Shenzhen: Seriously, Which City Am I In?
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Alright, no problem! I know my way around Shenzhen. Let me give you a rundown in a way that even foreign friends can easily understand.
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Shenzhen is one of China's well-known "first-tier cities".
- What's a "first-tier city"? Simply put, it's one of the largest, most developed, and richest cities where opportunities abound. Shenzhen ranks shoulder to shoulder with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
- It's home to nearly 20 million people! Imagine that - almost as populous as some countries.
- Now for something fun: when compared to those other "big cities", Shenzhen is actually the smallest in terms of territorial area. Moreover, its shape is really interesting; it elongates east to west in a long strip.
- I once took the metro from the farthest corner east to the farthest west, and it took one and a half to over two hours! That should give you an idea of how "long" it is.
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Speaking of youth, this city is quite frighteningly young at around forty years old.
- In such a short period, it rocketed itself up to becoming one of the leading economic and technological centers in China that is recognized internationally as a modern metropolis.
- Some people joke that Shenzhen is the world champion when it comes to building skyscrapers. I think they aren't exaggerating!
- But can you believe, in this skyscraper-piled city, there is actually a tiny ancient town hidden away? I still vividly recall the shock of seeing it for the first time! Tell someone that Shenzhen has no history, and I'll shove Nantou Ancient Town right in his face!
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Wandering through the narrow alleys of Nantou Ancient Town feels simply magical.
- Touching the weathered flagstones underfoot, looking up before your eyes will be a lineup of brand new high rices.
- The visual impact is just like you have suddenly crossed through time and space! Turns out that Shenzhen does have a quiet, graceful, and aesthetically pleasing place that soothes the eye.
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I have been making frequent trips to Shenzhen due to work commitments.
- I just checked my flight records - 124 trips to Shenzhen so far, which actually surprised me!
- But frankly speaking, although I've been to it many times, I have basically not thoroughly explored the nooks and crannies of Shenzhen. Every visit I rush in and out like I'm preparing for war.
- To speak of deepest impressions, first would be of being surrounded by skyscrapers, followed by streets bustling with cars and people day in and day out.
- At the same time, you can also see "urban villages".
- What's an "urban village"? It's the original villages, surrounded by tall buildings during the city's rapid development, forming a unique community that is rich in life and bustling with activity.
- This split personality is what makes Shenzhen so special, because it represents its particular magnanimity, capable of accommodating everything.
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You are a Shenzhen resident once you come here! - This line truly captures Shenzhen's inclusivity.
- There, there is no distinction among "natives", "outsiders". All citizens arrive from all corners of the earth, united by money-making and livelihood concerns without bothering about their origins.
- Young people especially favor migrating into the city - and these very young people are propelling the urban process of Shenzhen further towards modernity and faster pace.
- Every morning during breakfast time, peeking out the hotel window, you see young adults flooding the streets - vibrant and full of energy!
- You can see sleek and chic white-collar workers striding confidently, and also small street vendors shouting loudly at their road-side stalls. On the surface, they seem incompatible, but in fact, it is such people that constitute this harmonious yet dynamic Shenzhen.
There are more tales and observations about Shenzhen I can share – let's save them for another day!
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Absolutely love the Shanghai-Shenzhen HSR!
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Haha, it's the busiest line in the entire country!