Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com?

SHENZHEN will embark on a new era of development as its status has been further elevated by the central authorities from a special economic zone to a national city of innovation, a modern marine city, and an international comprehensive transportation hub.

The decision was confirmed in the Shenzhen Land and Space Master Plan (2021-2035), which was recently approved by the State Council and announced during a news conference held by the Information Office of the Shenzhen Municipal Government on Thursday.

The plan outlines that Shenzhen’s core functions include serving as a national economic center, a base for advanced manufacturing, a gateway to the outside world, and a hub for international scientific and technological innovation.

The plan sets forth ambitious goals for Shenzhen’s future. By 2025, the city is poised to become a globally influential economic center city and a modern international metropolis. By 2035, Shenzhen aims to evolve into a globally recognized hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity, as well as a beautiful and livable, and happy home for all its citizens.

Furthermore, by 2035, the city plans to establish itself as a model in China’s drive to build a modern, powerful socialist country, leading the nation in achieving socialist modernization. By 2050, Shenzhen envisions itself as a prominent city among the world’s advanced urban centers that is distinguished by its competitiveness, innovation, and global influence.

The plan outlines an expansion of Shenzhen’s urban core areas to encompass not only the existing Futian-Luohu and Nanshan-Qianhai areas, but also the subdistricts of Xin’an and Xixiang in Bao’an District, Minzhi and Longhua in Longhua District, as well as Bantian, Buji, Jihua, and Nanwan in Longgang District, along with the entire Qianhai area.

These core urban areas are poised to become pivotal hubs for finance, trade, scientific innovation, cultural and educational activities, and international exchanges within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, according to Gao Erjian, deputy director of the city’s planning and natural resources bureau.

Gao highlighted that Shenzhen is set to develop Futian, Luohu, Nanshan, and Qianhai into comprehensive service centers that will be complemented by eight city functional centers spread across other areas of the city.

Furthermore, 12 more functional centers will be established in various subdistricts throughout Shenzhen. These centers will be responsible for providing a spectrum of public services, including commerce, culture, education, health care, and other essential functions, within their respective districts, according to Gao.