"What's Your Next Step?" is Pingshan District's latest international promotional video. Viewers have a glimpse into Pingshan's landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural landscapes in the video. These scenes highlight the enduring charm of Pingshan as an innovative district with vast potential. The video embodies the balanced development of Pingshan, blending modernity with tradition, old with new, and integrating verdant green spaces with smart city elements.

Don Rechtman

After watching the Pingshan District interna tional promotional video, American Don Rechtman immediately boarded the Shen zhen Metro from his home in Luohu District to head for Pingshan. Taking Metro Line 14, he arrived at the city's northeastern district in about 35 minutes, spending a cozy afternoon exploring Pingshan Theater, Pingshan Library, and the surrounding areas. He was impressed by the library's extensive book collection and vinyl record space, as well as Pingshan's pristine environment adorned with lush greenery.

As a freelance editor, musician, and community volunteer who has been in Shenzhen for 14 years, Rechtman was captivated by the cultural offerings of Pingshan. He commended Pingshan Theater as a world-class venue and expressed his desire to spend one or two days in Pingshan on his next visit to further explore the district's businesses, hospitality, and natural beauty.

"The visit was brief yet amazing. It's akin to being in a five-star restaurant where you sample a single dish with a teaspoon and are expected to review the whole restaurant based on that. All I can say is that it's really great, and I want more," Rechtman said.

Dr. Mrutyunjay Maharana

Dr. Mrutyunjay Maharana, an Indian princi pal engineer and expert at a renowned cor poration for new energy vehicles in Pingshan, expressed admiration for the state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities showcased in the video.

"Pingshan's commitment to fostering innovation is impressive. The district hosts many research institutions and innovation platforms that encourage collaboration among academia, industry, and startups," he said.

Having resided in Pingshan for a few months, Dr. Maharana also lauded the high-speed trains, the SkyShuttle and robotaxis featured in the video. He commented that these developments highlight Pingshan's role as a forward-thinking district that not only prioritizes technological growth but also ensures that such advancements are integrated into the daily life, promoting a sustainable and dynamic urban environment.

He believes that the video has the potential to significantly enhance Pingshan's global visibility and inspire individuals and organizations to explore the district.

Samuel Sadiq

Samuel Sadiq, a German teacher at Shen zhen Technology University in Pingshan, has been living in the district for six years and participated in numerous volunteering activities. He said he was impressed by the Hakka villages, wetlands and hiking spots featured in the video, reminiscent of his past wonderful experiences.

Keyth Cristina Nascimento Guimarães

Keyth Cristina Nascimento Guimarães, a Ph.D. candidate at Shenzhen University and a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador, has been living in Pingshan for three years with her family. The Brazilian said the video shows diverse activities in Pingshan. "We love living in Pingshan. We love spending our time at Pingshan Theater or the library, hiking at Maluan Mountain, walking in Julong Mountain Park, and exploring good restaurants throughout the district," she said.

Marina Vilchinskaia

Russian vlogger and Shenzhen Global Com munication Ambassador Marina Vilchinskaia recalled her visit to Maluan Mountain after watching this video. She said that during the 2024 Maluan Nature Walk Activity organized by Maluan Subdistrict, she and a group of Chinese and expat hikers experienced the ecological wonders of the mountain.

Venturing through the lush greenery and pristine waters of the mountain, they marveled at the cascading waterfalls and captured the beauty of diverse plants and animals through photography. "My first encounter with Maluan Mountain was unforgettable. The natural splendor and the warmth of the locals deeply touched me. I eagerly anticipate engaging in more such activities to explore the nature and ecology of Pingshan," she said.

Matteo Convertino

Matteo Convertino, an associate professor of Institute of Environment and Ecology at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, recalled his past visits to Maluan Mountain with his students after watching the video.

The Italian ecosystems expert and Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador highlighted Pingshan's efforts in harmonizing the natural and built environments through thoughtful development and conservation, enhancing habitats for water-dependent species. He added that a key example is the upcoming Shenzhen Natural History Museum, which is expanding the natural riparian habitats as freshwater wetlands, mirroring water flow in its design.

Louay Ali Dib

Louay Ali Dib, a Shenzhen Global Communi cation Ambassador who has yet to visit Pingshan, expressed his interest in the dis trict after watching the video. He praised the video for its high quality and comprehensive presentation of Pingshan's unique features, which appeal to those seeking innovation, development, culture, education, sports, or nature experiences. A computer engineer from Syria, Dib found Pingshan's innovation and technology particularly intriguing. "The video definitely inspires me to visit and explore the technological part of Pingshan, as such an innovative place may open up more opportunities and spark new ideas that can be used in my software engineering projects," he said. "Meanwhile, nature in Pingshan is also very appealing and it seems like a perfect place for camping, which is something I love." He also expresses that people seeking information about Shenzhen will find this video very informative and it serves as excellent promotion not only for Pingshan but also for Shenzhen in general.

Internet users

The Pingshan District international promotional video has received positive feedback on Shenzhen Daily's social media accounts, including YouTube, X, and Facebook. The video also garnered millions of views after being posted on Xinhua News Agency's Facebook account.

On Facebook, user @kevinchang4503 lauded Pingshan as "a perfect combination of nature and urban life." User @Ninalian-jw8kl echoed the sentiment, stating, "Can't wait to explore." User @danli-of2ez remarked, "Looks like many world citizens have found a new home in Pingshan."

Comments like "innovative," "high tech," "smart," "chic" and

A scene from Pingshan's international promotional video.

"the future is here" demonstrate an appreciation for the video's portrayal of a technologically advanced Pingshan.