Shenzhen has always been a city where journeys begin. Emerging from China's reform and opening up, it has evolved into a global tech hub. In 2026, as China hosts the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Shenzhen will once again take center stage as the host city, ready to engage in dialogue with the Asia-Pacific region. The world's attention will be focused on this city, where openness, innovation, and global connectivity drive each other forward.
The heart of this momentum is Yantian Port, a deep-water mega-terminal located in eastern Shenzhen. As the world's largest single-container terminal, it handles over one-third of Guangdong's foreign trade and a quarter of China's container exports to the U.S. In 2025, the port achieved a throughput of 16.1 million TEUs, reflecting a 7.1% increase.
In the first quarter of 2026, Yantian Port set a new record: 4.036 million TEUs, an 8.9% leap. With nearly 100 international routes linking 146 ports in 46 countries, Yantian has become the vital gateway connecting China's manufacturing engine to global markets.
Shenzhen's global reach goes far beyond logistics. Local companies are redefining "going global." BGI delivers life-saving genomic technologies to public health networks worldwide. DJI's agricultural drones are transforming farms from Southeast Asia to the U.S. SIHOO, an ergonomic chair brand, wins over overseas customers by combining its design and supply chain strength. These companies have evolved from merely exporting products to delivering solutions, setting standards, and building trust.
This shift aligns with APEC's Putrajaya Vision for an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, as well as the Bangkok Goals focused on green and inclusive growth. Shenzhen's core attributes—openness, innovation, and cooperation—resonate deeply with these ideals.
China's economy is like a vast ocean, and Shenzhen sails on. From the cranes at Yantian Port to the laboratories and assembly lines of its innovators, the city embodies a new chapter in China's smart manufacturing. For APEC 2026, upon which the world's attention is fixed, Shenzhen is more than a host; it embodies a vibrant narrative of how openness and partnership turned a fishing village into a beacon of the Asia-Pacific century.
Reporter | Cai Minling
Photos | Nanfang Plus
