Where cooperation meets innovation: A tour of LICC

Our visit to the Longhua International Cooperation Center (LICC) with about 20 local expats offered a fascinating deep dive into one of the main engine rooms of Shenzhen's present and future. We began at the very entrance of its modern building, where any passerby can know about HUA HUB, a landmark United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project. This initiative positions Longhua as a global test bed for sustainable megacity solutions, focusing on green mobility, smart energy, and inclusive urban planning. It was the perfect prelude to our tour, immediately framing the center as a pivotal player on the world stage tackling the challenges of rapid urbanization.

Already at the 4th floor, the digital economy was immediately present, not as abstract data, but in physical form. A sleek police dog-robot patrolled the entrance, its agile movements showcasing advanced surveillance and public safety applications. Nearby, at the main showroom, one of our group volunteered to stand before a health-tech smart mirror. In moments, it displayed real-time vitals and a wellness report, a powerful example of how AI and IoT are personalizing healthcare (and retail!).

Rita Giménez poses for a photo at the launch ceremony of UNDP SDG Innovation Pilot Poject in LICC in 2024. Photos courtesy of Rita Giménez

Rita Giménez (3rd L) experiences making a laquered fan at a cultural event organized by LICC.

Expats take an interest in a robot displayed at the showroom at LICC. Photo courtesy of LICC except otherwise stated

Following the main corridor to the right, the scale and ambition of innovation shifted upwards in the low-altitude economy room. While the diverse fleet of drones stood silent, their potential spoke volumes. Besides the logistics models, we saw specialized ones designed for critical emergency response, including a system for providing mid-air fuel to airplanes. The scope Longhua’s power in this sector became truly clear when our guide shared a stunning fact: "It was a local drone company that orchestrated the breathtaking drone show for the 45th Shenzhen SEZ Anniversary celebration." This revelation transformed the static displays into symbols of a district that is already shaping the skyline of the future.

Perhaps most striking was the seamless blend of this high-tech vision with the refined artistry of Longhua’s fashion and design sector. We admired elegant gowns, fine rosewood chairs and exquisite ceramics that spoke to a deep mastery of material and form. This marriage of tradition and technology was perfectly encapsulated by minimalist magnetic lamps, which turned on and off with the simple, satisfying click of a magnet — proving that the most advanced design is often intuitive and beautiful.

Our tour through the center was more than a presentation; it was a convincing argument for Longhua’s distinctive model. It is a district that supports its innovation-driven ecosystem and thoughtfully integrates it into the fabric of daily life, from our health and security to the objects with which we choose to surround ourselves. One thing remains clear each time I go there, LICC is truly a place where global partnerships are forged and unique industries converge.