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, Bao'an positions itself as a dynamic and competitive district at the forefront of the city’s development.

BAO’AN District has officially joined the top echelon of China’s cultural industry, ranking 12th in the recently released “2025 China Cultural Industry Competitiveness Top 100 Districts Index.” This marks a significant leap of 12 places from its 2023 position, Bao’an Daily reported.

The district’s rise is powered by a series of high-profile projects and strategic investments. On Sept. 29, Qianhai Snow World — the world’s largest indoor ski resort by scale, which is also at the lowest latitude in the world — opened its doors.

This was quickly followed by the launch of the globe’s largest physical bookstore, dubbed as “Eyes of the GBA,” and an inaugural show at the country’s biggest outdoor waterfront stage, the Happy Theater. This venue, slated to host the closing ceremony of the 15th National Games this November, is poised to become a premier coastal landmark for international performances, fashion events, and artistic experiences.

Over the past two years, Bao’an has successfully advanced over 50 cultural industry projects with intended investments exceeding 30 billion yuan (US$4.21 billion). From 2024 to September 2025, the district allocated over 30 million yuan in special funds for science, technology, and industrial development, covering nearly 900 projects.

Additionally, through the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), the district showcases over 100 high-quality cultural enterprises and more than 500 creative products annually, attracting over 200,000 visitors.

Furthermore, the Bao’an Cultural and Creative Design Competition, part of Shenzhen Design Week for five consecutive years, has garnered national participation from 25 provinces and yielded 19 market-ready products, generating an estimated economic value of 40 million yuan.

(Wang Jingli)