As part of Deng Xiaoping’s reform and opening up policies, since 1978 the China central government has transformed many cities into industry cluster and special economic zones to stimulate reforms. In 1980 China named Shenzhen a special economic zone.

Over the next 40 years, Shenzhen transformed from a rural backwater with a population of 20,000 to China’s answer to the Silicon Valley. Many technologies were introduced to Shenzhen before spreading to the rest of China. And the Hi-tech metropolis of Shenzhen has become the first city in China to enter the 5G mobile network era with full 5G coverage using a standalone network. 

In this August, Shenzhen’s central business area is lit up with lights to mark the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. We wish our city Shenzhen a better and better future.