SHENZHEN won a place on the “Top 10 Pioneering Chinese Cities in Overall International Visibility” list at the 4th Forum on Global Communication of Cities in Nanjing on Tuesday. The city took home six international communication awards, earning the title of “Leading City in International Expression.” The Shenzhen-produced dance drama “Wing Chun” and Qianhai’s international communication practices were selected as exemplary cases of international communication for cities (districts). Futian and Nanshan were recognized for their outstanding international communication performances among cities and counties. The forum also released an analytical report on Chinese cities’ overseas influence in 2024. At the forum, Xia Wenbin, former president of the University of International Business and Economics, highlighted that Shenzhen attracted significant overseas media attention due to its blend of reform and opening up achievements, economic and social strengths, and cultural soft power. Known as a city of miracles, innovation, and the future, Shenzhen hosted 15 foreign heads of state and government leaders in 2024, along with over 250 foreign journalists from around the world. In its international communication, Shenzhen has showcased innovative initiatives, such as the three-part city image series: “Dare to Explore” in 2023, “Dare to Be a Pioneer” in 2024, and the upcoming “Diligence” in 2025. The video series captures the spirited essence of Shenzhen through the relentless pursuits of generations of its residents who fearlessly explored and blazed trails with unwavering dedication. Through the original dance drama “Wing Chun” and the “Shenzhen Story” global city civilization exchange program, Shenzhen has resonated with international audiences and media, as well as mainstream Western social media platforms. The nine-language EyeShenzhen website and its “Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador” program have helped form a three-dimensional international communication system and an overseas promotion matrix, which has strengthened the city’s international communication efforts. (Han Ximin) | 