Difference between revisions of "Shenzhen" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
(import from wiki)
 
Line 121: Line 121:
 
}} <!-- Infobox ends —>
 
}} <!-- Infobox ends —>
  
−
'''Shenzhen''' is a [[sub-provincial city]] of [[Guangdong]] province in southern [[China]]. Although this city is famous for its extreme proximity with the boundary of [[Hong Kong]], it is at least 25km away from the core urban area of Hong Kong. Shenzhen is a centre of [[foreign investment]] and since the late 1970s has been one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It is also the busiest port in China after [[Shanghai]]. In the past two decades, outsiders have invested more than $30 billion in Shenzhen for building factories and forming [[joint venture]]s.  
+
'''Shenzhen''' is a [[sub-provincial city]] of [[Guangdong]] province in southern [[China]]. Although this city is famous for its extreme proximity with the boundary of [[Hong Kong]], it is at least 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away from the core urban area of Hong Kong. Shenzhen is a center of [[foreign investment]] and since the late 1970s has been one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It is also the busiest port in China after [[Shanghai]]. In the past two decades, outsiders have invested more than $30 billion in factories and joint ventures in Shenzhen. 
 +
 
 +
The one-time [[fishing village]] of Shenzhen was singled out by late Chinese [[paramount leader]] [[Deng Xiaoping]] to become the first of the [[Special Economic Zone]]s (SEZ),  created as an experiment  in [[capitalism]] and "''socialism with Chinese characteristics.''" With an official population estimated at around nine million (including floating residents), Shenzhen has been the fastest growing city in China for the past 30 years.  Shenzhen is in the top rank of mainland Chinese cities in terms of comprehensive economic power. It ranked fourth in GDP among mainland Chinese cities in 2001, and  top in GDP per capita during the same period. Its import and export volumes have been first for the last nine consecutive years. It is the second in terms of industrial output. Shenzhen is a showcase for some of the most audacious building projects that China has ever seen.  The [[International Trade Center]] (国贸), built in 1985, was the tallest building in China when built, and the Shun Hing building, still the tallest steel building in the world, was also the tallest in Asia when it was built.  
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
[[Image:Shenzhen0.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Construction work in Shenzhen]]
 
[[Image:Shenzhen0.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Construction work in Shenzhen]]
−
The one-time [[fishing village]] of Shenzhen, singled out by late Chinese [[paramount leader]] [[Deng Xiaoping]], was the first of the [[Special Economic Zone]]s (SEZ) in China. It was originally established in 1979 due to its proximity to Hong Kong, then a prosperous [[British Empire|British]] [[colony]]. The SEZ was created to be an experimental ground of [[capitalism]] in "''[[socialism with Chinese characteristics]]''."  
+
The one-time [[fishing village]] of Shenzhen was singled out by late Chinese [[paramount leader]] [[Deng Xiaoping]] to become the first of the [[Special Economic Zone]]s (SEZ) in China. It was originally established in 1979 due to its proximity to Hong Kong, then a prosperous [[British Empire|British]] [[colony]]. The SEZ was created to be an experiment  in [[capitalism]] and "''[[socialism with Chinese characteristics]]''."  
  
−
The location was chosen to attract industrial investments from Hong Kong since the two places are nearby each other and share the same [[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 has become one of the economic powerhouses of China as well as the largest manufacturing base in the world.
+
The location was chosen to attract industrial investment from Hong Kong, since the two are located near each other and share the same [[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 has become one of the economic powerhouses of China as well as the largest manufacturing base in the world. Shenzhen, which profited the most from the first reforms initiated by Deng, is often cited as an example of the success of Deng’s economic revival..
  
−
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, formerly known as '''Bao'an County'' ' (宝安县), was promoted to the level of a prefecture, 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 five special economic zones in China. 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==
 
==Administration==
Line 138: Line 138:
 
The Special Economic Zone comprises Luohu, Futian, Nanshan, and Yantian but not Bao'an and Longgang.
 
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&nbsp;km². Futian, where the Municipal Government is situated, is at the heart of the SEZ and covers an area of 78.04&nbsp;km². Covering an area of 164.29&nbsp;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&nbsp;km²) and Longgang (844.07&nbsp;km²) are located to the north-west and north-east of Shenzhen respectively. Yantian (75.68&nbsp;km²) is known for [[logistics]]. Yantian Port is the second largest [[deepwater]] [[container terminal]] in China and fourth largest in the world.
+
Located in the center of the SEZ and adjacent to Hong Kong, Luohu is the financial and trading centre. It covers an area of 78.89&nbsp;km² (49 sq. miles) . Futian, where the Municipal Government is situated, is at the heart of the SEZ and covers an area of 78.04&nbsp;km² (48.49 sq. miles). Covering an area of 164.29&nbsp;km² (102 sq. miles), 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&nbsp;km²) (443 sq. miles)  and Longgang (844.07&nbsp;km²) (524.48 sq. miles)  are located to the north-west and north-east of Shenzhen respectively. Yantian (75.68&nbsp;km²) (47 sq. miles)  is known for [[logistics]]. Yantian Port is the second largest [[deepwater]] [[container terminal]] in China and fourth largest in the world.
  
