龙头 Statue

Did a statue ever inspire a city’s transformation? Here at the foot of Lianhuashan Park, stands the imposing figure of Deng Xiaoping, the 龍頭 Statue. This isn’t just a statue; it’s a symbol of Shenzhen’s economic miracle. The 6-meter tall bronze figure of Deng overlooks the city he helped shape. He’s often called the “chief architect” of China’s reform and opening-up policy. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come here annually. They want to understand how Deng’s policies transformed Shenzhen from a small fishing village into a bustling metropolis. The statue’s location in Lotus Park is no accident. It was chosen after careful consideration. The idea to erect the statue came about in 1994. This was two years after Deng’s pivotal “Southern Tour,” where he delivered speeches urging faster reform. Initially, several cities vied for the honor of hosting the statue, after Deng’s death in 1997. But the project was put on hold. It was not until 2000, during Shenzhen’s 20th anniversary, that the project was revived. The statue was finally unveiled in November 2000. The designer, Teng Wenjin, initially envisioned Deng standing still, based on a photo from the Southern Tour. But it was later changed to depict him walking. This symbolizes the bold steps needed for reform. Look closely. Deng is striding forward. He embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that defines Shenzhen today. This spirit has propelled Shenzhen’s growth. It has fostered a thriving private sector and given birth to tech giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI. The 龍頭 Statue is more than just a tribute to Deng Xiaoping. It’s a reminder of his vision and the transformative power of bold, decisive action. It’s a testament to Shenzhen’s remarkable journey and an inspiration for the future.