Editor's note:
SHENZHEN, a 26-year-old city in South China bordering Hong Kong, harbors a strong expectation of hosting the 26th Universiade. With an area of 1,952.84 square kilometers it is one of the four economic special zones in China piloting the national reform and open-door policies. Shenzhen is both a human miracle and a city of dreams. Shenzhen, now modern and dynamic, has much for the world to know and appreciate.
1. A nightview of the Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. Just 20 kilometers from the Universiade City and with 2,900 flights a week, the airport is capable of handling 16 million passengers a year served by 81 domestic and 14 international airlines, linking 118 cities in China and around the world. Within an hour's drive of Shenzhen, there are a cluster of four other international airports creating the greatest handling capacities in China; the Hong Kong International Airport, the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, the Macao International Airport and the Zhuhai International Airport. In 2005, these airports handled a total of 80 million passengers.
2. The local container port. Shenzhen has the largest number of ports in China and is also the only city in the country with land, sea and airports. There are 12 ports along its 260-kilometer coastline and the 27.5-kilometer land belt bordering Hong Kong with another four under construction. Shenzhen ranks first in China in terms of the number of passengers and vehicles passing through its ports and Shenzhen Port is fourth in terms of container handling capacity.
3. A glimpse eastern Shenzhen's Xichong seaview. Shenzhen has a total of 800 square kilometers of marine area. Its 230-kilometer coastline, has some of the most attractive beaches in China and the most popular seaside swimming areas.
4.A corner of Shenzhen University. Shenzhen and its environs are home to the most densely-packed universities in southern China, and one of the most important bases for higher education in the country. There are more than 60 universities, three university cities, and more than 800,000 university students within an hour's drive of Shenzhen. Shenzhen has 11 institutions of higher learning and one university town. Apart from Shenzhen University and Shenzhen Polytechnic, which enjoy an increasing reputation throughout the country, many well-known Chinese universities, including Beijing University and Qinghua University, have set up their graduate schools in Shenzhen. Britain, the United States and many other countries have been vying for opportunities to cooperate with Shenzhen on developing educational undertakings. Shenzhen is accelerating its pace in advancing university education.
5. The Mangrove Nature Reserve in Shenzhen's Futian District. Besides the national mangrove nature reserve, Shenzhen has a national wetland reserve. The city boasts one of the best habitats in China, the U.N. Environment Program has conferred upon it the title one of "the World's 500 Most Environmental-Friendly Cities."
6. The 384-meter-tall, 81-story Diwang Mansion in the financial hub of Luohu District, is Shenzhen's tallest building. It took just three years from design to construction, setting a construction record of 2.75 days per floor when it was completed in May 1996. Shenzhen's economy has grown 1,800 per cent over the last 26 years. In 2005, its GDP reached more than US$60 billion, and export value exceeded US$100 billion. In terms of comprehensive economic strength, Shenzhen ranks 3rd among all the large cities in China, next only to Beijing and Shanghai.
7. Shenzhen plans to use 54 sports venues for the 26th Universiade, 29 for competition and 25 for training. These venues will be within easy reach of where FISU officials, referees, technical personnel, athletes, coaches and other staff will stay. The distance will be no more than a 30-minute drive. Of all the venues, 22 are already available; a further 10 will be renovated, and 22 will be newly constructed. The new venues will include the core area of the Universiade - the Universiade City where the Main Stadium and Main Gymnasium will be located, and the marine sports base. The construction of all new venues and the renovation of all existing venues will be carried out strictly in compliance with the standards and requirements of the FISU and the international sports federations.
