Drains in paddy fields. Locals call them Zhen. Shui Ngau Au. It was named after a deep drain located within the area. Shenzhen is now a bustling metropolis but its roots are deeply entwined with agriculture and water management.
Today we find ourselves at Shui Ngau Au. This place might seem like just a name on a map. But it hints at a history stretching back centuries.
Imagine this area generations ago. Farmers toiled in the fields. They relied on intricate systems of drains to cultivate their crops. Water was life and these drains named Zhen were vital arteries.
Shenzhen became a city in 1979. Before that it was Bao’an County. Bao’an County oversaw a huge influx of refugees trying to escape to Hong Kong. This happened from the 1950s to the end of the 1970s. A range from 100000 to 560000 refugees resided in the county.
The very name Shui Ngau Au means deep drain. This name offers a glimpse into the area’s past. It was an area defined by its deep drainage ditches. The area ensured the fertility of the land.
The earliest known recorded mention of the name chen could date from 1410 during the Ming dynasty. Locals call the drains in paddy fields Zhen. Shenzhen was named after a deep drain that was located within the area.
Think about the ingenuity of early inhabitants. They transformed the landscape into arable land. They understood the importance of water. They were able to channel and control it. This understanding shaped their lives and community.
The area of Shenzhen was submitted to the jurisdiction of the established Nanhai Commandery in 214 BC. This was during the Qin dynasty. The area was assimilated into Zhongyuan culture.
Later, in 331 AD, the Eastern Jin administration split up Nanhai. They established a new Dongguan Commandery. In 757, the Tang administration renamed the county Dongguan.
Consider the changes this area has seen. From quiet agricultural village. It has grown into a modern economic hub. It became the first special economic zone of China due to its close proximity to Hong Kong. This attracted foreign direct investment. It also brought many migrants searching for opportunities.
The name Shui Ngau Au might soon fade from memory. But it serves as a reminder of Shenzhen’s humble origins. It reminds us of the generations who labored on this land.
So as we stand here let us take a moment. Let’s appreciate the rich history hidden beneath our feet. Let’s also reflect on the incredible transformation that has shaped Shenzhen into the city.