From skeptic to Shenzhener: How a city won me over

Editor's note: We have invited foreigners living in China to share their stories about the cities where they live and work. Manfred Huschka is Irish who registered his company in Nanshan district, Shenzhen, Guangdong province. He is CEO and senior consultant of Manfred Huschka Management Consulting.

My relationship with Shenzhen began in 2004 as a reluctant visitor. I stayed near Shenzhen Railway Station and felt that the city's environment appeared harsh and unwelcoming.

However, as my business trips increased to four times a year – each lasting three weeks – my outlook changed after I found a hotel near Renmin South Road.

That move sparked a lively scene: eateries, Kingglory Plaza, busy shopping streets, and foot massage parlors. On weekends, I explored Dongmen Market, carrying a dictionary, and bargaining with vendors to improve my Mandarin. These fast-paced conversations not only enhanced my language ability but also fostered confidence that would influence my future.

In 2018, while serving as the global sales vice president of a company from the United States, I also became directly responsible for China sales. I chose Shenzhen as my "base camp" instead of remaining near the China sales office in Suzhou. I referred to Shenzhen as my "second home".

I was amazed by the city's progress – from a simple metro line in 2005 with few stops to today's Line 14, which is driverless, runs at 120 kilometers per hour, and is part of a 595-km network – the fifth longest in the world.

In 2023, I used autonomous taxis in Pingshan district. In early 2025, being a passenger in a friend's Aito M9 with a voice-controlled, fully autonomous driving mode made me feel like science fiction had become a reality.

Beyond work, Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Hongfa Temple, and Lianhuashan Park became my sanctuaries.

As a Buddhist, often the only foreigner present, I found tranquility in the quiet of Hongfa Temple.

My annual hikes to Deng Xiaoping Statue in Lianhuashan Park carried special significance – without him, there would be no Shenzhen and without Shenzhen, there wouldn't be my company.

After retiring from corporate leadership in early 2023, I selected Shenzhen instead of Ireland or Hong Kong to establish my management consulting company.

The decision was based on "Shenzhen Speed" – obtaining a business license in seven days and opening a bank account three days afterwards, a pace unmatched in my experience.

As a cross-cultural consultant, I operate in a bilingual business environment where Chinese is prevalent – even in bank negotiations, where I value skilled staff over English fluency.

My role involves helping Shenzhen companies expand internationally, with a focus on senior management and understanding cultural differences in markets from Europe to Southeast Asia.

I have been challenging Western media stereotypes by sharing my daily experiences on LinkedIn, which has earned me multiple awards. I also accompany Irish executives to local factories, directly breaking down language barriers.

Regarding recommending others to establish businesses in Shenzhen, I should say, the infrastructure of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is exceptional and everything is already here.

In Shenzhen, my solo venture flourished thanks to the region's strong infrastructure and welcoming community. The city became more than just a business hub. It blended my career ambitions with a feeling of belonging, transforming me into a Shenzhener – a person who combines global citizenship with local roots.