The Shenzhen Effect: Design Innovation Takes Center Stage in Shenzhen’s Growth

Cultural Heritage

Shenzhen was established in March 1979. In August the following year, the city was turned into the country’s first special economic Zone. It is one of the pioneers of China’s reform and opening-up, and also one of the youngest cities in China.

Embracing Change

Over the past 40 years, Shenzhen has become a leading centre for technological innovation and a special economic zone in China and even globally, thanks to its rapid economic development and  rise in innovative power, creating a miracle in the history of global development. In the cultural industries, Shenzhen has earlier proposed the goal of developing the cultural industries as one of the four pillar industries, and has introduced a series of cultural industries policies.

It actively cultivates market entities in the cultural industry and steadily improves the proportion of cultural industries added value to the city’s GDP. The overall strength ranks among the top in the country, with significant competitive advantages in industries such as creative design, animation and games, and digital culture.  

The Role of the Policymaker

In Shenzhen, policymakers aim to integrate the city into the global cultural landscape, preserve its rich heritage, and engage the public in shaping the cultural identity of Shenzhen for the future.

The Future

Cultural landmarks are the soul and spiritual hub of a city. To consider the future development needs of the city, it has planned to construct “New Ten Cultural Facilities.” They include the Shenzhen Opera House, Shenzhen Conservatory of Music, Shenzhen Reform and Opening-up Exhibition Hall, the Shenzhen Creative Design Hall, New Hall of Shenzhen Museum, New Shenzhen Technology Museum, Shenzhen Book City Bay Area Store, Shenzhen Innovation and Creative Design Academy, New Shenzhen Art Museum, Shenzhen Nature Museum, and Shenzhen Marine Museum.

In order to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the public, the city aims to build a sports and cultural facility system that matches global regional cultural centres and international cultural innovation and creative leading cities.

Images copyright © Getty Images / Canva