The “APEC: Next Stop, Shenzhen!” media tour participants pose for a group photo at BYD’s headquarters in Pingshan District.

The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will be held in Shenzhen this year, drawing global attention to the southern coastal city. The theme of APEC 2026, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” and its three priorities — “openness, innovation and cooperation” — resonate strongly with Shenzhen’s identity as a “city of miracles,” and are being showcased through diverse exchange activities.

The “APEC: Next Stop, Shenzhen!” media tour recently kicked off in Pingshan District, an innovation hub in eastern Shenzhen.

“APEC: Next Stop, Shenzhen!” is an online campaign guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and organized by the Office of Cyberspace Affairs Commission of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and the Internet Corporate Work Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, with support from relevant Pingshan District departments. 

Nearly 20 content creators and 12 foreign residents of Shenzhen — from countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and South Africa — were invited to visit BYD’s global headquarters in Pingshan. Through test drives, guided tours and in-depth exchanges, the participants experienced firsthand the capabilities of Chinese technology.

The participants test-drive BYD vehicles.

During the event, the content creators documented their experiences on social media, acting as “city ambassadors,” who helped raise Shenzhen’s international profile and enabled the world to witness the innovative pulse and boundless vitality of “China’s Silicon Valley.”

Some students came from APEC member economies. As aspiring contributors to the Asia-Pacific region, the students took part in the “technology + culture” itinerary to learn about Chinese innovations and reflect on cross-border cooperation.

A highlight of the BYD test-drive session was the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3, equipped with the BYD-DJI Lingyuan drone system. Demonstrations showed drone takeoff and landing from the vehicle, one-touch return to the cabin, and a follow-shot mode — features that impressed the participants and showcased the R&D capabilities and innovative appeal of Chinese tech companies.

The participants photograph a drone taking off from a Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3 vehicle at BYD’s headquarters.

The participants learn about BYD’s vehicle technologies.

“The intelligent experience provided by the Lingyuan system is truly stunning,” said Ayanat Jambulova, an international student from Kazakhstan. “The vehicle’s handling and smart functions exceeded my expectations. China’s innovation in new energy vehicles is very impressive.”

At BYD’s exhibition hall, visitors saw innovations across the entire industry chain — from the Blade Battery and DM-i super hybrid system to intelligent driving technologies and new energy commercial vehicles — offering a comprehensive look at China’s intelligent manufacturing.

Guided explanations gave participants insight into BYD’s technological expertise and global expansion in the new energy sector, particularly its technical cooperation and market development across APEC economies. Pingshan, where BYD is headquartered, serves as a vital “source of innovation” for these collaborations.

The participants explore BYD’s cutting-edge technologies in the company’s exhibition hall.

Gulbakhor Inoyatova, an international student from Uzbekistan, expressed admiration for BYD vehicles’ energy efficiency: “The demand for clean energy is growing in my country. BYD’s technology is not only environmentally friendly but also adaptable to different road conditions. Its products are popular in my country. I look forward to more cross-border collaborations in the future, so such technologies can benefit more people in the Asia-Pacific.”

“I previously only knew Shenzhen as a global innovation hub,” said a Douyin content creator with 200,000 followers. “Visiting Pingshan showed me the many cutting-edge tech companies here, as well as the vibrant industrial ecosystem and innovation atmosphere that make it a true ‘city of the future.’” She also drew direct links between Shenzhen’s industrial strengths and APEC’s emphasis on digital economy and green growth.

The participants pass a wall of patent certificates in BYD’s exhibition hall.

A BYD employee introduces the company to visitors.

The attendees also exchanged views on APEC cooperation, technological exchanges and opportunities for youth. “Young people are the driving force behind technological innovation,” said Russian student Konstantin Kozlov.

“This tour gave us a chance to share ideas and learn from each other. I hope to see more joint R&D and entrepreneurship programs that enable youth across the Asia-Pacific to engage in technology commercialization and cross-border collaboration.”

Participants said the tour not only showcased Chinese technological strength but also revealed vast potential for cooperation under the APEC framework. Many expressed willingness to act as “cross-cultural ambassadors” to promote further technological exchanges and collaborative partnerships.

Participants learn about BYD’s vehicle technologies.

As a core part of Shenzhen’s modern industrial system, Pingshan is home to leading tech firms such as BYD and Honor. Through the perspectives of content creators and young participants, the tour highlighted Pingshan’s innovations in new energy and smart manufacturing while conveying APEC’s development philosophy of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation.

From breakthroughs in new energy technology to the district’s industrial ecosystem — and from the content creators’ and students’ impressions to the promising opportunities for international collaboration — this media tour offered a vivid reflection of the APEC “China Year.”