From December 11 to 12, the 2026 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Informal Senior Officials' Meeting was held in Shenzhen, kicking off the APEC 'China Year'.

Shenzhen is an important window for China to steadfastly pursue a mutually beneficial and win-win open strategy. Hosting the APEC meeting is a major task entrusted to Shenzhen by the central government, as well as a significant opportunity for Shenzhen to accelerate the construction of an economic center city with greater global influence and a modern international metropolis.

In February this year, Shenzhen issued and implemented the "Work Plan for Accelerating the Construction of a Modern International Metropolis (2025–2027)" with Document No. 1 from the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, outlining the blueprint for building a modern international metropolis in Shenzhen.

As the leading department for building a modern international metropolis, the Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, together with various city units, takes proactive actions and ensures thorough implementation, promoting tangible and recognizable new achievements in enhancing economic international competitiveness, establishing a high-level openness window to the world, creating a world-class environment for living, working, and tourism, and shaping the city’s international brand image.

Promote the dual improvement of the soft and hard international language environment

The construction of an international language environment is an important aspect of building a modern international metropolis. A language environment that facilitates openness and international communication not only reflects the city's international image but also its competitiveness.

This year, Shenzhen issued the "Action Plan for Further Strengthening the Construction of an International Language Environment (2025–2027)", aiming to optimize the international language environment through improving translation rules, establishing coordination mechanisms, and building translation and writing query platforms. The Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, in coordination with various districts and departments, has steadily advanced 21 key tasks across seven areas, including the preparation of foreign language signage manuals for key fields, improving the coordination mechanism for constructing an international language environment, and expanding the coverage of foreign language signs.

Among them, improving the guidance and services for foreign-language displays in public places is an important measure for promoting the construction of an international language environment.

Completed the standardization and enhancement of bilingual Chinese-English signs on 16 municipal expressways and main roads; standardized and upgraded over 1,000 foreign language signs in urban public spaces; organized professional teams to conduct regular inspections and supervision of foreign language public signs; and carried out special training on foreign language public signs across the city... The Foreign Affairs Office of the Municipal Party Committee adheres to a consistent approach and proactive service, further strengthening the inspection and service of foreign language public signs, continuously improving the guidance service level of foreign language public signs in Shenzhen, and promoting the full, standardized provision of foreign language public signs wherever necessary.

The Municipal Committee's Foreign Affairs Office has developed an English-Chinese public notice translation query system (Shenzhen), which was officially launched in October 2023. The system includes sections for standardized translation queries of public notices, public notice information, and citizen snapshots, containing over 17,000 foreign language public notice entries. Citizens actively participate in error checking by using the 'snapshot' feature of the public notice query system, submitting more than a thousand translation suggestions, which are then reviewed and corrected by an expert panel.

Leveraging the advantages of technological innovation, Shenzhen is integrating artificial intelligence technology into the development of an international language environment, and a citywide smart language service system covering key sectors is being built.

Currently, Shenzhen has deployed over 6,700 AI translation devices, covering subways, buses, taxis, airports, Shekou Cruise Homeport, and seven land ports, and extending to 147 government service locations across the city, key cultural venues, and 5A-level tourist attractions. It also promotes deployment in key commercial areas such as UpperHills, Qianhai Yifang City, and Bao'an Daqianli.

"The AI translator can quickly and accurately translate my English into Chinese, and the driver can also communicate smoothly with me through it. The experience is amazing." 'Little Yellow Hat' taxis, operated by Shenzhen Bus Group, have fully launched the AI smart translation device MossTalk, which supports instant translation of over 140 languages, allowing foreign passengers to communicate with taxi drivers without any barriers.

As an important branded project in the construction of an international linguistic environment in Shenzhen, the 'Shenzhen Citizens Speak Foreign Languages' campaign has successfully held six English competitions since its launch in 2014, allowing citizens to participate in the development of the language environment. 'We hope to tell stories that can transcend borders in English,' said Xie Tao, the 2025 champion of the 'Shenzhen Citizens Speak Foreign Languages' English Competition. The campaign is helping to build an international-friendly interface for the city, encouraging more citizens to actively engage in foreign exchanges, tell Shenzhen's stories, and convey China's voice in world languages.

Enhance the internationalization level of urban public services

To enhance the convenience of services for foreigners, Shenzhen continuously optimizes services related to foreign affairs and improves a comprehensive, full-chain service system covering all scenarios such as dining, accommodation, travel, shopping, and entertainment.

