Editor’s note: Shenzhen is composed of nine administrative districts, one new area, and the Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone in Shanwei. While all 11 areas share Shenzhen’s defining spirit of innovation, each has its own unique characteristics. This page is devoted to the latest developments in Bao’an, a rapidly rising district in northwestern Shenzhen. Situated at the geographical center of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the district is dynamic, competitive, and at the forefront of the city’s development. Surging GDP In the first three quarters of 2024, Bao’an District’s GDP surpassed 382.9 billion yuan (US$52.57 billion), a 6.8% year-on-year increase. The district also added four new listed companies, six green factories, and five green supply chain enterprises, further solidifying its economic growth and sustainability efforts. Shenzhong Link The Shenzhong (Shenzhen-Zhongshan) Link, which opened June 30, 2024, has transformed regional connectivity, bringing Bao’an and the cluster of cities on the western side of the Pearl River Estuary into a 30-minute commuting circle. The link has already recorded over 10 million vehicle trips. International HQ area The Jiuwei International Headquarters Area initiated construction projects encompassing general planning, transportation, and investment promotion. Additionally, Zone 1 of the Xinqiaodong Advanced Manufacturing Industrial Park was completed. Education and housing Bao’an District expanded its educational infrastructure by adding 47,000 compulsory education seats and 17,000 kindergarten seats, an increase that ranked first in the city. Additionally, the district constructed 20,000 affordable housing units. Industrial development Bao’an was recognized as the nation’s top district for the new-type printed circuit board (PCB) industry. Bao’an has the highest number of green factories and green supply chain enterprises in the city. The district also ranked second among the top 500 districts across the country in terms of comprehensive strength for new industrialization. Central area development The quality enhancement plan for Bao’an’s central area earned gold and silver awards at the 2024 Beijing Design Week. Furthermore, the central Bao’an commercial district topped the national list for in-depth tourism in the category of shopping districts, showcasing its vibrant and fashionable urban appeal. Business environment During the 2024 Shenzhen Global Investment Promotion Conference, Bao’an District signed 41 projects. In 2024, a total of 72 projects, each involving an investment of at least 100 million yuan, settled in the district. Land use In 2024, Bao’an made 282.2 hectares of land available for development, including 107 hectares for industrial development. The district hosted a land space promotion conference that attracted over 100 State-owned enterprises, listed companies, and leading construction firms. Intelligent manufacturing city Bao’an aims to transform the Shiyan-Baiwang area into a demonstration zone for new-type industrialization and a renowned ecotourism destination centered around Shiyan Lake. Focusing on six key industries — electronic information, new energy, semiconductors, AI + embodied intelligence, AI + scientific research, and biomedicine — the Shiyan-Baiwang area is expected to generate an annual industrial output exceeding 1 trillion yuan by 2030. The low-altitude economy Bao’an District launched the Low-altitude Economy Industry Public Service Center, the country’s first such center, attracting leading enterprises such as Pengcheng Wings. Improved government services also supported the growth of emerging industries as the district’s new-quality productive forces showed strong momentum.(Wang Jingli) | 