Participants pose for a group photo at BYD’s headquarters in Pingshan District on July 11. Photos from the organizers

On July 11, the City Exploration & Creation Camp and Foreigner Experience (Pingshan Stop) — a supporting event of the 5th “Just Shenzhen, Just Young” Video Contest — brought together more than 20 participants from 13 countries for a day of discovery in Pingshan District.

Guided by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government and co-organized by the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC) and the Foreign Affairs Bureau of Pingshan District, the event invited international participants to explore how Pingshan blends technological innovation with cultural preservation.

The group visited several sites, including BYD, Changshou Dramaville, the Pingshan Urban Construction Investment Smart Park, and the Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field. Throughout the day, participants gained firsthand insight into how the district is shaping its future while maintaining its cultural identity.

Participants are drawn to BYD’s cutting-edge technologies.

At BYD, a leading global new-energy vehicle manufacturer, participants learned about the company’s development, technological achievements, and innovation strategy. A visit to BYD’s patent exhibition highlighted the company’s strong focus on R&D, while the displays underscored its rapid growth in the global electric vehicle industry.

One of the most anticipated highlights was BYD’s -30°C flash-charging chamber. Attendees watched live demonstrations showing that the company’s second-generation Blade Battery maintains fast-charging performance in extremely cold conditions. Staff also demonstrated how water instantly froze inside the chamber, helping participants better understand the demanding test environment.

Thomas, a German content creator who has lived in China for more than 10 years, said the experience exceeded his expectations. “I’ve traveled to Northeast China before, and battery performance in extremely cold weather has always been a concern. Seeing this technology in person was impressive. It makes long-distance winter travel much more practical.”

He added that visiting the facilities provided a perspective that videos and online reports cannot fully capture. “Watching videos is one thing, but seeing these technologies with your own eyes is completely different.”

Participants explore the Changshou Dramaville.

Next, the group headed to the Changshou Dramaville, a cultural complex created by revitalizing a 300-year-old Hakka walled compound. The site combines traditional architecture with contemporary design. Participants explored restored historic houses, public art installations, exhibition spaces, a library, and performance venues that have transformed the compound into a vibrant cultural destination.

Rheina, an Indonesian student of Chinese descent, said it was her first visit to a traditional Hakka housing compound. “I’ve learned a lot about Chinese culture — the Hakka heritage and architecture. Pingshan shows how technology and culture can develop together.”

She also believes the project offers inspiration for other countries. “Revitalizing historic villages in this way can create new cultural spaces, support local businesses, and preserve traditional heritage. It’s an approach that could benefit many communities.”

Participants visit a government service station within the Pingshan Urban Construction Investment Smart Park.

At the Pingshan Urban Construction Investment Smart Park, participants explored one of Pingshan’s flagship smart manufacturing projects. The park brings R&D, advanced manufacturing, office space, and community facilities together through a modern “vertical factory” design, offering an example of how industry and urban development can be integrated more efficiently.

Anna, an AI engineer from Russia, was particularly interested in the park’s technology ecosystem. “It’s encouraging to see so many companies developing AI technologies here. As an engineer, it’s exciting to know there are opportunities to collaborate with people working in this field.” She also said Pingshan’s development model could provide useful ideas for cities looking to strengthen their AI industries.

The final stop was the Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field, the only government-funded intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) testing facility of its kind in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The base supports R&D, certification, and testing for ICVs and low-altitude transportation technologies, providing an important platform for future mobility innovation.

Participants explore the Bay Area Intelligent Connected Test Field.

Kamal, an engineer from India who has lived in Shenzhen for eight years, was especially interested in the intelligent transportation systems demonstrated during the visit. “We saw how different automation technologies are used during vehicle testing. As vehicles become smarter, they will be able to respond more quickly and help reduce traffic accidents.” He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation. “Many countries are still developing this type of testing infrastructure. Sharing technology and experience can help accelerate innovation worldwide.”

Throughout the day, the visit offered participants a broader understanding of Shenzhen beyond its reputation as a center of technological innovation. They experienced both the city’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to preserving history, culture, and community spaces. By bringing together innovation and cultural heritage, the program left a lasting impression and provided fresh inspiration for participants’ future creative work.