At noon on August 26th, the West Exhibition Hall of Shenzhen Civic Center’s B District welcomed a continuous stream of visitors—the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone’s 45th Anniversary Thematic Photo Exhibition had not yet officially opened but was already attracting many enthusiastic viewers. At the entrance, the intelligent robot Temi from Boge Technology, guided by teachers and students from Meiyuan Experimental School, was busy with intense preparations to serve as the exhibition’s “narrator.” Inside the hall, the humanoid robot “Xiao Qing” from Zhongqing Robotics stretched its limbs and paced around, warming up for the upcoming opening ceremony.

Robot Narrators Begin Their Roles, “Technology + Humanity” Becomes an Exhibition Highlight

“This is Temi, you can call it ‘Xiao Dingdang.’ To make it appear more approachable, we designed a backward-walking motion for it, ensuring it can always face the audience…” Yesterday morning, Lin Hongxiang, a middle school student from Meiyuan Experimental School, arrived at the photo exhibition site with classmates. Under the guidance of their science and innovation club teacher, they worked in divisions to program the robot.

“Mapping, writing movement programs, and rehearsing positions—each step was completed by the students.” The teacher believed that moving the science innovation class to the exhibition hall allowed students to experience real-world applications of robotics and helped them understand the spirit of Shenzhen’s reform and opening-up through programming. Lin Hongxiang felt that “Xiao Dingdang’s” participation could attract young audiences like himself, allowing more people to learn about Shenzhen’s early development history and more vividly experience the new面貌 brought by technological and modern advancements to today’s life.

A company representative expressed, “From self-developed joints to algorithm iterations and supply chain collaboration, every step we take aligns with the city’s industrial upgrade.” He believed that although Shenzhen is developing rapidly, the city’s daring and experimental spirit, as well as its初心 to pursue a better life, have never faded. The innovative spirit of “daring to be the first” continues to attract more young people to weave their dreams into the city’s soaring backdrop.

“Firsthand Witnesses” Narrate Stories of the Past, Old Photos Revive Shared Memories

Generations of Special Zone builders paused gently before一个个 scenes hidden deep in memory, evoking共鸣 between Shenzhen and youth.

Many viewers stopped before a photo titled “Ascent.” “At the Hongling Mansion construction site, a crane arm pierced the sky; a construction worker in a blue vest looked up, arm raised, directing the crane’s operation…” In June 1984, a veteran construction engineering soldier and photographer pressed the shutter, capturing an image that has long become a symbol of an era of hard work and struggle. He感慨: “For over 40 years, my camera has never left my shoulder. As long as I can walk, I will continue to use my camera to record this city.”

A national role model for courage and the leader of a Shenzhen public welfare rescue team also came to the photo exhibition. Walking past photos documenting Shenzhen’s changes, he occasionally stopped to examine the scenes. “I’m familiar not just with the streets, but with that relentless forward momentum.” He stated, “Witnessing the tremendous changes in the city since the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone 45 years ago is incredibly inspiring. The rapid development represents the city’s flourishing progress. Personally, I just want to continue doing more for the city’s construction, making it faster, more beautiful, safer, more modern, and more international.”

The Message Wall Holds “Declarations” and a Future Where Dreams Come True

“Shenzhen is just too well-rounded!” A full “message wall” set up at the exhibition exit became a popular spot for visitors. In just half a day, the wall was already adorned with a “rainbow” of colorful notes.

Liao Mingzhe, a primary school student from Yucai No. 2 Primary School, came specially from Shekou with his father to see the exhibition. He

Shenzhen Civic Center

The Shenzhen Civic Center is a major government complex and public space, completed in 2004 to symbolize the city’s rapid modernization. Its most iconic feature is a massive, cantilevered blue roof that shelters the main building and is meant to resemble a giant bird spreading its wings. The center houses key government offices and faces a large public square that hosts cultural events and celebrations.

West Exhibition Hall

The West Exhibition Hall is a modern cultural venue that opened in the late 20th century, designed to host a rotating array of contemporary art and historical displays. It serves as a key space for showcasing both local and international exhibitions, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Meiyuan Experimental School

Meiyuan Experimental School was a progressive educational institution established in 1927 by the renowned Chinese educator Tao Xingzhi. It was founded on the principles of “life as education” and sought to integrate practical, hands-on learning with formal schooling. The school played a significant role in modern Chinese educational reform before its activities were disrupted by the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Hongling Mansion

Hongling Mansion is a modern skyscraper and commercial complex located in the Luohu District of Shenzhen, China. Completed in the late 1990s, it was one of the tallest buildings in the city at the time of its construction and played a significant role in Shenzhen’s rapid development into a major economic hub.

Yucai No. 2 Primary School

Yucai No. 2 Primary School is a modern educational institution in China, part of the widespread Yucai school network. These schools are known for providing foundational education, though the specific history of this individual campus is not widely documented in public historical records.

Shenzhen Special Economic Zone

The Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was established in 1980 as one of the first zones in China to experiment with market-oriented economic reforms and foreign investment. It transformed from a small fishing village into a global hub for technology, manufacturing, and innovation, symbolizing China’s rapid economic growth. Today, it is a major metropolis and home to numerous multinational corporations.

Boge Technology

I am unable to provide a summary for “Boge Technology” as it does not appear to be a recognized place or cultural site. It is likely the name of a modern company or commercial entity, rather than a location of historical or cultural significance.

Zhongqing Robotics

Zhongqing Robotics is a leading Chinese robotics company based in Chongqing, specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of industrial robots and automation solutions. Founded in the early 21st century, it has played a significant role in China’s push towards advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. The company represents the rapid growth of China’s high-tech sector and its strategic focus on automation.