In January this year, the One-Stop Comprehensive Service Center for Foreigners, located at Bao'an International Airport and the Shenzhen Bay Port, officially began operations. Its five main service areas—payment, culture and tourism, communications, transportation, and immigration affairs—effectively meet the daily life and travel service needs of foreigners, creating a comprehensive service platform that serves as the 'first stop in Shenzhen' for expatriates.

In March, the city's first international visa certification service center integrating 'visa + notarization + authentication' was established in the East Tower of Zhongzhou Bay, Futian District. It innovatively achieved seamless connection between foreign-related notarization and authentication, allowing Chinese and foreign travelers to 'enter one building and handle three tasks,' completing notarization, authentication, and visa services all in one place, transforming the visa service application process from 'multiple trips' to 'one-time completion'.

At the same time, Shenzhen continues to optimize multilingual services on government platforms such as the Eyeshenzhen website and the 'iShenzhen' app. The multilingual version of the 'iShenzhen' app has launched more than 90 government services and nearly 200 public convenience services, introduced a convenience service package for foreigners, and compiled a nine-language 'Foreigners' Service Handbook'.

In order to turn the 'traffic' of more inbound tourists into an 'increase' in consumption, the Municipal Bureau of Commerce and the Municipal Foreign Affairs Office jointly issued the "Shenzhen Work Plan to Enhance the Convenience of Life and Consumption for Foreign Nationals Coming to Shenzhen," focusing on optimizing entry channels for international tourists coming to Shenzhen, upgrading online and offline consumption services, enriching new urban tourism consumption offerings, enhancing the convenience of duty-free and tax refund purchases, and promoting international publicity, among other measures to support the expansion of inbound consumption.

The Municipal Party Committee’s Foreign Affairs Office, together with various districts and departments, has systematically reviewed a total of 50 demonstration projects in 10 categories for the construction of a modern international metropolis. These projects cover key foreign-related areas including healthcare, education, commercial services, government services, financial services, industrial parks, culture, sports, and tourist attractions. By integrating resources from the government, market, and society, a comprehensive, multi-level international service system with wide coverage and well-developed functions is being established.

The city's international image has reached a new level

This month, 'Listening to Shenzhen—Lang Lang and His City' arrived in Hamburg, Germany, using music as a bridge to showcase Shenzhen's multifaceted image as a hub of innovation, a frontier of openness, and a vibrant city. Since 2012, the 'Listening to Shenzhen—Lang Lang and His City' international city promotion event has been held 12 times in world-famous cities including Berlin, London, New York, Barcelona, Paris, Milan, Sydney, Toronto, and Vienna.

In November, 'Make it Shenzhen – Choose Shenzhen' kicked off the APEC 'China Year' campaign, inviting friends from home and abroad to visit Shenzhen, experience its services, and speak on behalf of the city. Foreign residents, multinational executives, and international students transformed into 'city ambassadors,' co-creating promotional content for Shenzhen through more than 20 multilingual short videos.

In May, the Shenzhen Activity Week was held at the China Pavilion of the Expo in Osaka, under the theme 'A Better Life Created by Shenzhen.' Through innovative scene displays, special cultural performances, and economic and trade exchanges and cooperation, it showcased Shenzhen's unique charm, development momentum, and innovative vitality to the world.

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Through recommendations in diverse scenarios, Shenzhen's recognition, reputation, and international influence have gradually increased, and the city's international brand image has reached a new level.

Shenzhen, which has attracted global attention, also welcomes guests from around the world as a 'reception hall for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.' This year, it has received more than 400 delegations of foreign visitors, including 3 foreign heads of state and government, and 9 foreign vice heads of state and government, maintaining a high level of international engagement. Events such as the Cultural Expo, High-Tech Fair, Global Investment Promotion Conference, as well as the Asian Cup in Table Tennis, U20 Men's Football Asian Cup, Men's Basketball Asian Cup Qualifiers, and Women's Ice Hockey World Championship, have also continuously increased Shenzhen's international visibility.

Looking ahead to next year, as APEC enters 'China time,' many international friends are looking forward even more to the 'Shenzhen Accord.' Shenzhen will also accelerate the enhancement of its internationalization, enriching and interpreting the connotations of the 'Shenzhen story' around major themes, important milestones, and key events.