 
==Geography==
 
==Geography==
−
The boomtown of Shenzhen is located in the [[Pearl River Delta]]. The municipality covers an area of 2,020&nbsp;km² (780 sq. miles) including urban and rural areas, with a nighttime population (not including commuters) of 8,277,500, at the end of 2005.  Among those, 1,819,300 had legal residence.  Shenzhen is a [[sub-tropical]] maritime region, with frequent [[tropical cyclone]]s in summer and early autumn,  with an average temperature of 22.4°C year-round (72°F) although daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C.
+
Shenzhen is located in the [[Pearl River Delta]]. The municipality covers an area of 2,020&nbsp;km² (780 sq. miles) including urban and rural areas, with a nighttime population (not including commuters) of 8,277,500, at the end of 2005.  Among those, 1,819,300 had legal residence.   
  
−
Shenzhen was originally a mountainous area, with fertile agrarian land. However, after the introduction of special economic zone in 1979, Shenzhen underwent tremendous change in landscape. The once hilly fishing village is now replaced by mostly flat ground in downtown area, with only Lian Hua hill (Lotus Hill), Bi Jia Hill (Mount Bi Jia) and Mount WuTong the only three places that have some kind of elevation viewed from satellites.  With the influx of emigrants from inland China, Shenzhen is experiencing a second stage booming, and it is now expanding peripherally and the hills in surrounding areas such as Mission Hills are now being toppled over to make land for more development.  However, many areas in <Incomplete>
+
Shenzhen was originally a mountainous area, with fertile agrarian land. However, after the introduction of special economic zone in 1979, the landscape of Shenzhen underwent tremendous change. The once hilly fishing village has now been replaced by mostly flat ground in the downtown area, with only Lian Hua hill (Lotus Hill), Bi Jia Hill (Mount Bi Jia) and Mount WuTong having enough elevation to be detected by satellites.  With the influx of emigrants from inland China, Shenzhen is experiencing a second stage of growth, and it is now expanding peripherally. The hills in surrounding areas such as Mission Hills are now being leveled to create more land for development.   
  
 
Shenzhen is located on the border with the Hong Kong [[Special Administrative Region|SAR]] across the [[Sham Chun River]] and [[Sha Tau Kok River]], 160&nbsp;km south of the provincial capital of [[Guangzhou]], and 70&nbsp;km south of the industrial city of [[Dongguan]]. To the west, the resort city of [[Zhuhai]] is a 60&nbsp;km away.
 
Shenzhen is located on the border with the Hong Kong [[Special Administrative Region|SAR]] across the [[Sham Chun River]] and [[Sha Tau Kok River]], 160&nbsp;km south of the provincial capital of [[Guangzhou]], and 70&nbsp;km south of the industrial city of [[Dongguan]]. To the west, the resort city of [[Zhuhai]] is a 60&nbsp;km away.
  
 
==Demographics==
 
==Demographics==
−
Shenzhen has seen its [[population]] and activity develop rapidly since the establishment of the SEZ.  Its official population listed at around nine million (including floating residents), Shenzhen has been the fastest growing city in China for the past 30 years.  However, many people think there are far more residents, mostly because they are commuters from [[Dongguan]].  However, 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" Shenzhen locals felt that the practice of freeing the city to the 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.
+
The population of Shenzhen has developed rapidly since the establishment of the SEZ.  With an official population estimated at around nine million (including floating residents), Shenzhen has been the fastest growing city in China for the past 30 years.  However, many people think there are far more residents, mostly because they are commuters from [[Dongguan]].  Among the reasons for this rapid development is the cost of labor, which is substantially lower than in neighboring Hong Kong. One problem with such rampant population growth is that 70% of the people in Shenzhen lack an official residence permit or household registry.  Most "old" Shenzhen locals felt that the practice of freely allowing newcomers into the city is making it less competitive with other Chinese cities.  
−
 
 
−
There had been migration into southern Guangdong and what is now Shenzhen since the [[Southern Song Dynasty]] (1127-1279 C.E.) but the numbers increased dramatically since Shenzhen was established in the 1980s. In Guangdong, it is the only city where [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]] is mostly spoken, with migrants from all over China. 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<ref name="SZGov">Shenzhen Government Online, [http://web.archive.org/web/20060514130659/http://english.sz.gov.cn/lis/200509/t488.htm Citizens' Life] (Recovered from the [[Internet Archive#Wayback Machine|Wayback Machine]])</ref>.
+
There had been migration into southern Guangdong and what is now Shenzhen since the [[Southern Song Dynasty]] (1127-1279 C.E.) but the numbers have increased dramatically since Shenzhen was established in the 1980s. Guangdong is the only city where [[Standard Mandarin|Mandarin]] is predominantly spoken, with migrants from all over China. At present, the average age in Shenzhen is less than 30. Among the total population, 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 is polarized into two extremes: a dense population of highly-educated intellectuals, and migrant workers with poor education<ref name="SZGov">Shenzhen Government Online, [http://web.archive.org/web/20060514130659/http://english.sz.gov.cn/lis/200509/t488.htm Citizens' Life] (Recovered from the [[Internet Archive#Wayback Machine|Wayback Machine]])</ref>.
  
