2025-6-30

Shenzhen and Edinburgh officially established a Sister City relationship in May 2019. Shenzhen is a young, vibrant metropolis known as a UNESCO City of Design, while Edinburgh is recognized as a time-honored literary and creative hub holding the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both cities not only boast a rich inventory of cultural and artistic achievements, but have also forged a close friendship through cultural dialogues and exchanges.

Shenzhen is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, modern cityscape, and avant-garde architectural style. Taking a 5-minute walk from the school, we arrive at the Marisfolg Headquarters Building, a distinguished local landmark. Designed by the New Zealand-based architectural firm Architecture Van Brandenburg (AVB), this building is a perfect embodiment of the integration of bionic art into architectural design.

Besides offering a scenic view of the Marisfolg Headquarters Building, the Eachway New Art Museum where I am located exudes its unique artistic allure. With its distinctive red and white color scheme and architecture reminiscent of sand dunes, it serves as a picturesque spot for photography. The museum also hosts exhibitions showcasing calligraphy, photography, fashion, and traditional crafts.

In Shenzhen, creativity not only enhances the cityscape but also breathes new life into traditions. The Edixia Art Village in Guanlan is renovated from an ancient Hakka village with over 200 years of history. It is also the hometown of Chinese art educator and printmaker Chen Yanqiao and was recognized as one of the city’s inaugural historical sites in March 2020.

Over the years, dozens of artists have relocated to this tranquil art village, where they immerse themselves in creative pursuits, leading an idyllic existence away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

During my time in Shenzhen, I have frequently been struck by the city's boundless energy and creativity. Have you also felt the artistic allure of Shenzhen through our lens? Hold on, the journey is not over. It is time to shift our focus to my hometown, Edinburgh. Keep pace with us as we explore this Scottish city, which is also abundant with creativity!

Through this journey, it is evident that Shenzhen and Edinburgh are havens where we can freely chase our dreams and celebrate cultural diversity. Despite being from distant lands, these two cities are closely linked by their rich culture and vibrant creativity. As we bid farewell for now, let's look forward to more wonderful tales from these two innovative cities. Until next time!