized by pragmatic modernism: the main task was the rapid erection of functional buildings to accommodate the growing population and industries. However, by the late 1990s, the city began to acquire its unique look, becoming a platform for bold architectural experiments in postmodern and high-tech styles.

Today, Shenzhen is primarily a city of skyscrapers. Its skyline is formed by dozens of high-rise buildings, many of which were designed by leading global architectural firms. The city ranks among the top in the world for the number of buildings over 150 metres tall, underscoring its status as a global financial and technological hub.

Iconic Architectural Landmarks

The urban landscape is defined by several key buildings, each symbolizing a specific stage of the city's development:

• Ping An Finance Centre — one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, serving as the dominant feature of the Futian business district and a symbol of the city's economic power. Its strict, elegant silhouette of glass and steel is visible from almost any point in Shenzhen.
• KK100 (Kingkey 100) Tower — another iconic skyscraper with a distinctive curved top, housing offices and a hotel inside.
• Shenzhen Civic Center — a massive government complex, the roof of which resembles the spread wings of a giant bird or a book. This building symbolizes the city's cultural and political ambitions.
• China Resources Headquarters — a skyscraper nicknamed "Spring Bamboo" for its unique bullet-like shape, serving as a striking example of modern bionic architecture.

The urban planning policy of Shenzhen was initially based on master-planning principles. This allowed for the creation of a city with wide avenues, a well-thought-out transport system, and an abundance of green zones, earning Shenzhen the title of a "city in a park." Thus, architectural development here went hand in hand with the creation of a comfortable urban environment.

Key Figures in the History of Shenzhen

The history of Shenzhen is a story of rapid growth that would have been impossible without visionaries, politicians, and entrepreneurs. Unlike ancient cities, Shenzhen's pantheon of outstanding figures consists not of emperors and poets, but of the architects of modernity who transformed it into a global technological and economic centre.

• Deng Xiaoping (1904–1997)

  Role: Politician, Paramount Leader of China, architect of Chinese economic reforms.

  Significance: Although Deng Xiaoping did not live in Shenzhen, he is considered its "godfather." It was on his initiative in 1980 that a small fishing village was chosen for the creation of China's first Special Economic Zone. This bold decision laid the foundation for the "economic miracle" and Shenzhen's transformation into a thriving metropolis, becoming a model for the entire country.

• Ren Zhengfei (born 1944)

  Role: Entrepreneur, founder and president of Huawei Technologies.

  Significance: In 1987, Ren Zhengfei founded Huawei in Shenzhen with modest starting capital. Under his leadership, Huawei grew from a small supplier of telecommunications equipment into one of the world's giants in technology and smartphone manufacturing. His story is a symbol of the city's entrepreneurial spirit and technological breakthrough.

• Ma Huateng (Pony Ma, born 1971)

  Role: Entrepreneur, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Tencent.

  Significance: Ma Huateng, a graduate of Shenzhen University, founded Tencent in Shenzhen in 1998. His company created the super-app WeChat, which has become an integral part of daily life in China, and grew into one of the largest internet companies in the world. Ma Huateng is the embodiment of the digital revolution, the epicentre of which became Shenzhen.

• Wang Chuanfu (born 1966)

  Role: Entrepreneur, founder and president of BYD Company.

  Significance: Wang Chuanfu founded BYD (Build Your Dreams) in Shenzhen in 1995, starting with battery manufacturing. Today, BYD is one of the world's leading manufacturers of electric vehicles and batteries, symbolizing Shenzhen's transition from simple manufacturing to advanced "green" technologies and innovative engineering.

• Wang Tao (Frank Wang, born 1980)

  Role: Engineer and entrepreneur, founder and CEO of DJI.

  Significance: Wang Tao founded DJI, the global leader in civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), in 2006. The company, which grew out of his student hobby, made Shenzhen synonymous with innovation in robotics and consumer electronics. DJI is a prime example of how a bold idea born in Shenzhen can conquer the world.