Practical Case Studies of Internationalization

The development of internationalized districts is an important means to promote the high-quality development of internationalized cities, comprehensively enhance Shenzhen's level of internationalization, as well as its urban influence and competitiveness. Since 2023, in the construction of internationalized districts, a number of distinctive and outstanding practical cases have been formed, providing replicable and promotable construction experiences for advancing city-wide internationalization.

Futian District: Striving to Create a City Reception Hall. Leveraging the advantages of eight major commercial zones, the district has over 100 duty-free shops and bilingual menus covering more than 90% of the commercial areas, establishing a new benchmark for cross-border consumption. By 2025, the district aims to have four foreign-funded enterprises successfully recognized as regional headquarters for multinational companies, cumulatively driving foreign investment of 830 million yuan. Special international-themed groups will be featured in events such as the 'Four Seas as One' Parade on Holiday Avenue and Sky Concerts to showcase international charm. Collaborating with the convention and exhibition center, the district has consecutively hosted the Global Investment Promotion Conference for two years, further enhancing Shenzhen's appeal and influence on global resources.

Huafu District: "Park + Business Circle" Empowering the Construction of an Internationalized District. Pioneering the "Park + Business Circle" model, Shum Yip Upper Hill has achieved full coverage of bilingual guide signs, 127 merchants support international credit card payments, 105 restaurants offer bilingual menus, 5 merchants provide outbound tax refund services, and Shenzhen's first downtown duty-free store has launched operations, creating a comprehensive international consumer service system. Thirteen Fortune 500 companies are concentrated in foreign-invested professional buildings, and the city's first street-level Hong Kong Business Service Station offers one-stop services. Six themed Citywalk routes create a new "urban mini-vacation" experience.

Huaqiangbei District: Building a Shared and Collaborative 'International Friendly and Borderless Community' Through six major initiatives—'Language Without Borders, Commerce Without Borders, Culture Without Borders, Life Without Borders, Finance Without Borders, and Transportation Without Borders'—the business district has achieved over 95% completion in transforming signage into Chinese-English and multilingual formats, added 40 new bilingual maps, over 200 multilingual signs, and set up more than 60 shared translation equipment rental points, offering 19 types of foreign currency exchange services. Since the beginning of this year, the district has received more than 7,000 foreign visitors daily, attracted over 20,000 global makers, and formed a new internationalized pattern integrating the flow of people, commerce, and innovation.

Sungang Neighborhood: Building an "International" and "Distinctive" Public Interaction Space. Planned and implemented a family culture consumption street project, completed nearly 3 kilometers of aerial corridors, optimized the living environment, and achieved full bilingual signage coverage in key public areas of the district. The area hosts the headquarters of foreign-invested enterprises such as China Gas and Kaitai Bank, independently developed the "Sungang+" one-code enterprise service platform, and published 360 bilingual news articles. Nearly 50 international cultural exchange events have been held, and the first World Floral Designers Conference was organized, attracting nearly 200 top professional florists from over 20 countries.

Meisha District: Mountains, sea, and an international vibe. Leveraging the Yala Art Center in Dameisha Village, we plan and continuously launch diverse, high-quality international art exhibitions and cultural salons. The Dameisha No. 8 Warehouse Outlet shopping area features multilingual guide screens, introduces 101 international brands and 56 duty-free stores, and all signage and opening announcements have been updated to bilingual versions, providing a more comfortable shopping experience for foreign customers. The No. 3 park of the Dameisha Biosphere attracts five international companies and brands, continuously building an international industrial ecosystem within the park.

Zhongying Street District: A century-old street rejuvenates with new vitality. Over 110 international standard signs are clear and elegant, creating a friendly and convenient navigation system. Time-honored Hong Kong brands such as Eu Yan Sang and Hung Fook Tong stand alongside international brands like Sweden's Daniel Wellington and Manner Coffee, forming a diverse consumption scene that blends local characteristics with international style. Since the beginning of this year, 56 cultural exchange activities themed around intangible cultural heritage and history have been held, effectively promoting emotional connections and cultural sharing between Shenzhen and Hong Kong residents.

