Have you ever wondered about the stories etched into the very stones of Baoan-Nanshan? Here, at marker 26, we stand on the edge of history, where the districts of Baoan and Nanshan meet. Baoan-Nanshan, marker 26, is more than just a boundary stone. It represents the evolution of Shenzhen, a city forged from the echoes of a rich past. Baoan, once the heart of Xin’an County, encompassed what we now know as Shenzhen and Hong Kong. This very ground witnessed the ebb and flow of dynasties, from the Jin Dynasty’s establishment of Baoan County in 331 to its renaming as Shenzhen City in 1979.
Baoan-Nanshan, marked by this stone, stands as a silent observer to this transformation. The establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in 1980 brought rapid development, forever changing the landscape of Baoan. The once-rural district transformed into a bustling hub of industry and innovation. The air here, once filled with the quiet hum of village life, now vibrates with the energy of a modern metropolis. Industries flourished in Baoan, particularly in Xixiang and Guanlan, drawing migrants from all over China, weaving a tapestry of languages and cultures. The Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, opened in 1991, further cemented Baoan’s place as a vital transportation hub.
This very spot, Baoan-Nanshan, witnessed the district divide and evolve. Longhua District, once a part of Baoan, gained independence in 2016, followed by Guangming District in 2018. Yet, Baoan’s legacy remains strong. It is here that companies like Shenzhen Airlines, Jade Cargo International, Shenzhen Donghai Airlines, and SF Airlines found their home, taking flight from the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. The metro lines, 1, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 20, crisscross through Baoan, connecting it to the vibrant heart of Shenzhen and beyond. Baoan-Nanshan, symbolized by this stone, isn’t just a division; it’s a bridge connecting the past and the future.
Even as modern skyscrapers pierce the sky, the echoes of Baoan’s past persist. The Shenzhen (Bao’an) Labor Museum stands as a testament to the resilience and dreams of the people who built this city. The museum, housed in the former Shangwu Heating Coil factory, the first “Three-plus-one” enterprise in Shenzhen, narrates the story of manufacturing that fueled Shenzhen’s miraculous growth. From its humble beginnings, Baoan has become a powerhouse of high-tech and intelligent manufacturing, a testament to the city’s relentless drive for innovation. Baoan-Nanshan, marker 26, embodies this journey. It silently narrates the story of a district that embraced change, holding onto its historical roots while reaching for the stars. It is here, at this intersection, that the spirit of Baoan-Nanshan endures.