Shenzhen and Vancouver: A tale of two Pacific cities united by youth, innovation, and soccer

As the “APEC China 2026" puts a spotlight on the host city, Shenzhen is showcasing more than just its technological might. For two young scholars, the city has become a bridge connecting the shores of the Pacific, proving that the spirit of collaboration transcends borders.

Adam Sunavsky (L) and Zhang Yuxiang pose for a photo. File photos

During the International Young Scholars Exchange Week at the Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT), a chance encounter between Adam Sunavsky, a Ph.D. student from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and Zhang Yuxiang, a researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, evolved into a cross-border dialogue that reflects the very ideals of openness championed by APEC.

For Sunavsky, Shenzhen’s energy is palpable. "I'd say Shenzhen is a city with a lot of momentum," he observed. "It's a very young, vibrant crowd, and people are not afraid to test novel ideas and move fast." This sentiment is echoed by Zhang, who notes the city's global appeal. "People here are from all over the world," Zhang said, pointing to tech giants like Huawei and DJI as magnets for international talent.

Yet, amidst the skyscrapers and research labs, it was a universal language that forged their strongest connection: soccer.

Sunavsky gives an interview to Shenzhen Daily. 

"I have a love for soccer," Sunavsky said, describing how he plays at his university in Vancouver. "Here you also have a field in the middle of a track. It really reminded me of home when I played with Yuxiang." Zhang, in turn, found familiarity in Vancouver’s coastal landscapes. "I notice many similarities between Vancouver and Shenzhen. They are both coastal cities surrounded by beautiful scenery," he remarked, adding that such environments help young professionals relax and relieve stress.

This balance between work and play is a value Sunavsky holds dear. "Vancouver has shaped my mind, allowing me to be more open-minded to different cultures," he explained, noting that his exposure to Chinese cuisine in Canada initially sparked his curiosity. "That’s part of the reason I applied to come here — to fully immerse myself in different cultures."

A local student gives Sunavsky a fan as a gift.

Sunavsky’s immersion began immediately upon arrival, when a local student gifted him a fan and a notebook. "Even though these people barely know me, that thoughtfulness really stood out," he recalled.

However, the most striking revelation came during a tour of a research facility, where Sunavsky witnessed a hallmark of Shenzhen’s efficiency: robotic systems cleaning animal cages with no human interaction. "Some colleagues in Europe still have to clean cages manually," he said. "When I saw that, I thought, 'Wow, this is Shenzhen. This is the frontier of efficiencies.'"

For Zhang, the exchange was equally enlightening. "Vancouver is a very beautiful city," he shared, acknowledging the cultural and geographical parallels that make their connection feel natural.

As “APEC China 2026" continues to foster dialogue across the Pacific, the friendship between Zhang and Sunavsky stands as a microcosm of a larger narrative — where geographic distance is bridged by shared values, mutual curiosity, and the simple joy of a soccer match.