The Shenzhen Mega-Case Study

Key questions:
1. Growth / Change
Why / how has Shenzhen grown from a small fishing town in 1980 to a mega city of over 10
million people today? What human and physical factors explain its growth? What was the
initial function of Shenzhen, how has that function changed as Shenzhen has grown? What
problems does Shenzhens growth bring to the countryside around it (urban-rural fringe)

2. Housing
Where do rich people live in Shenzhen? Give some examples of areas of high quality housing,
what land use aside from housing is this area, why do you think rich people choose to live
here? Now do the same thing for poor people (migrant workers) what areas do they live in,
what are the land uses there and why do you think they live there? Are there housing
shortages in Shenzhen? What policies has the government put in place to solve this?

3. Shopping
How has shopping facilities changed in Shenzhen over the last 10 years? Using some named
examples of areas inside the city, discus the development of big shopping centres and how
they have changed shopping for residents. What advantages and disadvantages have these
big shopping centres brought?

4. Structure
Describe the main features of Shenzhen CBD and give named examples. Describe the main
features of Shenzhen Inner City and give named examples. Describe the land use of the
outskirts (edge) of Shenzhen. Where is industry/factories located. Does Shenzhen fit any of
the city structure models you have studied? Is Shenzhens structure changing?

5. Migrant Workers
Why do migrant workers come to Shenzhen? What are the push pull factors (be specific
using numbers) what are conditions like for migrant workers when they come here (pay,
housing - again be specific with numbers) how does this compare with people from
Shenzhen? Is it difficult for migrant workers to settle in Shenzhen permanently? Why?

6. Environmental Problems
What environmental problems have been created by Shenzhens growth? Think about traffic
congestion, air pollution, overcrowding, water quality etc. How is the Shenzhen government
trying to solve these problems? Are their solutions working? What would you do to try to
solve these problems, while not slowing Shenzhens economic development?