Grab your virtual boarding passes! Shenzhen—the OG fishing village turned global tech powerhouse—is gearing up to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026. Announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at this year’s gathering in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, the event will shine a spotlight on the city’s blazing-fast growth.
Just 45 years ago, Shenzhen was a sleepy coast town. Fast-forward to now: it’s a core hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, rivaling Silicon Valley with its startup hustle in Nanshan and cutting-edge R&D in Shenzhen Hi-Tech Park. Think of it as Asia’s test-bed for electric vehicles, smart cities, and advanced mobile payments—much like how we breeze through payments with Gojek or Grab.
Between the neon-lit streets of Dongmen and the art studios of OCT Loft, you’ll find 24/7 energy wherever you go. Late-night street eats, co-working cafés in Shekou, and e-sports arenas hosting the next big gaming tournament—Shenzhen’s scene vibes with our own Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta after-dark culture.
Hosting APEC in 2026 means global leaders will see firsthand how Shenzhen turned big ideas into reality. For every young pro glued to their smartphone or sketching startup plans in a café, it’s proof that rapid change is always possible. Shenzhen’s journey is just heating up—and Asia is watching! 🚀
Reference(s):
Discover Shenzhen: Host city of 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting
cgtn.com
