Shenzhen, a gorgeous city where I have spent 18 years, is set to be under the spotlight as China celebrates the 40th anniversary of the launch of reform and opening up later this year. I call her a magic city because when she was established more than 30 years ago, no one could imagine that a small fishing village would turn into a metropolis and one of the country’s first-tier cities, with complete infrastructures and a population of almost 20 million. No other cities in China besides Shenzhen can best exemplify the enormous achievements of the country in the past 40 years.

I was 2 when I first moved to Shenzhen from my hometown. There were construction sites around my house at that time and everywhere seemed to be under construction. As I grew up, great changes took place in this city. The barren places that used to be desolate are now replaced by skyscrapers and magnificent parks, where we can spend our spare time close to nature.

The infrastructure is almost fully completed. You can now travel to many places in the city by subway and to many other cities by high-speed train or plane. You can study at Shenzhen Library in the morning and appreciate a symphony at Shenzhen Concert Hall at night.

If you like, you can stand at the central axis in central Futian to have a glance at this lovely city. She can indeed make you feel relaxed and energized at the same time.

Living in Shenzhen for years, I have grown attached to her. For me, she means a lot because she has witnessed my childishness as a kid and my maturity as an adult. I feel I grew up with her, and in the process I have seen the unlimited opportunities for the city and myself as well. I hadn’t realized this feeling until I entered college in another city.

Compared with that city, I think Shenzhen is younger and more energetic. Although she is a young city, it seems there is infinite charm within her and I can always expect to have a new place to go, a new thing to see without getting disappointed. I find it hard to live away from her. Every time I pack up my luggage to go back to school after a vacation, I feel a little down and always look forward to another vacation.

Midway through my college years, I am now looking forward to starting my career back in Shenzhen, where the high-tech companies, financial institutions and an array of other fast-growing enterprises are beckoning to young and ambitious people.