Zhang Yu JeniZhang13@163.com HAVING recently attended the World Conference on Sinology 2025 held in Shenzhen, Dario Famularo, a postdoctoral researcher at the Belt and Road Academy of Beijing Language and Culture University, offered a glowing assessment of Shenzhen, describing it as a window into China’s future and a beacon of modernization and openness. Speed, youth, inclusiveness Famularo, a doctoral graduate in religious studies from Fudan University, was impressed by the rapid pace of development and the city’s embrace of cutting-edge technology. “Shenzhen is a city that never stops changing,” Famularo observed. “It is constantly experimenting with new ways to integrate technology into everyday life.” The Italian sinologist, having lived in China for over a decade, attributed Shenzhen’s success to its “speed, youth, and inclusiveness.” He noted the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and efficient approach, driven by a youthful population eager to innovate and achieve. The scholar highlighted Shenzhen’s inclusivity as a key factor in its growth, pointing to its diverse population of migrants from across China and the increasing number of people from abroad who are choosing to live and work in the city. “Shenzhen is very inclusive. It provides many opportunities for its residents to realize their dreams,” Famularo stated. A window into modernization Famularo traced Shenzhen’s rise to its pioneering role in China’s reform and opening up. “Shenzhen was among the first cities to embrace economic liberalization and experiment with new ideas,” he explained. “This early adoption of reforms laid the foundation for the city’s rapid development.” For Famularo, Shenzhen is a microcosm of China’s modernization journey. “Anyone who is interested in China’s modernization must go to Shenzhen to experience firsthand the most avant-garde city in China,” he said. He pointed to the city’s thriving tech industry, home to many companies with the most cutting-edge technologies, as evidence of its role as a driver of technological advancement. A gateway to the future Beyond its current achievements, Famularo believes Shenzhen holds the key to understanding China’s future trajectory. “Shenzhen is where we can witness the most advanced technologies, innovative policies, and fastest-paced changes in China,” he said. Famularo highlighted several areas where Shenzhen is leading the way, including urban planning and sustainable development. “Shenzhen is investing heavily in public infrastructure, aiming to create a more livable and sustainable city,” he noted. Expressing his hopes for Shenzhen’s future, Famularo emphasized the importance of maintaining its open and free environment. “I believe Shenzhen can serve as a bridge connecting Chinese and foreign cultures, contributing to a more open and interconnected world,” he said. | 