Chapter 3: Homeland

Chapter 3: Homeland

Shenzhen is an open city, assimilating people and cultures from all over China. Now most of its residents are non-locals, and Mandarin has replaced Cantonese to become the standard dialect. It is this diversity that makes Shenzhen a dynamic city. Its tolerance not only accelerates the economic development, but also makes people who immigrate here feel the warmth and comfort of home. Shenzhen used to turn into an empty city every Spring Festival, the Chinese festival for family reunions, but now more and more people choose to stay to celebrate the Chinese new year, recognizing Shenzhen as their real hometown.

A foreign teacher plays with students, 2008.