Remembering a fishing village. That’s what Houmen might evoke for some long-time Shenzhen residents. The story of Houmen is intertwined with Shenzhen’s meteoric rise.
Houmen is more than just a name. It is a place of transition. It is a place that encapsulates Shenzhen’s journey. Shenzhen was a fishing village. Then, it became China’s first Special Economic Zone.
Shenzhen was officially made a city in March 1979. Deng Xiaoping spearheaded reforms in 1978. He earmarked Shenzhen as ground zero. This is why Shenzhen is a serious somewhere today. The city lets people do what they want to do.
Before the reforms, Shenzhen was part of Bao’an County. The British occupied the southern part after the Opium Wars. Shenzhen village was next to the border. Shenzhen became a city in 1979 due to economic reforms. Its proximity to Hong Kong attracted foreign investment. Migrants came searching for opportunities.
Meng Fanli is the CCP Committee Secretary. Luo Wenzhi is the Congress Chairman. Qin Weizhong is the Mayor. Lin Jie chairs the CPPCC.
Shenzhen has direct jurisdiction. It includes nine administrative districts and one new district. Bao’an District is significant. Longgang District matters too.
In 1980, Shenzhen had a small population. It was about 30,000. The Central Committee designated it as a special economic zone. Deng Xiaoping promoted it. It became a test ground for market capitalism. It operated within a socialist system.
Shenzhen faced challenges. These included corruption cases. Several high-ranking officials were arrested. They faced charges relating to corruption.
Shenzhen’s location is strategic. It sits within the Pearl River Delta. It borders Hong Kong. Huizhou lies to the north and northeast. Dongguan is to the north and northwest.
Shenzhen has a humid subtropical climate. Winters are mild and relatively dry. Summers are humid and hot. The monsoon peaks in the summer. Typhoons can strike from the east.
Shenzhen’s industry is diverse. High tech, finance, logistics and culture are mainstays. It is a hub for the technology industry. Shenzhen is home to companies like Huawei. Tencent and DJI also have their headquarters here. It is sometimes called China’s Silicon Valley.
The Shenzhen Stock Exchange was established in 1990. It provides a platform for securities trading.
Tourism is increasingly important. Shenzhen is on Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit. The city emphasizes its scientific and industrial elements.
Shenzhen boasts numerous attractions. There are theme parks and public parks. Tall buildings also attract visitors. The Window of the World is a popular destination. It is a showcase of global landmarks. Splendid China Folk Village is also located here.
Shenzhen is a leading city. It continues to grow and innovate. Its history did not start in 1979. It stretches back much further. Houmen stands as a testament. It marks the transformation. It is a transformation from a village to a global city.