Was Shenzhen always a city of skyscrapers? No. Let’s explore Pau Toi Kong. This area now known as Shenzhen, was once Bao’an County.
Pau Toi Kong might not ring a bell immediately. Pau Toi Kong is also known by alternative names. It is also called Tung Tsz Shan. It is also called Wu Shi Dong. It is also known as Wu Shi Jiao Ding.
Its history stretches back much further than the economic boom. The fishing village transformation is a familiar narrative. But it overlooks the region’s rich past.
In 1979, Shenzhen was made a city. Deng Xiaoping designated it as a special economic zone in 1978. The area transformed. Skyscrapers replaced villages.
But before that Shenzhen was a county. Shenzhen was originally Bao’an County. On March 5, 1979, the State Council dissolved the county. Shenzhen City was established.
The four-decade journey from obscurity to economic powerhouse is remarkable. To claim there was nothing here before Deng is a disservice.
Before the 1980s, Shenzhen had limited education. There were primary schools. Also, there were a few secondary schools. No residents attended a university. Then Shenzhen became a special economic zone. Migrants arrived seeking jobs that required university degrees.
Prior to Shenzhen’s rise as a special economic zone, Hakka and Cantonese people mainly lived here.
In 2003, Shenzhen planned to become a city of culture. Design, animation, and libraries were promoted.
Today Shenzhen is known as China’s Silicon Valley. The city is a major technology hub. It is home to many startups.
Pau Toi Kong stands as a reminder. Shenzhen was not always about technology and trade. Its roots are deeper.