−
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.
+
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 the cities are neighbors, daily commuters must still pass through customs and [[immigration]] checkpoints, as travel between the SEZ and the Hong Kong [[Special Administrative Region]] (SAR) is restricted.
  
−
In late July 2003, China relaxed travel restrictions to allow individuals from the southern cities of [[Guangzhou]] and Shenzhen, as well as [[Beijing]] and [[Shanghai]], to visit Hong Kong. Previously, [[Mainland China|mainland]] travelers could only visit the city as part of tour groups. (See ''[[Individual Visit Scheme]]'')
+
In late July of 2003, China relaxed travel restrictions to allow individuals from the southern cities of [[Guangzhou]] and Shenzhen, as well as [[Beijing]] and [[Shanghai]], to visit Hong Kong. Previously, [[Mainland China|mainland]] travelers could only visit the city as part of a tour group.  
  
 
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 consisting of a large number of migrants from the Chinese interior who attempt to enter the city.
 
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 consisting of a large number of migrants from the Chinese interior who attempt to enter the city.
  
 
==Climate==
 
==Climate==
−
Shenzhen is situated in the subtropical part of China, located at about the [[Tropic of Cancer]]. The weather is generally pleasant in Shenzhen, temperate and mild in the autumn; there is a bit of cool breeze in the winter, but it is just warm enough to do anything, as the [[South China Sea]] buffers its climate, so cold snaps are not common. In the spring Shenzhen is relatively dry, and then it has a warm and wet summer, occasionally hit by [[typhoons]] from the east, and the temperature can occasionally reach over 35 degrees Celsius.
+
Shenzhen is a [[sub-tropical]] maritime region, , located near the [[Tropic of Cancer]], with frequent [[tropical cyclone]]s in summer and early autumn,  and an average temperature of 22.4°C year-round (72°F), although daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C. The weather is generally pleasant in Shenzhen, temperate and mild in the autumn; the [[South China Sea]] buffers its climate, so cold snaps are not common. In the spring Shenzhen is relatively dry, and then it has a warm and wet summer, occasionally hit by [[typhoons]] from the east.  
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
 
[[Image:Shenzhen Reflection.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Shenzhen reflection showing [[Shun Hing Square]] in center]]
 
[[Image:Shenzhen Reflection.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Shenzhen reflection showing [[Shun Hing Square]] in center]]
  
−
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 [[Renminbi|CNY]] 568.439 billion in 2006, 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 <ref>[http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/01/29/1323224.htm tmcnet.com]</ref>.  Shenzhen is in the top ranks among mainland Chinese cities in terms of comprehensive economic power. It ranked fourth in GDP among mainland Chinese cities in 2001, while it ranked the top in GDP per capita during the same period. Its import and export volumes have been first for 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 third. It also ranks third in the actual use of foreign capital. <ref>[http://www.sz.gov.cn/english/economy/default.htm sz.gov.cn]</ref>
+
In 2001, the working population of Shenzhen 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 the fastest (1.44 million in 2001, increased by 11.6%). Shenzhen's [[GDP]] totaled [[Renminbi|CNY]] 568.439 billion in 2006, up by 15 % over the previous year. Its economy grew by 16.3 % 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 % <ref>[http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/01/29/1323224.htm tmcnet.com]</ref>.  Shenzhen is in the top rank of mainland Chinese cities in terms of comprehensive economic power. It ranked fourth in GDP among mainland Chinese cities in 2001, and  top in GDP per capita during the same period. Its import and export volumes have been first for the last nine consecutive years. It is the second in terms of industrial output. For five consecutive years, its internal revenue within local budget ranked third. It also ranked third in the actual use of foreign capital. <ref>[http://www.sz.gov.cn/english/economy/default.htm sz.gov.cn]</ref>
  
−
Shenzhen is a major [[manufacturing]] centre 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 metres tall, including the [[Shun Hing Square]] (the 9th tallest building in the world), Shenzhen is a marvel of lights after sunset. <ref>[http://www.diserio.com/top15-skylines.html diserio.com top skylines]</ref>
+
Shenzhen is a major [[manufacturing]] center in China. “One highrise a day and one boulevard every three days,” was a famous catch-phrase referring to Shenzhen during the 1990s. With thirteen buildings over 200 meters (656 feet) tall, including the [[Shun Hing Square]] (the ninth tallest building in the world), Shenzhen is a marvel of lights after sunset. <ref>[http://www.diserio.com/top15-skylines.html diserio.com top skylines]</ref>
  
 
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 [[iPod]]s and laptops for [[Apple Computer]].  It appears to be shipping a large majority of the new [[Intel Corporation|Intel]]-based machines at this stage.  [[Shenzhen City Commercial Bank]] is also based in the city.
 
