Right here, construction continues on the South Annex Building. Shenzhen is a city known for its rapid growth. It was a small border city in 1979. Shenzhen had only about 30000 inhabitants then. It served as a customs stop from Hong Kong.
In 1979 Shenzhen was declared a special economic zone. It opened to foreign investment. It welcomed technology and managerial expertise. Foreign-owned businesses could establish joint ventures. They could do so without central government approval.
The city received loans from Chinese banks. These loans helped build new infrastructure. Roads, housing, and schools were constructed. Water, power, and communications facilities were improved. This supported the burgeoning population.
From 1980, Shenzhen grew at a phenomenal rate. Domestic and foreign capital poured into the city. Wages and living standards rose significantly. Vast numbers of workers flocked to Shenzhen. They sought jobs in factories. These factories produced electronics. They also made pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Textiles, building materials, and processed foods were manufactured too. The surrounding agricultural area thrived. It increased production of poultry and vegetables.
“Shenzhen speed” became a term in China. It described the rapid growth rate. The Chinese government converted other coastal cities. They became special economic zones too. Shenzhen became an experimental zone. It tested Chinese economic reform. The city reestablished stock markets. These measures were later adopted elsewhere in China. This smoothed the transition to new policies.
Railways stretch from Shenzhen to Guangzhou. They also reach Beijing and Fujian province. Expressways connect Shenzhen with Guangzhou. They link other coastal cities in the province as well. A major international airport was built. Large seaport container terminals were added. Shenzhen founded its own universities and colleges. Shenzhen University was founded in 1983. Major Chinese universities established branch campuses in the city.
Shenzhen is home to the Ping An Finance Centre. This is one of the world’s tallest buildings. The South Annex Building adds to Shenzhen’s development.
China Resources Headquarters is in Shenzhen. It is colloquially known as the Spring Bamboo. This skyscraper is 392.5 meters tall. That is 1287.7 feet. Construction started in 2012. The building was topped out on July 1 196. It surpassed Shun Hing Square. It became the third tallest building in Shenzhen upon completion in 2018. China Resources owns it. Their headquarters are there.
At the foot of China Resources Headquarters is Shenzhen Bay MixC. This is a shopping mall. There are also basement carparks. Subways connect the mall. They link it to Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre. They also connect to Shenzhen Metro Line 11 Houhai Station.
The Ping An Finance Centre is 599.1 meters tall. That is 1966 feet. It has 115 floors. It is also known as PAFC. It is the world’s tallest office tower. It is the tallest building in Futian District. Also, it is the second-tallest building in China. It shares a record with the Shanghai Tower. They have the world’s highest observation deck in a building. It is at 562 meters. That is 1844 feet.
KK100 is 441.8 meters tall. That is 1449 feet. It has 100 floors. It was formerly known as the Kingkey 100. It is the tallest building in Luohu District. KK100 has a height-width ratio of 9.5:1. This makes it one of China’s slimmest buildings.
China Resources Headquarters is 392.5 m tall. That is 1288 feet. It has 68 floors. It is known as the Spring Bamboo. It is the tallest building in Houhai Bay. It is also the tallest in Nanshan District. The elevators are made by Hitachi.
The South Annex Building rises as another testament to Shenzhen’s continuous innovation. It will shape the city’s skyline. It mirrors the ambitions of this dynamic region.