Shenzhen was a fishing village 25 years ago when it was picked by government officials to become a showplace for China's economic resurgence. Today this city of 10-million located at the border of Hong Kong is an economic powerhouse. A mecca for foreign investment, Shenzhen has been one of the fastest growing cities in the world since the 1970s. In the last two decades, $30 million of foreign investment has poured into Shenzhen.
Shenzhen boasts more people than New York City, more factories than the Midwest, a skyscraper taller than the Empire State Building, the busiest port in China, and a premier golf course where Tiger Woods has played
Though Shenzhen is best known for its modern commerce, the area has a long and colorful history. Archaeological research has found that aborigines started to occupy this area of land as early as 6,700 years ago in the Neolithic Age. As a settlement, the city dates back to the Xia (c.2100 - 1600 BC) and Shang (c.1600-1100 BC) dynasties when Shenzhen was a base for the ancient sea-faring Baiyue tribe.
Shenzhen became a township at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty (221 BCE - 206 BC) and is also called roc city. As a famous Chinese legend goes, long ago, a big roc - a gigantic, legendary bird-- flew to the South China Sea and was attracted by the scenery and decided to settle down. In later dynasties became famous for its salt, spices, and pearls.
The name Shenzhen first appeared in 1410 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Locals call the drains in paddy fields "zhen" or "chong.” The name "Shenzhen" means "deep drains," because the Shenzhen area is crisscrossed with rivers and streams and the paddy fields’ deep drains in the paddy fields.
Chinese fleets started sailing to Southeast Asia during the Ming Dynasty when Dapeng Fortress, about 55 kilometers from the city center in east Shenzhen's Longgang District, was first built to fend off pirates. On September 4, 1839, five British naval vessels launched the Opium Wars with a surprise attack on the maritime forces of Dapeng Fortress. Chinese troops in fishing boats, led by General Lai Enjue, defeated the better-equipped enemy. Not long after the battle, Lai was promoted to commander of the Guangdong navy. In 1844, the emperor allocated a large sum to build a 2,500-square-meter mansion for the general. Visitors can see the Lai home’s painted carved beams, columns and couplets posted on the door.
Ming Dynasty sailors always prayed for protection at the Chiwan Tianhou (Goddess of the Sea) Temple, which lies at the foot of Shenzhen’s Xiaonan Hill, facing the sea.According to legend, Tianhou’s, whose original name was Lin Muoniang, died at 28, when she climbed a mountain alone and flew to heaven and became a goddess. Just inside the courtyard is a “Celestial Tree.” Those experiencing difficulties or challenges ease their worried minds by writing petitions on red cards and tying them to the Celestial Tree’s branches. Inside the main building a statue of Tianhou is flanked by large stands with numerous small lights. Businesses and households purchase these lights in the hope that they will shine good fortune on them.
The China Folk Cultural Villages Park features life-size replicas of 24 villages of China’s 56 ethnic minorities. Performances include folk songs and dance from various ethnic minorities. Visitors can also sample food from the various cultures.
Shenzhen also has two theme parks: Tthe Splendid China Miniature Scenic Spots (next to the China Folk Culture Villages Park) features miniature versions of most of well-known Chinese landmarks including the Great Wall, Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. Window of the World features miniaturized replicas of landmarks outside of China, including Angkor Watt, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel, Buckingham Palace, and the Acropolis.
Meisha Beach Parks includes Da Meisha and Xiao Meisha beaches, which have been made into parks with restaurants and shops serving day-trippers from Shenzhen. There is an aquarium, jet skiing, boating, bungee jumping, and other resort type activities.
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