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 [[iPod]]s and laptops for [[Apple Computer]].  It appears to be shipping a large majority of the new [[Intel Corporation|Intel]]-based machines at this stage.  [[Shenzhen City Commercial Bank]] is also based in the city.
Line 177: Line 175:
 
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.
 
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's 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 loose tier market. <ref>[http://www.szse.cn/main/en/Catalog_1378.aspx szse.cn main]</ref>
+
China's securities market is undergoing fundamental changes.  The implementation of the new [[securities law]], [[company law]], and self-innovation strategy, as well as the development of non-tradable share reform, offers many 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 loose-tier market. <ref>[http://www.szse.cn/main/en/Catalog_1378.aspx szse.cn main]</ref>
−
 
 
−
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.
 
−
 
 
−
== Shopping in Shenzhen ==
 
−
Often eclipsed by its neighbouring city Hong Kong's reputation as the world's mega shopping centre, Shenzhen has gradually reversed that trend.  Bearing the reputation as the shopping heaven in southern China, Shenzhen boasts some of the largest and best shopping malls in China.  Places like Coco Park, MixC, Kingglory and among others are known for their carrying of luxurious brands, featuring stores such as [[Seibu]], [[Gucci]], [[Louis Vuitton]], [[Armani]].  For everyday purchases, Dongmen and [[SEG Plaza]] are known for their wide variety as well as relatively inexpensive items.
 
  
 
== Cityscape ==
 
== Cityscape ==
−
Shenzhen is home to the world's ninth tallest building, the [[Shun Hing Square]] (Diwang Building). As people start to congest the downtown area, Shenzhen has built many buildings over 200 metres, mostly in the [[Luohu]] and [[Futian]] districts.  The second tallest building in Shenzhen is [[SEG Plaza]] at a height of 356 meters (292 meters to roof-top). It is located in the commercial and shopping district of [[Huaqiang North]] (华强北).  According to [[Emporis]], Shenzhen is ranked ninth in the world in terms of highrise buildings, and fifth best city [[skyline]] in the world.
+
Shenzhen is home to the world's ninth tallest building, the [[Shun Hing Square]] (Diwang Building). As people started to congest the downtown area, Shenzhen built many buildings over 200 meters (656 feet), mostly in the [[Luohu]] and [[Futian]] districts.  The second tallest building in Shenzhen is [[SEG Plaza]], at a height of 356 meters (292 meters to roof-top). It is located in the commercial and shopping district of [[Huaqiang North]] (华强北).  According to [[Emporis]], Shenzhen is ranked ninth in the world in terms of highrise buildings, and fifth best city [[skyline]] in the world.
  
−
Shenzhen has some of the most audacious projects that China has ever seen, and it has been a site for China to showcase its wonder. The [[International Trade Center]] (国贸), built in 1985, was the tallest building in China when built, and the Shun Hing building was also the tallest in Asia when it was built (still the tallest steel building in the world).  
+
Shenzhen is the site of some of the most audacious building projects that China has ever seen, and it has become a showcase for China. The [[International Trade Center]] (国贸), built in 1985, was the tallest building in China when built, and the Shun Hing building was also the tallest in Asia when it was built (it is still the tallest steel building in the world).  
  
−
The 439 metre tall [[Kingkey Finance Tower]] will be finished in 2009, thus taking the crown as the tallest building in Shenzhen.
+
The 439 meter (1,440 ft) tall [[Kingkey Finance Tower]], when it is completed in 2009, will be the tallest building in Shenzhen.
−
 
 
−
==Integration with Hong Kong==
 
−
Many visitors who 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 [[haggling|negotiating]].
 
−
 
 
−
The shopping mall most visited by tourists is [[Luo Hu Commercial City|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]], [[DVD]]s, counterfeit goods and mobile phones. With the number of tourists, it is also a popular location for [[prostitution]], [[Hard and soft drugs|drugs]], [[pickpocket]]s and [[begging]].  However, Hua Qiang Bei (North of Huang Qiang Road) is the real mega shopping area favoured by locals.
 
−
 
 
−
As of 2005, a modern metro links Lo Wu with most of Shenzhen along its east-west axis.
 
