In Lianhua Hill Park on the coronary heart of Shenzhen, guests can discover patrolling robots, automated rubbish-accumulating boats, and an autonomous minibus. They may also take pleasure in drinks and take-out meals delivered by drone. These excessive-tech purposes should not only for present. They are more and more woven into the every day lives of Shenzhen residents.
They are a part of a broader wave of latest applied sciences and merchandise that Shenzhen is integrating into individuals”s lives. China is striving to drive high-quality economic development by expanding application scenarios for new technologies and products, and Shenzhen is leading the way. Li Chunlin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, speaking at a policy briefing on Nov 10, described “software eventualities” as a bridge connecting technology and business and linking analysis and improvement to the market.
Drones, one of many iconic merchandise that Shenzhen is understood for, are taking up the town’s skyline. According to official statistics, Shenzhen produced 2.75 million civilian unmanned aerial autos (UAVs) within the first half of 2025, marking a 59 p.c yr-on-yr progress. So far, the town has opened 306 UAV logistics flight routes. In the primary three quarters of this yr, 630,000 UAV flights had been carried out to ship items. These figures present that Shenzhen not solely boasts a quick-rising UAV business cluster, but additionally presents an increasing number of actual-world software eventualities that convey technology into individuals’s every day lives.
In March, the “Wings of Futian” Low-altitude UAV Showroom opened in Huaqiangbei, the globally-famend electronics hub, showcasing chopping-edge electrical vertical takeoff and touchdown (eVTOL) plane and UAVs. The showroom provides to Huaqiangbei’s rising record of devoted venues for the low-altitude economic system. Earlier this yr, China’s first all-business-chain UAV tools choice heart started operations within the space.
While drone deliveries have gotten a standard sight in parks and universities in Shenzhen, sightseeing flights aboard eVTOLs are set to take off, with take a look at flights launched for coastal sightseeing in Yantian and excursions over Wutong Mountain and Donghu Reservoir in Luohu. Luohu has designated 15 passenger-carrying take-off and touchdown websites for eVTOLs.
Education is one other subject the place technological innovation is benefiting residents in Shenzhen.
The new Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum presents a variety of palms-on amenities designed for college kids and most people to discover scientific analysis throughout disciplines reminiscent of primary science, life and well being, clever industries and area exploration. The museum options each interactive reveals and superior simulation labs, permitting guests to expertise scientific ideas by participating experiments. Highlights embrace the AI Evolution Touch Wall, which traces milestones in synthetic intelligence and invitations guests to vote on AI ethics dilemmas, and the Global Data Globe, a 3-meter holographic projection that visualizes actual-time worldwide information flows. The Innovation Workshop presents 3D printing, robotics and drone meeting programs, whereas the museum’s excessive-tech theaters present immersive science experiences—from quantum superposition visualizations to interactive science talks—making the museum a complete hub for experiential studying and scientific exploration.
As a excessive-tech powerhouse, Shenzhen is aggressively advancing AI analysis and purposes. In addition to a string of humanoid robotic startups, firms in Shenzhen have embraced the AI wave, looking for to use AI throughout industries and every day life. While Tencent is pursuing AI improvement and purposes in each section of its sprawling enterprise empire, a rising variety of startups are delving into area of interest markets and particular sectors. XtalPi Holdings Limited, based by three MIT postdoctoral physicists, is engaged in drug analysis, biotechnology, and supplies science utilizing AI, quantum physics and robotics. AI accelerates drug analysis and discovery by analyzing huge organic and chemical information to establish promising compounds, predict their efficacy and security, and optimize molecular design.
In hospitals, docs are utilizing AI instruments to diagnose illnesses extra precisely and effectively, reminiscent of AI-powered evaluation of CT scans and surgical procedure robots to assist surgeons carry out procedures extra precisely and reliably.
In Shenzhen, even conventional industries and companies are below transformation by digital and AI applied sciences. An organization named Jubaohui makes use of an app to assist consumers customise their gold jewellery by an clever service, and gives retailers with good provide chain administration companies. Weather forecasts have turn into extra correct and tailor-made to every subdistrict because of AI fashions. Police deploy drones to detect violations and enhance visitors move.
Even visiting a bookstore or studying in a library has turn into smarter and extra gratifying. The Shenzhen Book City’s Eyes of Bay Area Store incorporates applied sciences reminiscent of AI-powered Q&A, VR immersive experiences, and digital twins to create revolutionary options like an clever e-book repository, good retrieval system, and “magic bookshelves”. Facilities reminiscent of AI studying cubicles and good studying areas additional elevate the studying expertise.
Technological innovation is a way, not an finish. In Shenzhen, it transforms industries, enhances companies, and improves everyday life. Technology for the larger good, the individuals and the long run.
The creator is a senior advisor at Shenzhen News Group.