What if I told you that right here, at the foot of Keshulin, we’re standing on the edge of a prehistoric world? Keshulin, meaning “Ke Tree Ridge”, isn’t just a peak; it’s a time capsule. The oldest evidence of human activity in this area dates back to the mid-Neolithic period, a staggering 6,700 years ago. Imagine, long before the skyscrapers of Shenzhen pierced the sky, hunter-gatherers roamed these very lands, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of Keshulin.
Keshulin has witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations. It saw the rise and fall of dynasties, from the Qin Dynasty’s unification of China in 214 BC to the flourishing maritime trade of the Song Dynasty. Keshulin stood tall as the Ming Dynasty established military bases in the area, protecting the coastline from invaders. It even observed the construction of the Nantou Naval Base on Nanshan Peninsula, a powerful force in the region by 1565.
Let’s fast forward through time. Keshulin remained a silent observer as the area transitioned from Xin’an County to Bao’an County. It felt the tremors of World War II as Japanese troops occupied the region, forcing the local government into exile. And then, a pivotal moment. In 1953, the Bao’an county seat shifted east, closer to the bustling Shenzhen Township and the Guangzhou-Kowloon Railway. This seemingly small move set the stage for an incredible transformation that Keshulin would soon witness.
The sleepy fishing villages at the foot of Keshulin began to stir. Industry and commerce blossomed, drawing people from all corners of China. In 1979, Bao’an County was reborn as Shenzhen City. Just a year later, Shenzhen was designated China’s first Special Economic Zone. This marked the beginning of Shenzhen’s meteoric rise, a transformation from a quiet town to a global metropolis. Keshulin, once overlooking peaceful villages, now found itself at the heart of a technological and economic powerhouse. And the “Shenzhen speed” wasn’t limited to construction; it became a mantra for competition, innovation, and relentless progress.
As you stand here today, at the foot of Keshulin, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history embedded in this landscape. From prehistoric settlements to a modern marvel, Keshulin has seen it all. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this region, a reminder of the past and a beacon for the future.