  
 
==Port==
 
==Port==
−
Situated in 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 harbour 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 harbour is wide and calm and is regarded as the best natural harbour in South China.
+
Situated in the [[Pearl River Delta]] in China’s Guangdong Province, [[Shenzhen Port]] is adjacent to Hong Kong. The city’s 260 kilometer (161.5 mile)  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. Through the Pearl River system, the western port area is connected with the cities and counties in Pearl River Delta networks; through [[On See Dun]] waterway, it extends to 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.
 
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. 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 terminal]]s, [[Shekou]] Container Terminals, [[China Merchants Port]] and [[Shenzhen Haixing]] (Mawan port) are the major port terminals in Shenzhen.
 
  
 
==Transportation==
 
==Transportation==
Line 211: Line 193:
 
Shenzhen can be reached by air, train, sea or road.
 
Shenzhen can be reached by air, train, sea or road.
  
−
[[Baoan International Airport|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.
+
[[Baoan International Airport|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 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 12:00pm and the border crossing is open daily from 6:30am to midnight.
 
−
 
 
−
Although the immigration laws recently changed, most nationalities will still need to apply for a [[visa (document)|visa]], which can be obtained for 160Yuan at the border crossing. UK citizens can apply at the border for 450Yuan. The application process takes up to 20 minutes upon which a 7 day visitor's visa restricted to the Shenzen area is issued. Since 2006, American citizens are no longer allowed visa-on-demand at the border and will have to obtain one prior to going to Shenzhen: 450 HKD for a single entry, 590 HKD for a double entry.  Japanese and Singaporean people do not need to apply for a visa.
 
  
−
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.
+
[[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. 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, Shenzhen|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.
+
Although the immigration laws have recently changed, most nationalities, except for Japanese and Singaporean, need to apply for a [[visa (document)|visa]] at the border crossing. Since 2006, American citizens must obtain a visa prior to going to Shenzhen.  Since February 2003, the road border crossing with Hong Kong at [[Huanggang, Shenzhen|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.
  
−
The [[Shenzhen Metro]] system opened on 27 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.
+
The [[Shenzhen Metro]] system opened on December 27, 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.
−
 
 
−
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]].  There are also frequent bus and van services from Hongkong International Airport to Huanggang and most major hotels in Shenzhen.
 
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]].  There are also frequent bus and van services from Hongkong International Airport to Huanggang and most major hotels in Shenzhen.
  
−
==Tourist attractions==
+
==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 [[kidnap]]ped in Shenzhen are not uncommon in [[Hong Kong newspapers]].{{Fact|date=June 2007}}
 
−
 
 
 
Shenzhen's major tourist attractions include the  
 
Shenzhen's major tourist attractions include the  
−
Chinese Folk Culture Villages, the [[Window of the World]], [[Happy Valley, Shenzhen|Happy Valley]], [[Splendid China]],  
+
Chinese Folk Culture Villages, the [[Window of the World]], [[Happy Valley, Shenzhen|Happy Valley]], [[Splendid China]], the Safari Park in Nanshan district,  
−
the Safari Park in Nanshan district,  
+
the Dameisha Promenade, Xiaomeisha Beach Resort in Yantian district, Zhongying Street, Xianhu Lake Botanical Garden, and [[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.
−
the Dameisha Promenade, Xiaomeisha Beach Resort in Yantian district, Zhongying Street, Xianhu Lake Botanical Garden,  
 
−
and [[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.
 
−
 
 
−
Most tourists, however, choose to stay in a largely expatriate residential community called [[Shekou]], home to a large confiscated (on drug smuggling charges) French cruise liner cemented into the ground.
 
−
 
 
−
See the [http://wikitravel.org/en/Shenzhen Shenzhen travel guide] on the Wikitravel site for further details.
 
  
 
==Colleges and universities==
 
==Colleges and universities==
Line 246: Line 212:
 
* [[Shenzhen Polytechnic]]
 
* [[Shenzhen Polytechnic]]
 
* [[Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology]]
 
* [[Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology]]
−
 
−
Shenzhen will be the host city of the [[2011 Summer Universiade|2011 Summer]] [[Universiade]].
 
  
 
== Sister cities ==
 
== Sister cities ==
Line 263: Line 227:
  
 
==Overseas Representative Offices==
 
==Overseas Representative Offices==
−
The Shenzhen City Government and the Shenzhen Bureau of Trade and Industry maintain offices overseas to promote trade and investment in Shenzhen.  This makes Shenzhen unique as the only major Chinese city to station full-time representatives overseas.  This effort has served to attract major investment projects and helped Shenzhen-based companies expand their markets by providing free assistance and government support.
+
The Shenzhen City Government and the Shenzhen Bureau of Trade and Industry maintain offices overseas to promote trade and investment in Shenzhen.  Shenzhen is the only major Chinese city to station full-time representatives overseas.  This effort has served to attract major investment projects and helped Shenzhen-based companies expand their markets by providing free assistance and government support.
  
