Source: CCTV.com

04-10-2008 15:17

Shenzhen, China's first special economic zone, was established via the patronage of the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. A pioneering and innovative city, Shenzhen was on the forefront of China's opening up to the world and in its short history of 28 years, has developed from a small fishing village to a modern-day city. Nearly 30 years ago, Shenzhen took the lead in China in establishing a socialist market economy, and is now a stunning showcase of industrial development, urbanization and modernization. Today, the city has four pillar industries: high-tech, modern logistics, finance and culture. And its residents come from all over the world to enjoy Shenzhen's sunshine and modernity.

At the end of 2006, Shenzhen had nearly 8.5 million permanent residents, of whom approximately 2 million were hukou households and about 6.5 million non-hukou households. With such a large number of residents, access to education and a disparate cultural life have become challenges for Shenzhen.

The City is striving to develop a fair, international, sustainable educational system and life-long learning system, and is stepping up the development of social sciences to provide support to the city's intellectual growth. Shenzhen boasts an excellent and efficient government system and a highly developed information network. All those have provided a good environment for economic and cultural development. It's this type of social and civic development that has attracted migrants from all over the world to Shenzhen. Shenzhen is now truly an international city. In January 2007, Shenzhen won the right to host the 26th world Universiade - an international sporting event for university athletes. This feat highlights Shenzhen's growing reputation in the global arena!

The time and situation has changed dramatically over the 30 years. Join us on Up-Close on April 13th and 20th to take a trip with the pioneers who witnessed the memorable moments in Shenzhen's history.

Editor:Liu Fang