Intrigued by China’s reform? Shekou beckons. This area played a key role in opening China to the world. Let’s explore the Shekou area. It transformed from fishing village to modern city. Shekou is located at the southern tip of Nanshan District in Shenzhen. It faces Yuen Long Hong Kong across Shenzhen Bay. It’s a designated Free Trade Zone.
In 1979, Shekou became China’s first export-oriented industrial zone. Yuan Geng of China Merchants Group led the development. This was even before the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. The “Shekou Model” emerged. Land belonged to the country. Enterprises could use the land. The government did not interfere in business. Tax preferences were offered to foreign-owned businesses.
Shekou’s location near Hong Kong was strategic. It attracted foreign investments. It brought in advanced technologies. Hong Kong entrepreneurs were eager to invest.
In the 1980s, foreign oil companies arrived. Agip Chevron Texaco Statoil and Shell came for oil exploration. Shekou became a base for foreign oil workers. The area catered to western tastes. Housing food entertainment and schooling options arose. Shekou became home to many expatriates.
The Minghua ship became a landmark in 2003. It transformed into a western-style entertainment area. It is now a popular tourist spot.
Shekou is undergoing major redevelopment. Office towers residential buildings and shopping malls are being constructed. The Shekou Cruise Center replaced the old ferry terminal.
Shekou Port is a key part of Shenzhen’s port complex. It is a major fruit import hub. The port connects to the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Today Shekou has a large foreign community. Many non-Chinese restaurants thrive here. The Management and Service Center for Expats assists foreigners.
Shekou’s history is chronicled in “The Story of Spring”. This Chinese ballad captures its essence. The Shekou Industrial Zone was established in 1980. It attracted foreign businesses. Shenzhen grew rapidly because of Shekou. The zone blended foreign capital with local labor. Today Shekou is a vibrant community.