Guests savor cuisine and snacks from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the 2024 ASEAN Food and Cultural Week, which took place at Qianhai Uniway from Nov. 13 to 17. File photos except otherwise stated

A delegation of 25 students from prestigious U.S. universities visits the Qianhai E-hub in June. 

Expat visitors interact with an exhibitor during the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, which took place at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in May. 

An "International-Friendly Shopping Area" sign is displayed at the Qianhai Uniway service counter.

The EyeShenzhen sailboat crew led by French skipper Christian Fardel (2nd from L), a seasoned sailor and cultural scholar, compete during the 2023 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Shenzhen • Bao'an Final in December last year.

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The Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone's international atmosphere is becoming increasingly vibrant as the area makes concerted efforts to establish a new international neighborhood that appeals to residents from around the globe.

A hub for intl. events

In recent years, Qianhai has emerged as a prime location for a growing number of international events, including conferences, seminars, forums, exhibitions, and sports competitions.

The 2023 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Shenzhen • Bao'an Final and the World Bay Area Regatta took place at OH Bay in December last year. This five-day final series captivated spectators and saw 12 of the world’s best match racing skippers compete in thrilling races.

During a press conference last Thursday, the organizing committee announced that the 2024 WMRT event and the World Bay Area Regatta are set to return to the waters of OH Bay and Qianhai Bay between Dec. 6 and 15.

On Nov. 13, the 2024 ASEAN-China GBA Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum was convened at the Qianhai International Convention Center for the second consecutive year. 

Approximately 300 diplomats, government officials, and corporate representatives from the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered to explore business opportunities and potential partnerships with their Chinese counterparts.

During the forum, representatives from GBA-based enterprises and chambers of commerce and ASEAN signed 15 projects worth a total of 29.99 billion yuan (US$4.1 billion). Future cooperation between the two sides is expected to deepen.

Additionally, the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) and the 26th China Hi-Tech Fair were held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in May and November, respectively.

Stronger appeal to expats

On the same day that the 2024 ASEAN-China GBA Economic Cooperation (Qianhai) Forum took place, Qianhai unveiled its first group of "International-Friendly Shopping Areas" and "International-Friendly Merchants" during the opening ceremony of the 2024 ASEAN Food and Cultural Week at Qianhai Uniway.

The first two shopping malls to receive the "International-Friendly Shopping Area" certification are Qianhai Uniway and the Breeze Valley of Qianhai MIXC. Each boasts more than 15 stores that have been certified as "International-Friendly Merchants" by EyeShenzhen. They include restaurants, retail stores, health and wellness firms, and more.

To qualify as an "International-Friendly Merchant," stores must offer international payment options, provide bilingual menus or service lists, and have staff who possess basic English communication skills. Some of these merchants offer fluent English services. Staff members who meet these standards wear smiley face badges for easy identification. 

Cuban expat Diana Aguilera said that she and her expat friends view this initiative positively. "We hope this concept expands to other malls and areas because having bilingual menus and services provided in English makes our lives easier and helps us feel more welcomed," she said.

ASEAN Singapore Night @ Qianhai, a special event that is part of the 2024 ASEAN Food and Cultural Week, took place at Qianhai Uniway on Nov. 15, attracting hundreds of Chinese and international residents. 

The event featured vibrant dance and music performances, specialties from the 10 ASEAN member countries, lucky draws, and networking opportunities. American attendee Annie described the event as "cool" and mentioned that she had a great time enjoying the food and music. She also noted that it was her first visit to Qianhai, which left her with a positive impression.

The 2024 ASEAN Food and Cultural Week also marks the seventh edition of the HiQianhai series of activities — a brand event connecting various international institutions within Qianhai. Events in this series are held regularly on the first Saturday of each month and cover themes like education, sports, music, culture, and medical services. The events have gained significant attention and recognition, and more than 500 international residents have participated in this year's series. 

Intl. cultural exchange

A delegation of 25 students from top U.S. universities visited Qianhai on June 20 as part of a study tour to learn about the area's dynamic and innovative environment. The group toured key facilities, including the Qianhai International Talent Hub, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (E-hub), and Qianhai Stone Park.

Edward Wu, a graduating senior at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the significance of the connections between major companies and the Qianhai International Talent Hub.

"The fact that the hub is engaging with major companies that many students consider highly desirable places to work, such as BCG, Accenture, and EY, is an important first step in creating valuable opportunities for students," Wu said. Impressed by Qianhai's skyscrapers and scenic views, he added, "I believe it's definitely a growing area with a promising future."

In late October, delegations from Singapore and Hungarian media outlets visited Qianhai and toured the Qianhai Mawan Free Trade Street International Block at the invitation of the Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office. The delegations expressed admiration for the block's human-centered design features and rich architectural details, such as smart light poles that collect traffic data, bicycle-friendly waiting areas, free Wi-Fi coverage, and wireless charging stations.

Qianhai actively invites more international talent to work in, live in, and explore the area, supported by exciting new events, enhanced public facilities, and forward-thinking policies aimed at fostering this growth.