BEIJING, Dec 3 : The 2025 “A Date with China” international media delegation embarked on a captivating journey through Shenzhen, a city where cutting-edge innovation, vibrant tech vitality, and joyful exploration converge, from Nov 26 to 28.
Spanning Futian, Luohu and Yantian districts—and even reaching Guangming and Bao’an—the group delved into how the global hub of futuristic possibilities is shaping the future with its high-tech marvels and down-to-earth fun-filled atmosphere. One of the highlights of the trip was Shenzhen’s booming low-altitude economy. The delegation kicked off their adventure at “Futian Wings” in Futian district’s Huaqiangbei, where drones were showcased as part of a new era in daily life. From kid-friendly “drone football” toys sparking young imaginations to intelligent drones tackling real-world tasks like high-rise cleaning, firefighting and urban planning, the exhibits highlighted how technology seamlessly integrates with practical applications.
“There are many application scenarios for low-altitude flight,” Lai Lixia, a Luohu district official noted at the Wutong Pavilion. “Luohu was the first to launch medical drone deliveries, and we are also merging it with cultural tourism and even consumer camping—turning the skies into a new frontier for growth.” The thrill escalated at the Heli-eastern base, where journalists and bloggers boarded “air taxis” for a bird’s-eye view of Yantian Port, Dameisha Beach, Shatoujiao’s coastal charm, and the southern slopes of Wutong Mountain. “It was an incredible experience, and my mouth was hanging open,” gushed South African blogger Lizzy. “The low-altitude helicopter really makes life so much easier.”
The Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum offered more playful tech interactions where foreign media and vloggers played table tennis with robotic arms, competed in AI-powered football matches, sipped coffee brewed by robots, enjoyed latte art created by robotic baristas, and even danced with robotic partners.
“It really feels like you’re stepping into some kind of futuristic world,” marveled British content creator Jason Lightfoot, a Chinese son-in-law. “My son would love exploring here, and I’ll definitely return with my whole family.”
Afghan blogger Hashem, after sparring with a robotic arm, joked, “I knew the Chinese excel at ping-pong, but can China’s robots? Turns out, they’re just as precise and can even read human moves!”
The journey also ventured into the frontiers of neuroscience at Shenzhen’s Industrial Innovation Center for Brain Science and Technology in Guangming district. Focused on brain health and aging society, the center explores autism, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s, etc.
“Explore the mysteries of the brain for the wellbeing of humanity” became a touching takeaway as the delegation discovered advancements in brain-computer integration, neural mapping, and brain-inspired machine learning.
Even reading got a tech upgrade at Bao’an Library. With a tap on electronic screens, visitors can borrow books; and returning them only involves scanning a code, activating 28 “Xiaozhi” sorting robots, which swiftly whisk the books away using smart systems. Serving as a microcosm of Shenzhen’s innovation, the library is not just a knowledge haven but a testament to the city’s “hardcore” tech prowess.
The grand finale was at Qianhai Snow World, Asia’s largest indoor ski resort, where laughter echoed among US, UK, Mexican and Afghan guests as they experienced winter sports in subtropical Shenzhen.
“With these facilities, kids here can experience snow sports and may become professionals,” said Emre Aytekin of Turkiye’s Anadolu Agency, noting the growing interest in winter sports and economy since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Over the course of three days, Shenzhen proved that the future isn’t just imagined—it’s lived, played and explored. For the international media, it was a vivid reminder: innovation thrives brightest when paired with curiosity and delight.
