The vibrant streets of Shenzhen's Nanshan District recently hosted a diplomatic guest – Cambodian Princess Jenna Norodom. During her immersive tour, the 14-year-old royal captivated locals through authentic cultural exchanges that showcased Nanshan's unique blend of innovation and tradition.
At Nantou Ancient Town, Princess Jenna Norodom interacted with residents. Later in Nanshan, Shenzhen University students experienced her linguistic talents when she led cheerful Khmer lessons punctuated by "Susu!" – the Cambodian phrase for encouragement. The campus soon transformed into an impromptu dance floor as the princess joined students in a rhythmic celebration.
Technology encounters defined her Nanshan experience. In the plaza of MixC World, Jenna's eyes widened at the sight of a robotic dog. Taking the leash with childlike wonder, she guided the machine around. "This is extraordinary – we have nothing like it back home," she said.
A culinary discovery followed at a Nanshan restaurant, where the princess savored Shenzhen's signature coconut chicken. After tasting the broth, she beamed, "Delicately sweet yet salty and savory... truly special!"
The princess also explored lychee orchards and Tencent's headquarters, both located in Nanshan District.
The princess further endeared herself during a performance at UpperHills Mall in Shenzhen's Futian District. Dressed in Shenzhen's iconic blue-and-white school uniform, she sang her original Mandarin song "Let's Say Hi," eliciting emotional responses from the audience.
One young admirer in a matching uniform tearfully promised to visit Cambodia, prompting the touched princess to ask, "Truly? You mean it?" Before leaving, she playfully adopted Shenzhen's famous slogan for the cameras: "Come to Shenzhen, and you're a Shenzhener!"
As the granddaughter of the late King Sihanouk, who considered China his second home during four decades of residency, Princess Jenna embodies Cambodia's 67-year friendship with China. Having studied Mandarin for two years and visited China frequently since childhood, her engagements in Shenzhen revealed a profound cultural appreciation.
Reporter | Cai Miling
Photo | Shenzhen TV, rednote
Editor | Huang Qini, James, Shen He
