WHEN talking about Shenzhen, the first things that came to Park Gayoung’s mind were artificial intelligence, robots and drones. But the journalist from the Republic of Korea (ROK) was pleasantly surprised by the city’s lush ecological environment during a recent visit.

“I had never imagined Shenzhen would boast such impressive green landscapes,” said Park, a reporter with The Korea Herald.

From Tuesday to Friday last week, a six-member ROK media delegation visited Shenzhen, China’s high-tech powerhouse, to gain first-hand insight into the city’s dynamic development.

At a flagship store of drone-manufacturing giant DJI, the delegation viewed a wide range of drones and professional imaging equipment, and tested several product models. They also watched demonstrations of cutting-edge robotic technologies.

“I knew China’s robot industry was robust, but this visit made me realize its development level far exceeds my expectations,” said Kwak Jinsan with The Hankyoreh. “Its complete industrial support system, covering the entire upstream and downstream chain, is truly admirable.”

At the headquarters of BYD, the delegation experienced the company’s ultra-fast flash charging technology and took test drives in several new energy vehicle (NEV) models.

Driving NEVs in the ROK sometimes causes motion sickness and discomfort, Kwak said. “But the NEVs I tested in Shenzhen run so smoothly that they are barely distinguishable from traditional fuel vehicles. Their interior configuration and driving comfort are exceptionally high-quality.”

Many delegation members purchased smart headsets, mini cameras, robot dogs and other tech products as souvenirs. Choi Minjee, a reporter with Kyunghyang Shinmun, bought a smart automatic curling iron. “Small AI products like this are not yet widely available in the ROK, but they are commonplace in Shenzhen,” she said. “You can feel the advantages brought by the city’s complete and mature electronic information industrial chain.”

Beyond its reputation as a global tech hub, Shenzhen’s ecological progress also left a deep impression on the delegates.

Riding in electric vehicles along scenic pedestrian corridors, the delegation took in views of towering skyscrapers, lush green belts and the azure coastal seascape.

“Shenzhen is a sprawling metropolis that seamlessly integrates industrial clusters, residential communities and natural ecological spaces,” said Oh Ahyoung, a reporter with the Korean Broadcasting System.

Kim Beomsoo from the Segye Times believes the upcoming APEC meeting in Shenzhen will further raise the city’s global profile and give a boost to its intelligent manufacturing and information technology industries as they expand into international markets.

Members of the delegation said the visit had allowed them to break free from stereotypes and see the real China.

(Xinhua)