“Have you ever felt dwarfed?” That is how you might feel as you gaze upon Hung Shui Shan. I will share its story.
Hung Shui Shan is near Shenzhen in China. Shenzhen is a major city in Guangdong province. It borders Hong Kong. Shenzhen was once a small village. In 1979, it became a city.
Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms made Shenzhen China’s first special economic zone. This attracted foreign investment. Shenzhen became a hub for technology and trade. Its economy boomed.
The name “Shenzhen” means “Deep Drainage”. Locals used the term “Zhen” for drains in paddy fields. The city was named after a deep drain in the area.
Humans lived in the Shenzhen area for 6700 years. About 1700 years ago, counties were established here. The towns of Nantou and Dapeng were built over 600 years ago. The Hakka people immigrated here about 300 years ago.
In 214 BC, the area became part of the Qin dynasty. Later, it was split into different commanderies. Nantou became a trade hub for salt and spices. During the Ming era, sailors prayed at a Mazu temple before voyages. A naval battle against the Portuguese was fought near Nantou.
The Qing dynasty resettled coastal residents inland. Bao’an County lost territory. After the Opium Wars, Britain gained Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. In 1898, Britain leased the New Territories for 99 years.
In 1911, residents rebelled against the Qing administration. The Kowloon-Canton Railway opened. Shenzhen station became the last stop on the Chinese side. In 1913, Xin’an County was renamed Bao’an County.
During a strike in 1925, a reception station was set up in Shenzhen. In 1931, casinos were established here. During World War II, the Japanese occupied Shenzhen.
In 1953, Bao’an County moved its government to Shenzhen. Shenzhen was closer to the railway. From the 1950s to 1970s, many refugees came to Shenzhen. They were trying to escape to Hong Kong.
In 1978, a team suggested creating a foreign trade port in Bao’an County. In 1979, Bao’an County was renamed Shenzhen. The city established six districts. The Shekou Industrial Zone was established to promote trade.
In 1980, Shenzhen was designated as China’s first special economic zone. It was meant to be a place for market capitalism. In 1981, Shenzhen became a sub-provincial division. In 1983, a border was erected between the SEZ and the rest of China.
In 1990, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange was established. In 1992, Shenzhen gained the power to make its own laws. In 1996, Hong Kong’s Provisional Legislative Council met in Shenzhen.
In 2010, the “second line” border was dissolved. The Shenzhen SEZ expanded to include all districts. In 2019, Shenzhen was labeled a pilot zone for socialism.
Shenzhen is in the Pearl River Delta. It borders Hong Kong, Huizhou, and Dongguan. The city has many rivers and reservoirs.
I hope you enjoyed the story of Hung Shui Shan’s surroundings and its connection to the modern metropolis Shenzhen.