The Atlas of Shenzhen series will provide material in English, as well as catering to Shenzhen’s linguistically diverse community, so that all may better experience the diversity of the city. We will aim in the future to incorporate the efforts of guest writers, allowing different perspectives and styles of history to explore the experiences of Shenzhen and its people over the centuries. As such, we will in the future seek those who bear a passion for writing, and a passion for the city of Shenzhen, to contribute material to our series on selected topics and daily life in the city.

Rich visualization of data and concepts is vital to the Atlas. Maps can be produced at various geographical scales. In addition to maps, the Atlas will contain graphic designs presenting iconic places and artefacts, as well as photographs and videos on our topics.

Videos can, for example, record extracts of tours and creative performances in a short-form format for social media sites such as Instagram and Tiktok. Such visual and multimedia content could include:

● Maps of iconic and historical sites around Shekou and Shuiwei shows places that local international residents at Shenzhen can explore;

● A map of Hakka old courts will highlight the historical buildings and events for local residents to explore over the weekend and the stories Hakka migrants since 19th century. Such maps could extend to other regional areas outside of Shenzhen;

● A map of independent coffee roasters could show coffee lovers the best places to shop and develop trade for coffee beans and accessories;

● A desk calendar shows the historical events that happened on the same day in history, with illustrated graphics and handwrites stories.

The contribution of the Atlas of Shenzhen goes beyond a history book or a collection of visualised illustrations and graphic designs. The Atlas is a means for Shenzhen’s international visitors to understand and appreciate their surroundings better. In this sense, it is almost a cultural manual.

With impacts of the incorporation of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and other policies that empowers Shenzhen, the ongoing expansion through cross-border transportations, the ambition of Shenzhen to build a global city, the map of Shenzhen is in a state of turmoil, with major implications for development and all of us. Shenzhen has never been but is begging to be presented in the form of an atlas.