Since it was designated an economic special zone in 1980, Shenzhen has gradually grown into a modern metropolis with per capita GDP topping other mainland cities. The economy has been growing at an annual 26.9 percent each year. A "lab" for the country's reform and opening-up policy, it has led the country in setting up a fairly complete market system. In 2006, Shenzhen's total foreign trade volume reached US$287.53 billion, ranking first among mainland cities for the 15th year in a row. Merchants from more than 90 countries and regions have invested in Shenzhen.

With close economic and cultural bonds between the city and other parts of the world, Shenzhen serves as China's main portal to the world. Since 1986, it has formed sister-city ties with 11 foreign cities including Houston in the United States, Brisbane in Australia, Nuremberg in Germany, Poznan in Poland and Vienna in France.