Shenzhen-Hong Kong Urbanism\Architecture Bi-City Biennale 2017
Shenzhen is often portrayed as a “small fishing village” that transformed into a prosperous metropolis in less than 40 years. However, this narrative oversimplifies the city’s rich history. In reality, Shenzhen was never just a “small fishing village.”
Located in the central area of the city, Nantou Old Town was established during the Jin Dynasty and served as the political, military, and economic center of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong region for centuries. Its history spans more than 1,700 years. Over the past century, the ancient town has gradually faded, while the surrounding village has continuously expanded.
The rapid urbanization of Shenzhen has created a unique and complex urban pattern: a historical town embedded within an urban village, itself encircled by the modern city. This intricate layering of history, urban transformation, and modern development reflects Shenzhen’s dynamic evolution as a city.
