Shenzhen, from a remote border town to China's No.1 foreign trade city; from its founding to becoming China's third APEC host city… Yantian Port, from tidal flats to a world-class shipping hub; from zero to a new global record of 16 million TEUs… Every miracle embodies the sweat and wisdom of generations of strivers. With this MV of Ru Yuan, we pay tribute to all those who pursue their dreams in Shenzhen.

(The following content is reprinted from Shenzhen Release.)

47 years ago, a thunderclap across the plains marked a turning point—on March 5, 1979, Bao'an County was officially upgraded to city status. From that moment, this border town unleashed a force that would create "miracles." Across these 47 years of light and shadow, you may not have witnessed its beginning, but today, you stand at one of its most brilliant moments. In these 47 years, which moment moved you the most?

Opening the window so the world could see the "Shenzhen Speed" (1979–1999)

In the spring of 1979, the first group of builders arrived on the shores of the South China Sea, beginning an attempt to converse with the world on a stretch of barren tidal flats. Over the next two decades, Shenzhen not only "grew taller" in physical space, but also opened a window to the world through institutional reform and new rules aligned with global standards.

1979 03.05 Shenzhen established

The State Council officially approved the upgrade of Bao'an County to Shenzhen City.
In July of the same year, what later came to be known as the "first blast of China's reform and opening-up" sounded in Shekou.

1980 08.26 Special Economic Zone established

The Fifth National People's Congress announced the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.

1983 "Shen Bao'an" stock & Shenzhen University

"Shen Bao'an," the first publicly issued stock in the People's Republic of China, was launched, marking the birth of Shenzhen's first joint-stock enterprise.

A sample certificate of "Shen Bao'an" stock. Source: Official website of China Bao'an Group Co., Ltd.In December 1990, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange began trial operations. On April 16 of the following year, the State Council authorized the People's Bank of China to approve the establishment of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, making it one of the two major stock exchanges in Chinese mainland.

That same year, Shenzhen University, the city's first full-time higher education institution approved by the State Council, held its first opening ceremony, welcoming 212 new students.

1985 12.29 Guomao Building

The 160-metre Guomao Building was completed after 37 months of construction. From that moment, the phrase "Shenzhen Speed"—building one floor every three days—became legendary.

1987 04.08 China Merchants Bank

China Merchants Bank, the first bank in China founded by an enterprise group, officially opened in Shekou.

1989 Shenzhen volunteers

Shenzhen established the first volunteer organization in Chinese mainland. The heartfelt slogan—"If you need help, find a volunteer; if you have time, be a volunteer"—soon resonated across the city.

1990 10.08 McDonald's

Shenzhen's first McDonald's opened its doors. On opening day, it set a new global record for McDonald's highest single-day sales at the time.

1991.10.12 Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport was completed and officially opened to air traffic, marking the initial establishment of Shenzhen's modern, integrated sea–land–air transportation network.

1994.07.20 Yantian Port

The container vessel Maersk Algeciras made its maiden call at Yantian Port, becoming the first vessel calling at the port after its commencement of  terminal operations and marking the launch of the first international shipping service.

Construction site of the container yard of Yantian Port in 1988. Source: Shenzhen Port Group

1996.08.12   Retail malls

Walmart and Sam's Club opened simultaneously in Shenzhen, introducing a new era of modern retail to the city.

1998 OCT Happy Valley & Tencent

OCT Happy Valley officially opened as South China's first large-scale modern theme park, quickly becoming one of Shenzhen's most iconic tourist attractions. 

In the same year, Tencent was founded in a small office of just over 30 square metres in SEG Technology Park, Huaqiangbei.

1999.10.05 China Hi-Tech Fair

The inaugural China Hi-Tech Fair was held in Shenzhen and has since grown into what is widely known as "China's premier technology exhibition."

Netac showcased the world's first USB flash drive.

A new era of distinctive vitality begins (2000–2011)

In the new century, Shenzhen shifted its focus from pursuing sheer "speed" to cultivating "quality" and "innovation." With the expansion of the Special Economic Zone and the deepening of Shenzhen–Hong Kong cooperation, the framework of "Greater Shenzhen" began to take shape. During this period, strengthened education and research capacity, together with the establishment of an indigenous innovation strategy, propelled Shenzhen's transformation from a "manufacturing hub" to a leading "innovation city."

2000.11 Shenzhen Reading Month

The inaugural Shenzhen Reading Month was successfully held, with Shenzhen taking the lead in building a learning-oriented city in China.

Readers rush to purchase books at the first Shenzhen Reading Month Book Exchange Fair. Source: Jing Bao

2004 China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair & Metro

The first China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair was grandly held at the Hi-Tech Fair Exhibition Centre in Shenzhen. The exhibition covered a total area of 43,130 square metres and attracted more than 700 participating enterprises, including 102 enterprises from more than 50 countries and regions.

Source: Shenzhen Press Group

In the same year, Phase I of the Shenzhen Metro (Lines 1 and 4) officially began trial operations, marking the launch of the city's urban rail system.

2008.06 National city pilot

Shenzhen was designated as China's first pilot city for building a National Innovation City, marking the moment when indigenous innovation became the city's core development strategy.

2010.08.26 Qianhai

The State Council officially approved the Overall Development Plan for the Qianhai Shenzhen–Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, marking the beginning of Qianhai's development and opening-up.

In the same year, approval was granted to expand the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone to cover the entire municipality.

