By Andy Noorlander
Shenzhen, China's third most populated city, straddles the border between Hong Kong and the rest of China. Designated a Special Economic Zone, the city has seen an incredible economic boom in the last thirty years since it was little more than a small fishing village.
Geography
Shenzhen lies in the Pearl River Delta across the border from Hong Kong. Originally built among rolling hills, in order to facilitate the city's rapid growth and development, most of the city's hills have been leveled.
Population
Shenzhen has been China's fastest growing city for almost all of the last 30 years. Due to enormous amounts of illegal migrants (workers without residency permits), the population figures fluctuate, but estimates put it as high 14 million, of which at least half are illegal residents.
Climate
Located in the Tropic of Cancer, Shenzhen's climate is sub-tropical with mild range of seasons buffered by the South China Sea to its south and east. It has hot, wet summers and mild winters.
History
Before becoming a SEZ back in 1980, Shenzhen was a quiet fishing village. Since this special designation which earned it its very own stock market, the town has exploded into China's third largest city, filled with businesses, hotels and giant shopping malls.
Getting There
Shenzhen Airport (Szairport.com) is the fourth largest in China, linking the city with all regional hubs. From Hong Kong, the KCR East Rail takes only 35 minutes to reach the downtown Shenzhen.
About the Author:
Andy has attended schools all over the world but is now on the leg last of her Bachelors Degree at Brigham Young University through Independent Study while living in China. She has studied Spanish, Finnish, and Mandarin and is majoring in English literature. She has been a writer fro Demand Studios for over a year.