Qianhai District: Building an Open-Type Community System With a focus on "international business interactions," in collaboration with the Qianhai Authority, an open-type community system is being constructed around institutional innovation, international communication, and industrial services. The Qianhai Court is establishing a comprehensive system for the clarification and application of foreign laws. International talent recruitment fairs are held to facilitate two-way connections between foreign young professionals and enterprises. The international signage system in the Guiwan area has been improved, innovatively implementing a multilingual signage system in "Cantonese (Traditional) + English," resulting in a total of 157 bilingual pedestrian signs, 455 bilingual tree nameplates, and over a thousand other navigation facilities.

OCT (Overseas Chinese Town) District: Singing the Symphony of Building an Internationalized Neighborhood Together. Innovatively established the 'International Volunteer Promotion Officer' mechanism, successfully transforming foreigners and local residents from 'service recipients' into 'co-building partners.' Simultaneously, a diverse range of platforms has been created, such as introducing Malaysian cuisine and other specialty businesses to Shizhou Middle Road Food Street. Using the 'International Neighbors Association' as a platform to facilitate discussions among diverse participants, three international friends were hired as 'Government Service Experience Officers,' systematically creating an internationalized neighborhood ecosystem that is 'welcoming to those nearby and attractive to those far away.'

Xinan District: Gathering High-End Platforms to Form International Industry Clusters The district has attracted high-end platforms such as Siemens R&D Center and Huawei Embodied Intelligence Innovation Center, forming international industry clusters in AI, new energy, and other sectors. The Bao'an District International Organizations and Foreign Chambers of Commerce Cluster has introduced a total of 12 international institutions. The Bay Area International Exchange Service Center has created international exchange brands such as the 'Bay Area Tea Talks.' The District Administrative Service Center has set up a dedicated service area for foreigners, providing real-time interpretation in 72 languages, creating a barrier-free service environment for foreign residents.

Jiuwai District: Creating a Headquarters Environment with Both Ecological Charm and Development Vitality. It presents a unique spatial sequence of 'Nanyuan, Zhongjie, Beiling,' combining low-density headquarters clusters, international supporting services, and smart technology to create a headquarters environment that blends ecological appeal with development energy. Currently, the first phase of the 30-hectare Jiuwai International Headquarters Area has been unveiled, successfully hosting major events such as the Bay Area Cup 'Grand Chess Master' competition, attracting numerous multinational and foreign-invested companies for visits and exchanges, with initial results in investment promotion and market warming starting to show.

Buji District: Combining Artistic Features, Smart Empowerment, and Community Warmth. Cultural exchange spaces such as Buji Cultural and Sports Center and TNT Contemporary Art Space have been established. In the past three years, a total of 15 international exhibitions and events have been held. Dafen Oil Painting Village has been recognized as one of the first batch of characteristic cultural districts in Shenzhen, receiving over 100,000 foreign visitors annually. An international volunteer team has been formed to promote cultural integration, and the district was the first to establish a 'virtual community' platform, comprehensively enhancing intelligent urban management. Key locations such as Shenzhen East Station, Dafen Oil Painting Village, and Wenbo Palace have installed bilingual signage.

Longcheng District: Promoting the integrated development of 'international district, international campus, and international park,' creating two new international landmarks, the Universiade Center and CC District. The CC Creative District provides diverse creative spaces for international young talent. Advancing the integration of industry, academia, and research between international campuses and international districts, establishing the city's first street-level service platform for industry-academia-research collaboration, and pairing three major universities (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; Shenzhen MSU-BIT University; Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology) with three major parks (Tian'an Digital City, Fenglong Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technology Park, Venture Capital · Moli Valley) to jointly develop, providing 10,000 square meters of entrepreneurial space for faculty and student startup teams.

Longhua District: Multi-dimensional Efforts to Establish a New Benchmark for Internationalized Neighborhoods. By focusing on facility upgrades, service optimization, and management innovation, a new vision of a vibrant, diverse, and internationally integrated district is taking shape. Longhua District's first centralized departure tax refund point with 'instant refund upon purchase' has opened in the Yifang Tiandi commercial area, introducing over 100 brand flagship stores. The three major landmarks—the Longhua Cultural and Sports Center, Shenzhen Book City (Longhua City), and Longhua Cultural and Arts Center—form an 'high-quality, smart, and culturally rich' international profile, where the thrill of international competitions and the elegance of fine arts harmoniously converge.

