Here, the “first gavel” of land auctions in New China was struck, and the first export industrial zone of New China was established… Approximately a thousand “firsts in China” were created here.

This is Shenzhen.

On August 26, 1980, the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone was officially established.

Shenzhen is a brand-new city built by the Party and the people after reform and opening-up, a remarkable manifestation of socialism with Chinese characteristics on a blank canvas.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping has visited Shenzhen three times.

From December 7 to 11, 2012, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected Guangdong Province. This is Xi Jinping planting a banyan tree at Lianhuashan Park in Shenzhen.

On October 24, 2018, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected Shenzhen. This is Xi Jinping visiting the “Great Tide Rises in the Pearl River—Exhibition of 40 Years of Reform and Opening-Up in Guangdong” at the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall.

On October 14, 2020, a celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone was held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the meeting. That afternoon, Xi Jinping viewed the new look of the special zone from Lianhuashan Park.

Why Shenzhen? This land of passion has provided the answer with practical actions. Born and thriving through reform and opening-up, Shenzhen has become a model for boldly exploring the path of reform and opening-up, demonstrating the surging power of China’s progress.

Shenzhen Special Economic Zone

The Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was established in 1980 as one of the first special economic zones in China, designed to test free-market reforms and attract foreign investment. It transformed from a small fishing village into a global hub for technology, manufacturing, and innovation, symbolizing China’s rapid economic growth.

Lianhuashan Park

Lianhuashan Park is a scenic urban park located in Shenzhen, China, known for its lush greenery and a prominent hilltop statue of Deng Xiaoping. It was established in 1992 to commemorate the economic reforms Deng pioneered, which led to Shenzhen’s development into a major city. The park offers panoramic views of the city and serves as a popular recreational spot for both locals and tourists.

Shenzhen Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall

The Shenzhen Reform and Opening-Up Exhibition Hall chronicles the city’s remarkable transformation from a small fishing village into a global economic powerhouse. It was established to document and celebrate the success of China’s Reform and Opening-Up policy initiated in the late 1970s. The exhibition features historical artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays that detail Shenzhen’s role as the nation’s first Special Economic Zone.

Great Tide Rises in the Pearl River—Exhibition of 40 Years of Reform and Opening-Up in Guangdong

This exhibition chronicles Guangdong Province’s pivotal role as a pioneer in China’s Reform and Opening-Up policy, initiated in 1978. It showcases the region’s remarkable economic transformation and social development over four decades through historical photographs, artifacts, and multimedia displays. The “Great Tide” metaphor reflects the powerful wave of progress that emerged from the Pearl River Delta.