Recently, Professor Jiang Yuqin, Director of the Digital Humanities Research Center at Shenzhen University’s School of Humanities, led students from the “Science Fiction Culture and Urban Planning” micro-program to Shenzhen Urban Planning & Design Institute (SUPDI) for a cross-disciplinary exchange.
During the visit, Han Gangtuan, Deputy Chief Engineer of SUPDI, reviewed Shenzhen’s urbanization trajectory since its establishment as a Special Economic Zone in 1980. He explained how Shenzhen’s urban planning has adhered to the principles of “forward-looking layout and flexible adaptation,” forming a clustered spatial structure and modern infrastructure network. Through examples such as the development of central urban areas, he illustrated how Shenzhen has balanced ecological preservation, industrial upgrading, and cultural development, establishing a model for megacity governance.
Members of the team led by Tao Tao, Deputy Chief Planner of SUPDI, introduced the cultural achievements and future plans of Futian District. As the administrative, cultural, and financial core of Shenzhen, Futian aims to position itself as a “hub for reform and opening-up memory, a showcase for urban cultural integration, and a new window for global civilization exchange.” The district plans to systematically integrate cultural venues, public spaces, and urban narratives to create a cultural landmark with Chinese and Shenzhen characteristics. However, improvements are still needed in cultural content development and cross-regional collaboration mechanisms.
Dr. Du Fei and Engineer Lei Jing highlighted the planning approach and technical features of the Ocean New City’s safety and resilience project. Guided by the principles of “smart disaster prevention, combination of routine and emergency measures, and rapid response,” the project establishes an emergency evacuation and rescue system covering the entire area. It incorporates real-time monitoring, intelligent guidance, and modular emergency facilities to enhance the city’s resilience and recovery capacity in extreme scenarios. The plan emphasizes the flexible functionality of public facilities during both normal and disaster times, reflecting resource efficiency and sustainable development.
Professor Jiang Yuqin remarked that the visit greatly broadened the students’ perspectives and practical understanding. She noted that her recent research on cyberspace and science fiction culture, as well as her projects on cultural and tourism integration, have largely focused on theoretical and conceptual aspects. This on-site exchange provided a practical direction and value anchor for her academic work, bridging the gap between theory and practice. She expressed hope that the collaboration would help translate academic achievements into tangible cultural and innovative contributions to urban development.
