An area of reclaimed former mudflats near Hong Kong on the city of Shenzhen’s western coast has been transformed into one of the fastest-growing innovation-focused districts in southern China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA). The 14.92 sq km special economic zone of Qianhai – or Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone – was established in 2010 to promote closer cooperation between Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China and develop modern service industries, including finance, logistics, and information and technology services. In the first half of this year, Qianhai attracted foreign investment of 12.3 billion yuan (US$1.7 billion) – a 15.9 per cent year-on-year increase – while 1,451 new foreign-invested enterprises set up operations in the area. A total of 52 multinational companies have opened head offices in Qianhai over the years. Yet the burgeoning modern commerce and innovation hub is also an attractive business, leisure and cultural travel destination. The urban district, situated conveniently close to Hong Kong, is served by a network of modern transport services including numerous metro lines, railways, expressways and ferry ports. The urban area is also home to many modern high-end shopping and cultural spaces such as K11 Ecoast, and popular family-friendly landmarks including the Bay Glory Ferris wheel. Over the next few months, the area is set to unveil several new cultural and entertainment landmarks, and also host the closing ceremony in November of China’s multi-sport 15th National Games, which for the first time is being co-hosted by Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau. These different events are all expected to contribute to Qianhai’s growing reputation as a world-class lifestyle hub within the GBA. Eyes of the GBA The Eyes of the GBA, a sprawling bookshop and cultural complex which is directly connected to Baohua station along Shenzhen’s Metro Line 5, opens today to invited guests and will officially open to the public on September 26. The venue, designed in the shape of twin jade discs, spans 130,000 square metres (1,400 sq ft) and is spread over two above-ground and two underground floors. Its expansive facilities include four themed bookstores, art galleries, a museum, exhibition space, interactive playgrounds and a 20,000-square-metre rooftop garden for relaxing and reading. A key feature of the complex is the folk customs museum, housed in a twin cylindrical structure mirroring the bookstore. It aims to showcase the rich folk traditions of the Lingnan region of southern China and help deepen cultural understanding and regional identity. The complex is expected to host hundreds of events each year and become a key cultural landmark in the GBA. Qianhai Snow World Winter sports have been growing in popularity in China since Beijing hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics, with the value of the country’s “ice and snow economy” predicted to be worth 1.5 trillion yuan (US$209 billion) by 2030. The opening of Qianhai Snow World in the last quarter of this year will see the district become home to the world’s largest indoor ski slope. The 100,000-square-metre ski centre, covering an area that is the equivalent of 11 football pitches and shaped like a blue whale leaping out of the water, will offer year-round skiing and snowboarding experiences on competition-grade snow and professionally designed runs. It will have five ski runs, with the longest one measuring 450 metres, and an 83-metre-high ski jump, as well as play zones and professional training areas catering to beginners as well as advanced skiers and snowboarders. The complex will also feature snow-themed retail, dining and a JW Marriott hotel to offer a comprehensive ski resort holiday experience. Closing ceremony of the 15th National Games China’s 15th National Games, an event that features numerous different sports and is held every four years, will take place from November 9 to 21. Hong Kong will host eight events: fencing, rugby sevens, golf, track cycling, triathlon, beach volleyball, men’s handball and under-22 men’s basketball. On the final day of the Games, Qianhai will take centre stage as it hosts the closing ceremony at Happy Theater, which features the nation’s largest outdoor stage built on water. The theatre is part of Shenzhen’s OCT OH Bay, an expansive waterfront mixed-use development with numerous shops, cultural spaces, office buildings and green spaces. This year’s closing ceremony of the Games will be the first to be held at an open-air venue. Details of the ceremony still remain scarce, but it has been reported that it will showcase Shenzhen’s bustling modern cityscape and traditional Lingnan cultural elements as a tribute to the area’s rich heritage. Qianhai Museum Construction of Qianhai Museum is expected to be completed and ready for its official opening next year. Designed by architect He Jingtang, the museum, which will cover an area of 126,000 square metres, is located beside Qianhai Bay. It will feature an open-plan, column-free atrium with a 40-metre (130ft)-high ceiling, which is envisioned as a “cultural living room” for Shenzhen. The modern aesthetics and Chinese design elements of the museum saw it chosen as one of the gold winners at the Global Future Design Awards 2024. It is expected to become a major cultural landmark that can encourage artistic exchange and act as a recreational spot for locals and visitors alike. As Qianhai marks the 15th anniversary of its establishment, it is also looking towards its ambitious goals. The district is projected to become a world-class centre for international trade and shipping as well as a premium multi-purpose neighbourhood by 2035 as part of the National Development and Reform Commission of China’s “Overall Development Plan for Qianhai Shenzhen Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone”. Visit Qianhai to see first-hand how it is continuing its transformation into a cutting-edge hub for innovation, culture and cross-border collaboration.