Metropolis grows from an obscure sea town

Over the 29 years since it was established as a special economic zone, Shenzhen has grown from a poor border town with two or three shabby, short streets to a vibrant and modern city on the cutting edge of China's development.

It is now in the very top tier of the nation's cities in overall economic strength.

The city's per capita of GDP has reached about 89,800 yuan - or more than $13,000 - top among all mainland cities.