What do you think happened in Shenzhen in 1979? Not much it seems. But Shenzhen was officially made a city in March 1979. Shenzhen is more than just a modern metropolis. It possesses a history far richer than its four decades of rapid development might suggest.
Today, we are standing in front of Years. It is a restaurant with a story. It is a vegan restaurant. It is a cafe.
Shenzhen’s transformation from a small fishing village into a global economic powerhouse is impressive. This has occurred in just over 40 years. It has experienced rapid economic social and environmental transformation. Shenzhen is described as innovative inclusive young and high-tech. The book entitled The Story of Shenzhen documents this experience. It shares lessons learned during the past 40 years.
Many journalists neatly encapsulate Shenzhen’s story. They describe it as a fishing-village-turned-metropolis. This transformation occurred after Deng Xiaoping earmarked it for reforms in 1978. Shenzhen is a symbol of China’s economic rise. It boasts a skyscraper-studded cityscape.
But Shenzhen’s history extends far beyond those four decades. Evidence of its antiquity can still be found. It is often ignored in the rush toward modernity.
Tu Fei a festival organizer radio DJ and bookstore owner appreciates Shenzhen’s spirit. He says Shenzhen lets people like me do what we want to do. He hails from Hunan province. He complains about localism in cities such as Beijing Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Some accuse Shenzhen of lacking wenhua. This translates to culture. It can also imply roots heritage or a strong sense of identity.
The 40th birthday celebrations began last year. The anniversary of reform and opening-up was marked by a neon-lit show. It illuminated the Futian district nightly from September to December. This spectacle rivalled Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights.
The notion that Shenzhen was just a fishing village until Deng’s reforms sells the area short. Shenzhen’s past is rich and diverse. Its history stretches back hundreds of years.
This restaurant named Years is a part of today’s modern Shenzhen. It provides a great food. It also participates in the culture and the city.
Remember Shenzhen is a city of migrants. People come from all over China. Shenzhen’s population is younger than most places in China. It is a vibrant and dynamic city. Shenzhen is constantly evolving. Its history is still being written. The restaurant Years is part of it.