Recognised as one of China's special economic zones, Shenzhen sits on the east bank of the Pearl River estuary, neighbouring the bustling city of Hong Kong. In the wake of economic reforms in the early 1980s, Shenzhen evolved into a booming city, its economy and population showing a remarkable growth rate. Today, it proudly stands as the world's fourth busiest container port and a global centre for technology, manufacturing, business, finance and tourism.

Shenzhen's entrepreneurial and innovative culture has fostered the growth of numerous small manufacturers and software companies into large tech corporations, the likes of Huawei, Tencent, and DJI. The city hosts a myriad of national and international events, including the 2011 Summer Universiade and the annual China Hi-Tech Fair. Shenzhen isn't just about new-age industry and finance; beneath its dazzling exterior lies an intriguing history dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

From a settlement named after a garbled drain in the area to a refuge for those escaping mainland China in the mid-20th century, Shenzhen has faced an array of changes. It became the country's first special economic zone in 1979, heralding a wave of rapid development. This growth was further propelled by the influx of foreign investment, attracted by its attractive policies. Moreover, being the birthplace of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, this city of innovation is indeed China's answer to Silicon Valley.