Windy Shao windysjf@hotmail.com AS Shenzhen continues to grow into a global hub of technology and culture, international students from various corners of the world are discovering the city’s dynamic environment and unique offerings. The students shared their experiences with Shenzhen Daily during the launch ceremony of the Z10 Club, especially their fascination with Shenzhen’s innovations. Chico Manna, a Brazilian student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), uses his Instagram to showcase a different side of the city. “While many people focus on Shenzhen’s advanced technology and futuristic appeal, I want to highlight its natural beauty and outdoor sports,” he explained. Living in Longgang, Chico particularly enjoys Futian, which he describes as a perfect blend of dining, nightlife, and professional networking. “Futian is my favorite place in the city; it offers a bit of everything,” he added. He is eager to explore Dapeng, known for its artistic street, and often recommends Wutong Mountain to friends, sharing his personal challenge of reaching the summit faster each time he visits. Umar Farooq, a Pakistani doctoral student at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, underscores Shenzhen’s role as a beacon of technical innovation. Having lived in the city for a year and a half, he appreciates its dynamic and competitive spirit. “Shenzhen pushes you to grow every day,” he said. Anton Vladimirov, a student from Russia attending Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU), is captivated by the city’s modern architecture, its plethora of skyscrapers, and its international companies. “In Russia, even in Moscow, there aren’t as many business trading companies or corporate skyscrapers as there are in Shenzhen,” he remarked. Janandi Oshadi Sri Ranasinghe, a graduate student from Sri Lanka at Harbin Institute of Technology, describes Shenzhen as both captivating and full of opportunities. Choosing Shenzhen for her academic journey, Janandi finds the city not only large and vibrant but also an ideal place to learn new things. “It's so interesting here,” she stated. “There are countless opportunities, and I really love it.” As a member of the Z10 Club, Janandi aims to shed light on Shenzhen for her peers back home. “Most people in Sri Lanka don’t know about Shenzhen,” she explained. Through her involvement with the club, she hopes to showcase what Shenzhen has to offer, including educational prospects and the local lifestyle. “I plan to share my experiences through short videos on social media, highlighting my day-to-day life here,” she added. Janandi expressed her fondness for the city’s scenic spots. Describing her overall experience, she highlighted the kindness of the local people, who are always ready to lend a helping hand, especially when language barriers arise. “The locals are lovely and so helpful whenever you need assistance,” she enthused. | 