Zhang Yu JeniZhang13@163.com FOR Svetlana Beshimova, an emerging sinologist from Turkmenistan and a law scholar at Renmin University of China, Shenzhen’s strength is built on three pillars: innovation, openness, and vitality. Beshimova first visited Shenzhen in 2023 in a trip organized by her university, which introduced her to the city’s breathtaking pace. “The impression that struck me most was Shenzhen’s speed. Towering skyscrapers, astounding efficiency — like a high-speed machine in operation,” she recalled. Her first visit established her initial understanding of the city’s character, but her recent return for the World Conference on Sinology 2025 deepened that perception. “Innovation is the city’s DNA,” Beshimova emphasized. From global tech giants like Huawei and DJI to the pervasive atmosphere of technology on its streets, the drive for innovation is palpable, according to her. This is complemented by a spirit of openness, she noted, pointing to Shenzhen’s role as a special economic zone that facilitates global connectivity and embraces diverse cultures. The third pillar, vitality, is evident in the constant evolution she observed between her two visits and the relentless energy of its young people. According to Beshimova, these three elements converge to create Shenzhen’s unique momentum. “Policies give Shenzhen the confidence to be enterprising, its proximity to Hong Kong facilitates access to external resources, and the ethos of ‘Once you arrive, you are a Shenzhener’ helps retain people who want to achieve things. Together, these three factors form the driving force of Shenzhen’s development.” Beshimova is optimistic about Shenzhen’s trajectory. “In the next 45 years, Shenzhen will most likely become an important global hub for innovation and a benchmark for China’s green development and high-level opening up,” she predicted. “It will play a more crucial role in the landscape of global cities.” She believes Shenzhen serves as a vivid case study for those seeking to understand China’s development path. For visitors eager to experience this firsthand, Beshimova recommends two key destinations. “I would suggest going to the Nanshan high-tech park to feel the vitality of innovation or strolling through Qianhai to experience the balance between openness and development. These places are highly representative.” | 