Teodora Raicevic, G11
Shenzhen… the city of the future. If you woke up one day and found yourself in a place where skyscrapers stand so tall and numerous that you can barely see the sky, where taxi cars drive themselves, and where the digital world merges so seamlessly with the real one that you can’t even tell where the line is drawn — I assure you, you are not in a science-fiction movie. You are in Shenzhen.
Beyond being the technological hub of the world, this city is also home to 17.9 million people, including me and my family. My name is Teodora, and I was born and raised in Serbia. Two years ago, we moved to Shenzhen, and I can honestly say it left a powerful first impression on all of us.
Growing up in Europe, I was surrounded by centuries-old architecture. So arriving in Shenzhen was, to say the least, a cultural shock — but in the best way possible. What fascinated me most was how this city strikes a perfect balance between lush green spaces and a hyper-developed technological center. Stepping into Shenzhen felt like walking into a time machine and being transported 30 years into the future.
Perhaps it’s because Shenzhen is where countless innovations are born. Shenzhen is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading cities experimenting with flying cars, or eVTOLs. It is expected that these “flying taxis” will soon become a regular mode of transport here. On top of that, Shenzhen boasts China’s fifth-longest metro system and the world’s fourth-busiest container port, and serves as headquarters for global giants like Huawei, Tencent, and BYD.
But Shenzhen wasn’t always like this. Historically known as Bao’an, it was once a modest fishing village. That changed in 1980, when the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone was established. People from all over China flocked here, and the population soared from 30,000 to nearly 18 million today.
I believe this unique history is what makes Shenzhen so warm and welcoming. As a foreigner, I never struggled to adapt. The city’s international mindset embraced me from day one.
People here respect their culture and values, yet they are never trapped by the past. Some call Shenzhen “the city without history,” but I disagree. While it’s important to remember where we come from, it’s also important to move forward. Shenzhen offers a perfect model: a place where we can honor our roots while embracing the future.
Shenzhen is bursting with opportunities — whether you’re seeking education, sports, or shopping. It offers something for everyone, and that’s what my family loves most. While my brother dives into the gaming world, my dad explores Dapeng Ancient City. Meanwhile, my mom and I love discovering new cafes with delicious drinks.
I want to encourage you to come and experience Shenzhen for yourself. Discover what speaks to you most about this incredible city.
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