Welcome to the Future
From a small fishing village to the world's most innovative tech hub in just 40 years. This is not science fiction. This is Shenzhen.
40 Years of Change
Witness one of the most remarkable urban transformations in human history. Each image tells the story of a city that refused to stand still.

The same location in 1982 and today - a transformation that defies imagination

Rice paddies became one of the world's most impressive skylines

The Ping An Finance Centre now dominates where villages once stood

Aerial view showing the dramatic urban expansion
Years of Growth
Population
Tech Companies
Hardware Hub
"In just 40 years, Shenzhen went from a population of 30,000 to over 17 million— the fastest urban growth in human history."
— World Economic Forum
Experience Shenzhen
Three perspectives of Shenzhen: the city, the innovation, and the people.

The official introduction to Shenzhen's modern landscape

Tour DJI's futuristic headquarters in Shenzhen

Discover the people and culture behind the tech
Deep Dive
Award-winning documentaries from WIRED, Bloomberg, and more that explore why Shenzhen matters.

China Insight's comprehensive look at Shenzhen's smart city infrastructure (2025)

Shenzhen: The Silicon Valley of Hardware (WIRED)

Inside China's Future Factory (Bloomberg)

The People's Republic of The Future (Bloomberg)
Real Streets
Walk through the neon-lit streets of Shenzhen at night. This is not a movie set—this is everyday life.

Experience the stunning nightlife and futuristic atmosphere of Shenzhen
"The closest place on Earth to Night City"
— Reddit r/Cyberpunk
Global Recognition
Coverage from the world's most respected publications about Shenzhen's rise.
Shenzhen, a city of around 17 million people, is now merely one element of the Pearl River Delta, the world's largest continuously urbanised area.
May 2016
China's innovation chains often start with grants for researchers, who find a placement in state-backed labs. These, in turn, are fertile ground for startups.
August 2025
This Pearl River Delta megacity was a mere fishing village. Now home to up to 15 million people it hopes to become a tech nirvana for the world's hardware startups.
June 2014
Hong Kong and Shenzhen forge close ties in finance and AI to build world-class fintech hub, highlighting the region's role as a 'superconnector'.
January 2026
From plant biology to superconductor physics, China is at the cutting edge. The country's scientific output has grown dramatically.
June 2024
Real People, Real Stories
Thousands of foreigners have found opportunity, adventure, and a new home in Shenzhen. From makers building their dreams to entrepreneurs launching startups—discover how people from around the world are writing their own chapters in this city of possibilities.

Scotty Allen
Built His Own iPhone from Parts
"I spent months in Shenzhen's markets, learning from vendors and technicians. What I discovered wasn't just how to build a phone—it was an entire ecosystem of innovation that doesn't exist anywhere else on Earth."

Multiple Expats
Living as a Foreigner in Shenzhen
Shenzhen surprised me. It's not just about technology—it's about the people, the energy, and the endless possibilities.

American Visitor
Walking Through Shenzhen
This walk completely changed my perspective on China. The innovation, the cleanliness, the infrastructure—it's like stepping into the future.

Martin Crozier
Finding Connection Through Community
I found my community here through park runs and local events. Shenzhen became home in ways I never expected.

Long-term Expat
5 Years Living in Shenzhen
After five years, I can say Shenzhen is one of the most incredible cities to live in. The growth, the opportunities—it's unmatched.

Sans & Ary
A Day in Our Life in China
Living and working in China has been an adventure. Every day brings something new and exciting.

Shenzhen Expat Community
Why Foreigners Love Shenzhen
The convenience, the safety, the food, the people—there are so many reasons why foreigners fall in love with this city.
"Shenzhen doesn't just welcome dreamers—it helps them build."
Join the community of makers, entrepreneurs, and adventurers who have discovered that Shenzhen is more than a destination—it's a launchpad for your next chapter.
Shenzhen awaits. Come witness the city that transformed from a fishing village into the world's innovation capital in just four decades.