US students amaze at Qianhai’s tech, entrepreneurial and coastal charm

Video by Lin Jianping and Wang Haolan

On July 14, a 13-member delegation of American youth scholars from the “SEE China” program visited Qianhai. From cutting-edge technology exhibits at Qianhai Block V to the innovation ecosystem of the International OPC Community, and then to intangible cultural heritage workshops and coastal cycling at Qianhai Kerry Centre, the visitors immersed themselves in the area’s distinctive blend of Hong Kong influences, international vibe, coastal charm, modern urban development and a distinctly futuristic atmosphere .

American students from the "SEE China" program watch a demonstration of an autonomous robot during a visit to Qianhai Block V in Shenzhen's Qianhai on July 14. Photos by Lin Jianping 

Eye-catching technologies & entrepreneurial environment

The delegation’s first stop was Qianhai Block V. In the frontier technology exhibition area, AI products developed primarily by local Qianhai companies, alongside Shenzhen-based firms, became the highlight of the visit. Smart AI glasses, glasses-free 3D displays, humanoid robots, air drum kits and companion-style plush toys were among the many cutting-edge tech products on display, prompting the American students to stop, try them out and engage in frequent interaction.

The group then visited an exhibition on Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation on the third floor, where they learned in detail about the comprehensive support policies offered by the Qianhai E-hub, including park facilities, rent incentives, startup subsidies and financing matchmaking services.

Members of the "SEE China" delegation interact with AI technology exhibits at Qianhai Block V, where they experienced products including smart devices, robotics and other innovations developed by companies in Qianhai and Shenzhen. Charles Yang, from The Pingry School in New Jersey, expressed particular interest in the robots on display, especially one that can climb stairs autonomously by replacing its leg modules, as well as a smart camera that can track movement and respond to voice commands.

“I’ve noticed that Chinese technology places great emphasis on building an ecosystem — how products such as cars can seamlessly integrate and control the home environment,” he said. “That is not common in the United States. It’s one of the major differences I observed between Chinese and American tech products.”

He also said that the policy allowing office space in Qianhai to be rented for just 1 yuan (US$0.15) per square meter per month would give entrepreneurs tremendous room to innovate.

A member of the American youth delegation tests a smart camera at Qianhai Block V while learning about AI technologies and entrepreneurship support available in Qianhai.

Brogan Ray O’Leary, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, said he had known little about Qianhai before the visit, but was struck by its rapid development.

“There is huge potential here. I saw many impressive technology products, and I learned that Qianhai is becoming a top choice for entrepreneurs around the world,” he said.

In his view, Qianhai’s distinctive regulatory and policy framework makes it an ideal place to start a business and an excellent launching point for entrepreneurs taking their first steps and establishing themselves.

Members of the "SEE China" delegation pose for a group photo during their visit to Qianhai Block V on July 14.

Impressive innovation ecosystem and OPC model

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Qianhai’s first AI OPC community to experience firsthand the unique appeal of the “one-person company” model. The space breaks away from traditional office design, with artistic decor, soundproof pods, idea labs and leisure areas creating an immediately striking environment.

Members of the "SEE China" delegation listen to a presentation on Qianhai's International OPC Community, where they learned about the "one-person company" model and support services for AI startups.

Designed as an innovation hub for international high-level tech talent, the community focuses on the fast-growing AI Agent sector and follows a service philosophy of “innovate without worries,” aiming to provide global AI innovators with low-barrier, low-cost, full-cycle startup support and to build a leading ecosystem for AI OPC entrepreneurship worldwide.

According to the community, more than 130 teams from China and abroad applied within just one month of its opening, and around 20 teams have already moved in. Team members include graduates of top universities such as Stanford University and Princeton University, as well as experienced professionals from global tech giants such as Google, Nvidia and Meta. Several OPC teams have already secured commercial orders worth tens of millions of yuan, while some products are being tested in real-world scenarios, underscoring the mode l’s strong potential for commercialization.

Members of the "SEE China" delegation spend time in the shared recreation area during a visit to Qianhai's International OPC Community on July 14. The delegation learned about the community's "one-person company" model and its support for AI entrepreneurs from around the world.

Eason Wang, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said: “Through the 'SEE China' program, I learned for the first time about the OPC concept and how it supports global startups. The benefits offered by Qianhai’s OPC community were a pleasant surprise, especially the free, high-quality housing and other supporting services, which exceeded my expectations. Everything here is thoughtfully designed with innovators in mind.”

Unforgettable intangible cultural heritage & coastal scenery

At the end of the visit, the delegation arrived at Qianhai Kerry Centre, an international mixed-use development in Qianhai that became the first project in the area to receive three prestigious green certifications — LEED Platinum, China’s Three-Star Green Building Label, and WELL Platinum — as well as the area’s first pilot project under the Hong Kong construction model.

Here, a cultural experience combining intangible cultural heritage crafts, coastal cycling, and sunset views over the sea brought the Qianhai visit to a fitting close.

Members of the "SEE China" delegation create burnished foil paintings under the guidance of an intangible cultural heritage inheritor during a cultural workshop at Qianhai Kerry Centre.

Burnished foil painting, also known as gold foil applique, is a traditional folk craft that originated in the Tang dynasty and is revered as a jewel of Chinese metalwork. It is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item in China. Under the guidance of an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, the students became “craftsmen” for the day, experiencing the delicate process of painting, applying, attaching and brushing. Watching thin sheets of metal foil come alive in their hands and transform into shimmering foil paintings, they said the artwork , which reflects traditional Chinese aesthetics, was the most treasured souvenir of the trip .

The workshop was held at The Bayside of Qianhai Kerry Centre, where panoramic views of Qianhai Bay and a tranquil waterfront setting provided a fitting backdrop for the students' introduction to traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Members of the "SEE China" delegation prepare for a coastal cycling tour before riding along Qianhai's waterfront greenway on July 14.

Next, guided by professional cycling coaches, the students set off from Qianhai Kerry Centre and rode along Qianhai’s 18.6-kilometer coastal greenway. Although light rain fell throughout the ride, it did little to dampen their enthusiasm. The group rode joyfully through the seaside greenway, taking in the distinctive charm of a city where urban vitality and coastal beauty meet.

As the sun began to set, the delegation visited the outdoor observation deck on the T2 of Qianhai Kerry Centre for sweeping views of Qianhai Bay and Qianhai Stone Park, one of Shenzhen’s most scenic sunset viewpoints. They paused to take photos and admire the harmonious coexistence of modern urban life and natural scenery, bringing their memorable visit to Qianhai to a memorable close.

Source: Shenzhen Daily