A photo series capturing the transformation of the Futian Central Area in Shenzhen from 1999 to 2010 by Chen Yixin

2011.08.12 FISU World University Games

The 26th FISU World University Games Summer was grandly opened in Shenzhen under the slogan: "Start Here."

Opening ceremony of the 26th FISU World University Games Summer.

From asking the world to offering answers (2012–2026)

Following the 18th CPC National Congress, Shenzhen stepped onto an even broader stage. From the development of a single city to the rise of an entire bay area, its influence has expanded far beyond geographic boundaries. Over the past 47 years, Shenzhen has evolved from "asking the world questions" to "offering answers to the world," with each milestone reflecting the city's unwavering determination to keep moving upward.

2012

After the 18th CPC National Congress, President Xi Jinping chose Shenzhen as the first stop of his inspection tour outside Beijing—sending a clear message to the world of China's steadfast commitment to continuing reform and expanding opening-up.

From December 7 to 11, 2012, President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection tour in Guangdong Province. During the visit, he presented a flower basket at the statue of Deng Xiaoping in Lianhuashan Park. Source: Xinhua News Agency.

2013 Global Model City of Reading for All

UNESCO awarded Shenzhen the title "Global Model City of Reading for All," the organization's highest recognition for a city's achievements in promoting reading for all.

2014 National Innovation Demonstration Zone

Shenzhen was approved to establish a National Innovation Demonstration Zone.
It was the first such zone authorized by the State Council after the 18th CPC National Congress and China's first national innovation demonstration zone built with a city as its basic unit.

Photo: Liu Yuesheng

2015 Key directive

President Xi Jinping issued an important directive on Shenzhen's development, fully affirming the new achievements the city had made since the 18th CPC National Congress.
The directive called on Shenzhen to remain mindful of its mission and responsibilities, think boldly, emancipate the mind, and pursue innovation with courage. By advancing new achievements under the framework of the Four-pronged Comprehensive Strategy, Shenzhen was urged to continuously build new strengths and elevate the development of the Special Economic Zone to new heights.

2016 Longhua District & Pingshan District

The State Council approved the establishment of the Longhua District and Pingshan District.

2017 Regulations on Talent Work of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone

Shenzhen promulgated the Regulations on Talent Work of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, formally designating November 1 as "Shenzhen Talent Day."
In the same year, Shenzhen Talent Park—China's first theme park dedicated to talent—officially opened.

Photo: Liu Yuesheng

2018 Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge & Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone

The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge officially opened, linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau and accelerating integration across the Greater Bay Area.

In the same year, the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone was inaugurated as Shenzhen's “10+1” district, launching an innovative enclave development model.

2019 Pilot demonstration zone

On August 18, the Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Supporting Shenzhen in Building a Pilot Demonstration Zone of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics was released, marking the start of Shenzhen's new chapter as a pilot demonstration zone.

2020.10.14 Key address

President Xi Jinping attended the celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and delivered a keynote address.He encouraged Shenzhen to sustain the courage to venture, the drive to innovate, and the resolve to act—continuing to write more "stories of spring" and striving to create new and greater miracles that will impress the world.

President Xi Jinping delivering the address at the ceremony Photo: Ju Peng/Xinhua News Agency

2021.07.27 The "Shenzhen Experience"

The National Development and Reform Commission of China issued a notice promoting the replication of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone's innovative policies and practices nationwide. A total of 47 "Shenzhen Experience" initiatives were introduced as models for broader adoption.

2022 International Mangrove Centre

At 17:43 on November 12 (Geneva time)—00:43 on November 13 (Beijing time)—the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands adopted a resolution at its 14th Conference of the Contracting Parties to establish an International Mangrove Centre.
The world's first International Mangrove Centre was established in Shenzhen.

Scene from the International Conference Centre Geneva Source: Mangrove Conservation Foundation

2023.08.08 Hetao

The State Council issued the Development Plan for the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen–Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, calling for the park's development with high standards, high quality, and strong innovation capacity. The zone is expected to become a key hub within the Greater Bay Area's international science and technology innovation centre and an important engine for high-quality regional development.

2024.06.30 Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link officially opened to traffic, creating a "golden corridor" across the Pearl River Estuary and accelerating global industrial chain.

Photo: Ning Jiewen/Shenzhen Evening News

2025.11.21 National Games Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the 15th National Games of China was held at the Qianhai Happy Theatre in Shenzhen.

Photo: Zhang Long/Xinhua News Agency

2026 APEC

In November 2025, during the host handover session of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, President Xi Jinping announced that China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen in November 2026.

As Shenzhen officially enters its APEC moment in 2026, the city that once looked out at the world now stands confidently at the centre of the global stage—ready to write its next answer. Across the long river of history, countless moments converge into the present that you and I share.

Shenzhen's miracle is not written by time alone—it exists because of people like you.

Source: Shenzhen Release
Planning/Editing: Liu Jiawen
Review: Huang Chun, Ma Dan, Cao Qi
Please acknowledge the source when using the above information.

Advancing toward innovation and higher quality, China's economy continues to chart new horizons. As a world-class shipping hub connecting global trade routes, YANTIAN supports the global reach of “Made in China” through its high-frequency, extensive, faster, high-efficiency services and commitment to smart and green development. In doing so, it vividly reflects the transformation of China's industries—from traditional manufacturing to high-end intelligent production, and from scale-driven expansion to quality-led growth. With an open gateway linking rivers to the sea and resilient global connectivity, YANTIAN stands as a living testament to China's high-quality economic development in the new era.