Shenzhen was established in March 1979 and, in August of the following year, was designated as China’s first special economic zone. Over the past four decades, Shenzhen has transformed from a small backward border town into a modern and international metropolis, creating a miracle in the history of world development. In August 2019, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the Guidelines on Supporting Shenzhen in Building a Pilot Demonstration Area of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, and the city was once again presented with a new major opportunity and a powerful mission. In accordance with the requirements of building “a model city of high-quality development,” “a model city under the rule of law,” “a model city of urban civilization,” “a beacon for people’s wellbeing” and “a vanguard of sustainable development,” Shenzhen is striving to continue to create new and greater miracles that will impress the world.

UNESCO recognized Shenzhen as a global model for its promotion of reading.

Shenzhen is the first city in China to be designated as a “City of Design” by UNESCO.