−
*[[North American Representative Office of Shenzhen (Los Angeles)]]
+
==Notes==
−
*Europe Representive Office of Shenzhen (based in [[Nuremberg]])
 
−
*Shenzhen Economic and Trade Representative Office in [[Japan]] (based in [[Tokyo]])
 
−
*Shenzhen Economic and Trade Representative Office in [[Australia]] (based in [[Sydney]])
 
−
*Additional offices are planned for [[New York]], [[Frankfurt]], and [[Moscow]].
 
−
 
 
−
==References==
 
 
<div class="references-small">
 
<div class="references-small">
 
<references />
 
<references />
 
</div>
 
</div>
 +
 +
==References==
 +
* Davis, Deborah. 2000. The consumer revolution in urban China. Studies on China, 22. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN:0520216393 9780520216396 0520216407 9780520216402
 +
*Delisle, Guy. 2006. Shenzhen a travelogue from China. Montréal: Drawn & Quarterly. ISBN:1894937791 9781894937795
 +
* Kleinberg, Robert. 1990. China's "opening" to the outside world the experiment with foreign capitalism. Boulder: Westview Press. ISBN:0813379040 9780813379043 0813380898 9780813380896
 +
* Wong, Kwan Yiu, and David K. Y. Chu. 1985. Modernization in China the case of the Shenzhen special economic zone. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN:0195838645 9780195838640
 +
* Yeung, Yue-man, and Xuwei Hu. 1992. China's coastal cities catalysts for modernization. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN:0824813731 9780824813734
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
Line 305: Line 270:
 
[[Category:Subprovincial cities]]
 
[[Category:Subprovincial cities]]
 
[[Category:Shenzhen]]
 
[[Category:Shenzhen]]
 +
  
 
{{credits|Shenzhen|154698547}}
 
{{credits|Shenzhen|154698547}}

Revision as of 21:57, 24 November 2007

For the graphic novel see "Shenzhen (comic)"
Shenzhen
Chinese: 深圳
Cantonese Jyutping: sam1 zan3
Hanyu Pinyin: Shēnzhèn
Literal meaning: deep drains
Shenzhen
Location of Shenzhen within Guangdong in China
Location of Shenzhen within Guangdong in China
Country People's Republic of China
County-level divisions 6
Township-level divisions Special Economic Zone
Settled
Area
 - Total 2,020 km² (780 sq mi)
Population (2005 end)
 - Total 8.27 million (Muncip) / 4 million (city, est)
 - Major nationalities Han
Time zone China Standard Time (UTC)
Area code(s) 755
License plate prefixes

Shenzhen is a sub-provincial city of Guangdong province in southern China. Although this city is famous for its extreme proximity with the boundary of Hong Kong, it is at least 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away from the core urban area of Hong Kong. Shenzhen is a center of foreign investment and since the late 1970s has been one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It is also the busiest port in China after Shanghai. In the past two decades, outsiders have invested more than $30 billion in factories and joint ventures in Shenzhen.

The one-time fishing village of Shenzhen was singled out by late Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping to become the first of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ), created as an experiment in capitalism and "socialism with Chinese characteristics." With an official population estimated at around nine million (including floating residents), Shenzhen has been the fastest growing city in China for the past 30 years. Shenzhen is in the top rank of mainland Chinese cities in terms of comprehensive economic power. It ranked fourth in GDP among mainland Chinese cities in 2001, and top in GDP per capita during the same period. Its import and export volumes have been first for the last nine consecutive years. It is the second in terms of industrial output. Shenzhen is a showcase for some of the most audacious building projects that China has ever seen. The International Trade Center (国贸), built in 1985, was the tallest building in China when built, and the Shun Hing building, still the tallest steel building in the world, was also the tallest in Asia when it was built.

History

Construction work in Shenzhen

The one-time fishing village of Shenzhen was singled out by late Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping to become the first of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in 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 experiment in capitalism and "socialism with Chinese characteristics."

The location was chosen to attract industrial investment from Hong Kong, since the two are located near each other and share the same 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 has become one of the economic powerhouses of China as well as the largest manufacturing base in the world. Shenzhen, which profited the most from the first reforms initiated by Deng, is often cited as an example of the success of Deng’s economic revival..

Shenzhen, formerly known as 'Bao'an County ' (宝安县), was promoted to the level of a prefecture, 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.

Administration

Shenzhen districts

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 center of the SEZ and adjacent to Hong Kong, Luohu is the financial and trading centre. It covers an area of 78.89 km² (49 sq. miles) . Futian, where the Municipal Government is situated, is at the heart of the SEZ and covers an area of 78.04 km² (48.49 sq. miles). Covering an area of 164.29 km² (102 sq. miles), 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) (443 sq. miles) and Longgang (844.07 km²) (524.48 sq. miles) are located to the north-west and north-east of Shenzhen respectively. Yantian (75.68 km²) (47 sq. miles) is known for logistics. Yantian Port is the second largest deepwater container terminal in China and fourth largest in the world.