Dalang District: Frequently Showcasing Its International Fashion Image Focusing on industry, culture, and services, the district is advancing high-quality internationalized development. Promoting the concept of 'industries moving upstairs,' the Jiantai Project won an international award often referred to as the 'Oscar of the design world.' Leading brands gather in Dalang Fashion Town, hosting events such as the Shenzhen-Milan Twin Fashion Week and the 'Dalang Cup' China Women's Wear Design Competition, frequently enhancing its international fashion reputation. The district organizes foreign friends to experience local intangible cultural heritage, deepening Sino-foreign exchanges. High-end international hotels like Hilton and Marriott are introduced, continuously optimizing international facilities.

Pingshan Neighborhood: Focusing on 'service enhancement, cultural integration, and atmosphere creation,' a management service center for overseas personnel has been established, offering 20 consultation services across six categories, including government affairs and foreign-related business. English service counters have also been set up at the street-level convenience service center and Xihe Community convenience service station. A series of branded activities such as 'Happy Chinese Festival,' 'EYE Pingshan,' and 'Boundless Pingshan' have been created, providing a high-quality platform for cultural exchange and interactive sharing. The 'International Volunteer Service+' mechanism is being explored to build a new pattern of international governance that is open, inclusive, convenient, and thoughtful.

Maluan District: Valuable, High-Quality, and Warm International Services Since the establishment and operation of the Maluan Overseas Personnel Management Service Center in April 2024, the district has received a total of 200 consultations from foreign residents both online and offline, created a WeChat group for foreign residents with over 130 Chinese and foreign members, and provided foreign nationals with valuable, high-quality, and warm informational services. The district has organized 70 international events under three major themes, attracting 250 Chinese and foreign residents from more than 20 countries, and has made full use of innovative methods and diverse platforms for promotion.

Shijing District: Harmony of Nature and Culture The Overseas Personnel Management Service Center offers a 'one-stop' service. Various activities such as multilingual community English corners, cloisonné enamel workshops, and Chinese calligraphy and painting experiences are held in succession, allowing Chinese and international residents to enjoy sugar painting and tie-dye together, fostering friendships through cultural exchange. A carefully designed bilingual check-in map, 'Shishang Meijing,' links 17 scenic spots, while a promotional video themed 'Harmony of Nature and Culture' showcases the ecological beauty of 'Shijing’s landscapes,' the innovative charm of a 'scientific and educational metropolis,' and the open demeanor of a 'gateway new city.'

Xinhu District: Building an International District Suitable for Learning, Living, Working, and Innovation Focusing on core functions of education and research, promoting the accelerated development of research platforms such as the Shenzhen Medical Academy, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, and National Innovation Center, with venues like Yun Valley International Conference Center and Weiguang Life Science Park hosting over 200 high-end forums annually. Public facilities are increasingly improved, with the Seventh Affiliated International Medical Center of Sun Yat-sen University selected as one of the city's first pilot projects. Over 600 bilingual signs have been upgraded, talent travel guidance is clear and friendly, more than 80 talent exchange events have been held, and efforts are made to integrate an international atmosphere into daily life.

Phoenix District: Fully committed to serving the construction of a world-class science city, innovatively creating a "Happiness Governance" information platform, integrating nearly 5,000 intelligent sensing devices, and building a comprehensive emergency sensing system. The system has inspected and rectified nearly 600 foreign-language signs in public places. The Phoenix City super shopping district has been fully established, and 4 new parks have been built within the jurisdiction. A "1+2+3+4" enterprise service system has been constructed, helping enterprises achieve export sales exceeding 48 billion yuan. Through solid internationalization practices, it is fully dedicated to serving the construction of a world-class science city.

Shenzhen International Biovalley Bagang Core Launch Area: Creating a New Landmark for Technological Innovation and Coastal Leisure Focusing on technological innovation and the unique mountain-and-sea features, the area is being built to high standards as an international district that integrates industry and city life, offering a livable and business-friendly environment. Leveraging the first street-level "Comprehensive Management Center" in the new district, a foreign-related legal consultation service window has been established, and a team of international service professionals has been formed to provide precise services for foreign residents in the area. The district is fully promoting bilingual guidance and services across properties. Efforts are being made to systematically enhance the ecological quality of coastal spaces such as Yinye Tree Wetland Park and Baishawan Park, attracting approximately 110,000 foreign tourists annually to visit and enjoy leisure activities in Kuichong.

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Source: Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

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