Approximately 11 million people live in Shenzhen, compared with a mere 30,000 in 1980 when the small border township was opened up as the country's first Special Economic Zone.

Built on the back of economic trade with Hong Kong and the rest of the world, Shenzhen has attracted migrants from all over China, people who continue to flock to city to seek wealth and to build a new life.

In recent years the city has started to attract an increasing number of foreigners who come to this young and vibrant modern city to produce products that distributed around the world.

As a migrant city, Shenzhen's main official language is Mandarin, which is widely spoken and understood by everyone. This offers a great opportunity for learners to practice their Chinese and to learn about the variety of customs and culture of Chinese people.