Bao'an hosts investment promotion event

The "Greater Bay Area Gravitation – Choose Bao’an for Prosperity" investment promotion event was held May 22 during the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF). 

Guests explore a cultural block in Bao'an District. Photos courtesy of event organizers

Organized by the Bao’an District Investment Promotion Agency and the Bao’an District Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau, the event brought together government officials, industry representatives, and business leaders seeking investment and cooperation opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Bao’an leveraged the ICIF to showcase its business environment, industrial strengths, and cultural tourism resources while engaged directly with potential investors and industry partners.

Bringing together industry leaders

Expats attend Bao'an's investment promotion event.

Nearly 30 representatives from leading cultural, tourism, and technology firms participated in the promotion event, including organizations such as Leyard & Guangzhou Leafun Culture Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu Guangchang Creative Technology, Joint Publishing Cultural Fund Limited, Harbin Jintai Technology Development Co. and FizzDragon Digital Technology.

During the opening session, the Bao’an District Investment Promotion Agency highlighted three key figures — an average age of the district’s population at 32, more than 1,700 years of history, and a resident population of 5.56 million — to illustrate Bao’an’s youthful energy, cultural heritage, and economic vitality. Officials also introduced Bao’an’s advantages as a transportation hub and industrial base, whose government is supportive toward businesses and offers policy incentives.

Qiu Xiaoshu, deputy general manager of Xinhua Net’s Shenzhen Office, shared her observations of Bao’an’s development from a media perspective.

She described the district as a place with “a strategic location, industrial strengths, efficient services, and cultural vitality.” 

“Bao’an offers an environment where businesses can operate with confidence and pursue long-term growth,” she said.

Cultural tourism projects showcase growth potential

Li Ting, executive director and general manager of Zhuhai Huafa Group Co., Ltd.'s Shenzhen and Guangzhou branch, introduced Qianhai  Snow World, a cultural tourism landmark in Bao’an.

According to Li, the facility includes the world’s largest indoor ski resort and received certification from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). The venue hosted the Asian Alpine Ski Championships in April this year.

He also highlighted the opening of Citywild Park, a new sports and lifestyle destination featuring activities such as skiing, diving, rock climbing, and leisure entertainment.

“Our goal is not simply to build a ski resort,” Li said. “We aim to create a new cultural tourism platform that integrates sports, culture, commerce, and tourism while supporting high-quality urban development.”

A group of international media representatives visiting the ICIF noticed the gathering and were interested. They heard a presentation given by staff members from the Bao’an District Investment Promotion Agency.

Roundtable discussion highlights collaboration opportunities

A guest gives a speech during the investment promotion event.

A roundtable discussion brought together district officials and business representatives  to exchange views on future cooperation.

Zhan Kankan, vice president of Leyard & Guangzhou Leafun, said the company saw strong potential for collaboration with Bao’an.

“Bao’an combines a rich cultural heritage with a dynamic innovation ecosystem,” he said. “Our businesses in digital display, cultural tourism, and intellectual property development align closely with the district’s ‘culture plus technology’ development strategy.”

Shu Shi, deputy general manager of Chengdu Guangchang Creative Technology Co., reflected on his company’s growing connection with Bao’an.

“Before last year, my impression of Bao’an had been largely limited to the airport,” he said. “Today, I see a much broader picture. As we expand internationally, Shenzhen is an important gateway, and Bao’an is one of the most attractive destinations for future development.”

Li An, chairman of Hong Kong-based  Joint Publishing Cultural Fund Limited, highlighted the district’s international outlook.

“With its international airport, world-class convention facilities, and growing cultural sector, Bao’an has strong potential to deepen cooperation with Hong Kong in areas such as cultural exchange, creative industries, intangible cultural heritage development, and intellectual property incubation,” she said.

Wang Zhangyue, deputy general manager of FizzDragon Digital Technology, expressed interest in establishing an AIGC innovation community in Bao’an.

“Our company has brought together creators from 13 countries and produced some of the world’s earliest AIGC-generated feature films released overseas,” Wang said. “Bao’an’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and international connectivity align well with our vision of connecting global innovation networks.”

Meanwhile, Huang Haidong, public relations director of HERE Group, shared his company’s experience after opening a trendy toy store in Bao’an’s Uniwalk shopping complex.

“As a growing company, we look forward to receiving continued support and exploring more opportunities in Bao’an.” 

Experiencing Bao’an’s cultural tourism resources

Following the discussion, participants visited the Qingping Ancient Market and the Qianhai Snow World.

Visitors pose for a photo at the Qianhai Snow World.

At the Qingping Ancient Market, guests explored restored historic streets, traditional architecture, and newly developed creative spaces that have attracted young entrepreneurs, artists, and content creators.

Zheng Lijun, deputy chief editor of Bao’an Daily, reflected on the district’s transformation.

“Years ago, discussions focused on preserving the historical district,” Zheng said. “Today, the area has been revitalized and integrated into contemporary urban life while retaining its cultural character.”

The delegation later visited the Qianhai Snow World, where entrepreneurs experienced one of the largest indoor snow and ice facilities in the world.

Guo Jixuan, commercial director of Harbin Jintai Technology Development Co., said the company sees opportunities for cooperation in the cultural tourism sector.

“With our experience in developing ice and snow cultural tourism projects in northern China, we hope to explore how technologies such as artificial intelligence and immersive experiences can contribute to Bao’an’s cultural tourism development,” he said.

Opening doors to new opportunities 

Guests explore Bao'an's Qingping Ancient Market.

Participants said that the event provided a comprehensive understanding of Bao’an’s industrial strengths, business environment, and cultural tourism resources.

Through policy presentations, dialogue with government officials, and on-site visits, attendees gained a deeper understanding of Bao’an’s transformation from a traditional manufacturing center into a modern hub for innovation, culture, and international cooperation.

Closing the event, Bao’an Vice District Mayor Lian Cong invited firms from across China and around the world to continue exploring opportunities in the district.

“The development of cultural industries depends on the support of diverse application scenarios and strong industrial ecosystems,” Lian said. “This event is only the beginning. We welcome more firms to visit Bao’an, seek opportunities, and achieve mutually beneficial development through deeper cooperation.”

As Shenzhen continues to strengthen its role as a global innovation center and a key gateway to the GBA, Bao’an is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for investment, cultural exchange, and international collaboration.