Shenzhen's Luohu drives tech-driven urban transformation


As technology reshapes urban landscapes, Luohu District is pioneering a new balance between people, industry, and city development. With a strategic focus on integrating emerging industries into the urban fabric, Luohu is redefining its space, policies, and services to support high-tech talent and innovation-driven enterprises.
Industry and space grow together
In 2024, Luohu launched four urban renewal projects, adding 300,000 square meters of industrial space. Half of Luohu’s ten key initiatives for 2025 focus on industry, signaling an unprecedented emphasis on economic growth through urban planning.
Luohu is enhancing its traditional service industries by developing logistics and advertising hubs while advancing medical aesthetics, finance, and cultural tourism sectors. Meanwhile, the district is building dedicated innovation hubs for artificial intelligence, life sciences, aerospace, and gene technology.
One standout project is the Qingshuihe Headquarters New City. Formerly a warehouse zone on Luohu’s outskirts, it is now an emerging hub for AI, life sciences, and digital industries. Over the next 10 to 15 years, the district aims to develop at least ten mid-to-large industrial parks, offering 350 million square meters of high-quality R&D and production facilities.
Boosting Shenzhen-Hong Kong integration
Luohu is also leveraging its geographic advantage to strengthen ties with Hong Kong. In 2024, its three major border crossings handled over 90 million travelers, a 62% increase, accounting for nearly half of Shenzhen’s total cross-border traffic. This surge presents new opportunities for deeper connectivity.
To facilitate Hong Kong residents working and living in Shenzhen, Luohu has enhanced infrastructure and services. The Wenjindu checkpoint became the city’s first land border offering tax refunds for departing travelers, ranking first in refund amounts and participating stores. Meanwhile, Luohu District People's Hospital is now authorized under the "Hong Kong-Macao Medicine & Equipment Access" policy, and the district’s dental services are included in Hong Kong’s Elderly Healthcare Voucher Scheme. Luohu also launched Shenzhen’s first "Hong Kong-style border hospital" at Luohu Port.
Looking ahead, Luohu plans to further strengthen integration with Hong Kong through both physical infrastructure and policy alignment. Experts suggest that the Liantang checkpoint area holds potential to become the next major Shenzhen-Hong Kong collaboration hub.
A borderless city fostering tech innovation
While Luohu has traditionally been service-oriented, it is now accelerating the development of strategic emerging industries by improving access to space, funding, data resources, and talent. Incubators and accelerators for AI and life sciences are expanding, offering startups essential support.
Shenzhen's 2025 government work plan highlights the need for long-term investment in deep-tech startups. In March, the Shenzhen State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission announced a 10 billion yuan venture fund to back early-stage and high-tech enterprises in strategic sectors.
In February, Luohu welcomed the Shenzhen Disruptive Technology Innovation Center at the Yunqi International Tech-Finance Hub. This center will channel national and municipal resources into groundbreaking innovations, accelerating their commercialization. Luohu has also set up a three billion yuan government guidance fund to directly invest in high-impact, disruptive technology projects aligned with its industrial goals.
With these initiatives, Luohu is evolving into a high-tech, innovation-driven district, creating a seamless ecosystem where technology, industry, and urban life thrive together.