SHENZHEN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- When Zoon Ahmed Khan, a research fellow at Tsinghua University, tried out an exoskeleton robot in Shenzhen, she reflected on the southern Chinese economic and tech hub's astonishing transformation over the past decades -- a development trajectory that few could have foreseen.
"A great number of the technologies we experience today, and the innovations I have encountered throughout China, target real-life difficulties," said the Pakistani scholar during a field trip as part of an international symposium on Monday. "The products are not only showcasing Shenzhen's achievements but, more importantly, inspiring visitors."
The delegation, consisting of international experts, scholars and guests, toured various sites across Shenzhen, to observe how modern technology and cultural heritage converge in this dynamic metropolis.
On the 116th floor of the Ping An Finance Center, the world's highest glass-floor cantilevered observation deck, the delegation visited an exhibition showcasing the city's latest sci-tech feats, such as DJI drones, Tencent AI office solutions, HONOR's embodied robots and Hypershell exoskeleton robots.
Rami Khalil, an Armenian expert at Sichuan International Studies University, said he was impressed by China's domestically designed Hualong One nuclear reactor.
"Green energy is a very essential part of Chinese culture. Instead of dominating nature, Chinese philosophy advocates integration," he said.
At the Eyes of the Greater Bay Area, the world's largest physical book mall, which commenced operations in September last year, Nathan Bonar, a research fellow at the Institute for Postmodern Development of China, purchased a book and a calligraphy copybook about Ci poetry of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
"I really like the way it's set up. It's not just for purchasing books, but a space for people to actually read, enjoy themselves and interact with one another," said the book lover with a collection of more than 4,000 books.
While Shenzhen is often associated with technology, its achievements are deeply rooted in culture. "I'm encouraged by seeing people who know how to use technology to make their lives better and more enjoyable, so that they can sit down and read poetry," he added.
"China is deeply rooted in its own culture and civilization. Reading links people to knowledge, and this pursuit of knowledge also paves the way for modernity," said Fouzia Amin, a research fellow at the Understanding China Forum in Pakistan.
In Nantou Ancient Town, which boasts a history of nearly 1,700 years, cafes, specialty restaurants and art galleries line the ancient alleyways. For Bruno Guigue, a research fellow at France's University of Reunion, the town showcases that traditional culture and modern technology are fully compatible.
"Chinese people can develop humanoid robots while keeping their cultural roots. This is quite fascinating to me," said Guigue. "Shenzhen was once a tiny fishing village and has grown into a metropolis with innovation hubs and financial centers. It embodies a new China."
Gustavo Sabino Vaca Narvaja, former Argentine ambassador to China and director of the Center for Sinology Studies at the University of Buenos Aires, said the "Shenzhen Moment" represents a new stage of productivity brought by rapid technological progress and the integration of tradition and modernity that generates fresh innovation.
"China's growth and technological development have been achieved without losing its own identity, which constitutes a valuable asset for modernization," said the former diplomat. "That is also why I believe it offers opportunities for the Global South." ■