Geography

Shenzhen is located in the Pearl River Delta. The municipality covers an area of 2,020 km² (780 sq. miles) including urban and rural areas, with a nighttime population (not including commuters) of 8,277,500, at the end of 2005. Among those, 1,819,300 had legal residence.

Shenzhen was originally a mountainous area, with fertile agrarian land. However, after the introduction of special economic zone in 1979, the landscape of Shenzhen underwent tremendous change. The once hilly fishing village has now been replaced by mostly flat ground in the downtown area, with only Lian Hua hill (Lotus Hill), Bi Jia Hill (Mount Bi Jia) and Mount WuTong having enough elevation to be detected by satellites. With the influx of emigrants from inland China, Shenzhen is experiencing a second stage of growth, and it is now expanding peripherally. The hills in surrounding areas such as Mission Hills are now being leveled to create more land for development.

Shenzhen is located on the border with the Hong Kong SAR across the Sham Chun River and Sha Tau Kok River, 160 km south of the provincial capital of Guangzhou, and 70 km south of the industrial city of Dongguan. To the west, the resort city of Zhuhai is a 60 km away.

Demographics

The population of Shenzhen has developed rapidly since the establishment of the SEZ. With an official population estimated at around nine million (including floating residents), Shenzhen has been the fastest growing city in China for the past 30 years. However, many people think there are far more residents, mostly because they are commuters from Dongguan. Among the reasons for this rapid development is the cost of labor, which is substantially lower than in neighboring Hong Kong. One problem with such rampant population growth is that 70% of the people in Shenzhen lack an official residence permit or household registry. Most "old" Shenzhen locals felt that the practice of freely allowing newcomers into the city is making it less competitive with other Chinese cities.

There had been migration into southern Guangdong and what is now Shenzhen since the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 C.E.) but the numbers have increased dramatically since Shenzhen was established in the 1980s. Guangdong is the only city where Mandarin is predominantly spoken, with migrants from all over China. At present, the average age in Shenzhen is less than 30. Among the total population, 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 is polarized into two extremes: a dense population of highly-educated intellectuals, 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 the cities are neighbors, daily commuters must still pass through customs and immigration checkpoints, as travel between the SEZ and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is restricted.

In late July of 2003, China relaxed travel restrictions to allow individuals from the southern cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as Beijing and Shanghai, to visit Hong Kong. Previously, mainland travelers could only visit the city as part of a tour group.

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 consisting of a large number of migrants from the Chinese interior who attempt to enter the city.

Climate

Shenzhen is a sub-tropical maritime region, , located near the Tropic of Cancer, with frequent tropical cyclones in summer and early autumn, and an average temperature of 22.4°C year-round (72°F), although daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C. The weather is generally pleasant in Shenzhen, temperate and mild in the autumn; the South China Sea buffers its climate, so cold snaps are not common. In the spring Shenzhen is relatively dry, and then it has a warm and wet summer, occasionally hit by typhoons from the east.

Economy

Shenzhen reflection showing Shun Hing Square in center

In 2001, the working population of Shenzhen 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 the fastest (1.44 million in 2001, increased by 11.6%). Shenzhen's GDP totaled CNY 568.439 billion in 2006, up by 15 % over the previous year. Its economy grew by 16.3 % 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 % [2]. Shenzhen is in the top rank of mainland Chinese cities in terms of comprehensive economic power. It ranked fourth in GDP among mainland Chinese cities in 2001, and top in GDP per capita during the same period. Its import and export volumes have been first for the last nine consecutive years. It is the second in terms of industrial output. For five consecutive years, its internal revenue within local budget ranked third. It also ranked third in the actual use of foreign capital. [3]

Shenzhen is a major manufacturing center in China. “One highrise a day and one boulevard every three days,” was a famous catch-phrase referring to Shenzhen during the 1990s. With thirteen buildings over 200 meters (656 feet) tall, including the Shun Hing Square (the ninth tallest building in the world), Shenzhen is a marvel of lights after sunset. [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. Shenzhen City Commercial Bank is also based in the city.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (the SZSE) 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's securities market is undergoing fundamental changes. The implementation of the new securities law, company law, and self-innovation strategy, as well as the development of non-tradable share reform, offers many 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 loose-tier market. [5]

Cityscape

Shenzhen is home to the world's ninth tallest building, the Shun Hing Square (Diwang Building). As people started to congest the downtown area, Shenzhen built many buildings over 200 meters (656 feet), mostly in the Luohu and Futian districts. The second tallest building in Shenzhen is SEG Plaza, at a height of 356 meters (292 meters to roof-top). It is located in the commercial and shopping district of Huaqiang North (华强北). According to Emporis, Shenzhen is ranked ninth in the world in terms of highrise buildings, and fifth best city skyline in the world.

