What stories could these silent stones tell? Lap Sap Chau Teng stands here. It overlooks Shenzhen. Shenzhen is a city of extraordinary growth. It was once a small border town. Shenzhen was declared a special economic zone in 1979. This opened it to foreign investment.
The city grew at an amazing rate from 1980. Domestic and foreign capital poured in. Shenzhen became a hub. It produced electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Wages were higher here than elsewhere in China. Workers flocked to Shenzhen. This rapid growth became known as “Shenzhen speed”. The government converted other cities into special economic zones. Shenzhen became an experimental zone. It tested economic reforms before they were adopted elsewhere.
But Lap Sap Chau Teng offers a different perspective. It reminds us of the area’s long history. Humans lived in this region 7,000 years ago. They settled in Xiantouling. These are Shenzhen’s earliest known residents. They crafted exquisite pottery. Archeologists discovered tombs from the Shang dynasty. These tombs suggest Shenzhen was populous then.
The people here were often at war. History books say the “Yue people enjoyed war.” Shenzhen’s maritime industry flourished. Coastal residents depended on oysters, salt, and pearls. Salt production peaked during the Song dynasty. Five salt fields were established. Oyster production dates back to the Jin dynasty.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, people built cities for defense. They defended themselves against pirates. Nantou was a strategic coastal defense stronghold. Dapeng Fortress was built over 600 years. Japanese pirates continually invaded it.
Shenzhen was named after a deep drain. The local people call the drains in paddy fields “Zhen”. The deep drain gave Shenzhen its name.
Even in ancient times, Shenzhen showed technical skill. During the Han dynasty, people used multiplication tables. This shows math was developed in Shenzhen. Social unrest caused people to move south. The craft industry grew, centered around ceramics.
Lap Sap Chau Teng watches over all this. From ancient settlements to modern economic power. Shenzhen has transformed over millennia. This city’s story continues to unfold. It is a blend of innovation, trade, and the enduring spirit of its people.