Shenzhen is the site of some of the most audacious building projects that China has ever seen, and it has become a showcase for China. The International Trade Center (国贸), built in 1985, was the tallest building in China when built, and the Shun Hing building was also the tallest in Asia when it was built (it is still the tallest steel building in the world).

The 439 meter (1,440 ft) tall Kingkey Finance Tower, when it is completed in 2009, will be the tallest building in Shenzhen.

Port

Situated in the Pearl River Delta in China’s Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Port is adjacent to Hong Kong. The city’s 260 kilometer (161.5 mile) 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. Through the Pearl River system, the western port area is connected with the cities and counties in Pearl River Delta networks; through On See Dun waterway, it extends to 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.

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 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. 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.

Although the immigration laws have recently changed, most nationalities, except for Japanese and Singaporean, need to apply for a visa at the border crossing. Since 2006, American citizens must obtain a visa prior to going to Shenzhen. 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.

The Shenzhen Metro system opened on December 27, 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.

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. There are also frequent bus and van services from Hongkong International Airport to Huanggang and most major hotels in Shenzhen.

Tourist Attractions

Shenzhen's major tourist attractions include the Chinese Folk Culture Villages, the Window of the World, Happy Valley, Splendid China, the Safari Park in Nanshan district, the Dameisha Promenade, Xiaomeisha Beach Resort in Yantian district, Zhongying Street, Xianhu Lake Botanical Garden, and 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.

Colleges and universities

  • Shenzhen University
  • Shenzhen Polytechnic
  • Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology

Sister cities

Overseas Representative Offices

The Shenzhen City Government and the Shenzhen Bureau of Trade and Industry maintain offices overseas to promote trade and investment in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is the only major Chinese city to station full-time representatives overseas. This effort has served to attract major investment projects and helped Shenzhen-based companies expand their markets by providing free assistance and government support.

Notes

  1. ↑ Shenzhen Government Online, Citizens' Life (Recovered from the Wayback Machine)
  2. ↑ tmcnet.com
  3. ↑ sz.gov.cn
  4. ↑ diserio.com top skylines
  5. ↑ szse.cn main

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Davis, Deborah. 2000. The consumer revolution in urban China. Studies on China, 22. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN:0520216393 9780520216396 0520216407 9780520216402
  • Delisle, Guy. 2006. Shenzhen a travelogue from China. Montréal: Drawn & Quarterly. ISBN:1894937791 9781894937795
  • Kleinberg, Robert. 1990. China's "opening" to the outside world the experiment with foreign capitalism. Boulder: Westview Press. ISBN:0813379040 9780813379043 0813380898 9780813380896
  • Wong, Kwan Yiu, and David K. Y. Chu. 1985. Modernization in China the case of the Shenzhen special economic zone. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN:0195838645 9780195838640
  • Yeung, Yue-man, and Xuwei Hu. 1992. China's coastal cities catalysts for modernization. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN:0824813731 9780824813734

See also

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

External links

Commons
Wikimedia Commons has media related to::


Prefecture-level divisions of Guangdong
Sub-provincial cities: Guangzhou | Shenzhen
Prefecture-level cities: Chaozhou | Dongguan | Foshan | Heyuan | Huizhou
Jiangmen | Jieyang | Maoming | Meizhou | Qingyuan | Shantou | Shanwei
Shaoguan | Yangjiang | Yunfu | Zhanjiang | Zhaoqing | Zhongshan | Zhuhai
Economic Development Zones of the People's Republic of China Lujiazui skyline, Pudong, Shanghai.JPG
The Original Four Special Economic Zones
Shenzhen | Zhuhai | Shantou | Xiamen
New Open Development Zones
Hainan Province | Dalian | Qingdao | Qinhuangdao | Lianyungang | Pudong | Yantai | Zhanjiang | Ningbo | Wenzhou | Nantong | Fuzhou | Guangzhou | Beihai
Major cities of Greater China

Flag of the People's Republic of China
People's Republic
of China

Direct-controlled municipalities

Beijing · Chongqing · Shanghai · Tianjin

Sub-provincial cities

Changchun · Chengdu · Dalian · Guangzhou · Hangzhou · Jinan · Harbin · Nanjing · Ningbo · Qingdao · Shenyang · Shenzhen · Wuhan · Xi'an · Xiamen

Provincial capitals
(not included above)

Changsha · Fuzhou · Guiyang · Haikou · Hefei · Hohhot · Lanzhou · Lhasa · Nanchang · Nanning · Shijiazhuang · Taiyuan · Ürümqi · Xining · Yinchuan · Zhengzhou · Kunming

Special administrative regions

Hong Kong · Macau

Flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Republic of
China (Taiwan)

Direct-controlled municipalities

Kaohsiung · Taipei

Coordinates: 22°33′N 114°06′E


Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Shenzhen&oldid=579005

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki