Overseas Chinese Town

Overseas Chinese Town (OCT, simplified Chinese: 华侨城; traditional Chinese: 華僑城; pinyin: huáqiáo chéng; Jyutping: Waa4 Kiu4 Sing4) is the colloquial name for a cluster of scenic spots in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, around the Window of the World Station, Overseas Chinese Town Station, Qiaocheng East Station and Qiaocheng North Station of the Luobao Line (Line 1) and Shekou Line (Line 2) of Shenzhen Metro. In the future, Meilin Line (Line 9) will also pass this area and serve OCT Harbour (OCT Bay) and the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. It is classified as an AAAAA scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration.^[1]

Main sights

The area features a number of theme parks, they include Splendid China, Chinese Folk Culture Village, Window of the World, and Happy Valley Shenzhen.^[2]^[3] It is currently owned and operated by Overseas Chinese Town Enterprises and its subsidiaries. OCT Tower is situated here.

OCT Contemporary Art Terminal is in the community.^[4]

Extensions have been made in different locations within Shenzhen. These include Overseas Chinese Town East in Yantian and Overseas Chinese Town Bay.

History

The development of the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) traces its origins to the Shahe Farmland, established in 1959. Initially comprising three villages - Upper Baishi, Lower Baishi, and Xintang - the Shahe Farmland was conceived as a means of fostering systematic management to enhance agricultural productivity. The farms predate Shenzhen's official founding as a city and are maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation of Foshan, Guangdong Province^[5].

The expansion of the Shahe Farmland occurred incrementally, with the addition of Baishizhou in 1960-1961 and Tangtou in 1962. The latter was formed as a result of the relocation of local residents due to the construction of the Shiyan Lake Reservoir in Bao'an. However, there was a lot of administrative instability throughout this time, with several changes in farmland administration. Initially under the control of the Guangzhou Military Upper Command in 1961, it later transitioned to the special administrative area of Huiyang in 1965, before ultimately falling under the jurisdiction of the Cantonese Farm Service Agency as part of the Guangming Overseas Chinese Farmland in the subsequent year^[6].

The Chinese Economic Reform, initiated on December 18, 1978, marked a significant shift in China's economic strategy. Under the leadership of Chairman Deng Xiaoping, the reform agenda aimed at unleashing economic potential through measures such as permitting entrepreneurship, de-collectivizing agriculture, and opening up to foreign investment. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) like Shenzhen, established as experimental areas with relaxed regulations, played a pivotal role. The Shekou Industrial Zone in Shenzhen became the first experimental port to "open up" on January 31, 1979, symbolizing China's commitment to economic liberalization and global engagement^[7].

During the economic reform period, a significant transformation occurred in the ownership structure of various firms and development groups, including the Guangming Overseas Chinese Farmland. In the first quarter of 1980, control of the farmland shifted to the Guangdong Shahe Overseas Chinese Enterprise (广东省沙河华侨企业公司). Subsequently, on December 3, 1981, the Guangdong Shahe Overseas Chinese Farmland was established by the Shahe Enterprise, leveraging the resources and infrastructure of the Guangming Farmland.

A pivotal moment occurred on November 11, 1985, when the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone government designated 4.8 square kilometers of the farmland as a designated development district for foreign businesses and firms. This area was officially named Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) and quickly emerged as an integral component of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the broader Chinese Economic Reform agenda. Situated adjacent to the Shekou Port, OCT became a hub for collaboration between local businesses and foreign companies, attracting significant foreign investments. The region's industrial and agricultural sectors were served by the construction of factories and warehouses, which further enhanced its economic significance^[8].

Over the years, companies operating within OCT made substantial contributions to foreign exchanges and cooperation, facilitated the introduction of overseas Chinese funds, and attracted outstanding professional talents. Moreover, they played a pivotal role in facilitating the learning and adaptation of foreign advanced technology and management practices. Prominent corporations like Konka and ZTE gained substantial advantages from the establishment of Overseas Chinese Town, utilizing its assets to create cutting-edge technologies that have enjoyed enduring success from their inception to the present day. In essence, the establishment of OCT acted as a spur for the growth of Special Economic Zones and increased the pace of China's wider economic changes^[9].

Development

The transformative impact of Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) on China's economic landscape is undeniable. Between 1979 and 1982, as China embarked on its journey of economic reform, the influx of foreign investments soared to 268 billion yuan. Remarkably, during this same period, investments from overseas Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau citizens accounted for a staggering 179 billion dollars, representing a significant 65 percent of the total investments. This influx of capital underscored the pivotal role played by OCT in attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth^[10].

From 1985 to 1995, OCT underwent a remarkable transition, evolving into a thriving economic development zone characterized by its panoramic environment and multifaceted development across industries such as tourism, real estate, and commerce. Its burgeoning influence extended beyond national borders, garnering recognition and interest from international markets.

By 1995, the Gross Industrial Output Value of OCT had surged to 33.76 billion yuan, marking an exponential increase of 18.6 times compared to its 1985 value. Similarly, gross income soared to 54.7 billion yuan, a staggering 46.6-fold rise over the same period. The net income witnessed an astonishing surge, skyrocketing by 122 times to reach 5.96 billion yuan. Such robust growth not only propelled OCT into the forefront of economic development but also served as a catalyst for the advancement of technological firms within its purview^[11].

The dynamic growth trajectory of OCT is evidenced by its higher landscape ratio and extensive plant reservation, surpassing not only industrial areas but also rivaling many urban centers. This remarkable evolution underscores OCT's pivotal role as a driving force behind China's economic expansion, exemplifying the transformative potential of strategic economic development zones in catalyzing national growth and prosperity.

Education

Schools for local students:

OCT Elementary School (华侨城小学)^[12]
OCT High School (深圳市华侨城中学) OCT Branch(侨城部)^[13]

In addition, the Shenzhen Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry organizes a Korean Saturday school because many Korean students are not studying in Korean-medium schools; the school had about 600 students in 2007. The chamber uses rented space in the OCT Primary School as the Korean weekend school's classroom.^[14]

OCT Loft

As the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone undergoes rapid development, there has been a strategic shift away from heavy industries, livestock farming, and traditional agricultural practices. Instead, emphasis has been placed on nurturing advanced technology and software companies, positioning the region as the Silicon Valley of China. This transition has led to the gradual relocation of industrial warehouses, livestock facilities, and agricultural plants from areas like Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) to the rural outskirts of the city or other regions within the Pearl River Delta. Consequently, the industrial landscape within OCT, particularly the eastern industrial area, has witnessed a decline in occupancy, rendering many factory plants and warehouses vacant and underutilized.

Recognizing the need for revitalization, OCT embarked on a transformative initiative in 2004 to breathe new life into the industrial enclave. Thus, OCT LOFT (华侨城创意文化园), which directly translates to OCT Creative Cultural Park, was born. Spanning approximately 150,000 square meters, OCT LOFT was envisioned as an expansive open cultural and creative industrial park, serving as a center for creativity, design, and art. The regeneration project aimed to repurpose the industrial infrastructure while preserving its architectural heritage and historical significance. Leveraging the distinctive characteristics of the factory buildings and adhering to government policy guidelines, OCT LOFT was meticulously crafted to retain the industrial charm of its past while fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative economy^[15].

The regeneration of OCT LOFT reached its culmination by the end of 2011, marked by the establishment of a dual system comprising South Park and North Park, fulfilling the needs of a diverse array of artistic expressions and requirements. A significant milestone in OCT's cultural journey was the inauguration of the first Shenzhen Biennale of City and Architecture on December 10, 2005, coinciding with the initial transformation of a portion of South Park. This landmark event heralded China's inaugural large-scale biennale dedicated to the themes of city and architecture. Under the banner of "City, Open the Door - Strategies for Urban Life," the biennale advocated for the revitalization and utilization of traditional urban human-scale spaces such as streets and courtyards. Special attention was devoted to the unique phenomenon of urban villages in Shenzhen, with a focus on observation and analysis^[16].

As OCT LOFT evolved, it emerged as a dynamic hub providing post-industrial creative workspaces tailored to the needs of designers, artists, and cultural practitioners active within the Pearl River Delta. Anchored by signature events like the T Street Creative Market, OCT-LOFT International Jazz Festival, Tomorrow Music Festival, OCT-LOFT public art exhibition, and "One Person, One World" lectures, the park fostered a vibrant ecosystem conducive to creativity and exchange.

Presently, OCT LOFT boasts a thriving community comprising nearly 300 high-quality design and creative companies, alongside art and cultural institutions. This clustering effect has engendered a synergistic dynamic, bolstering the region's creative competitiveness and cultural cohesion. Through its multifaceted initiatives and innovative programming, OCT LOFT continues to foster creative exploration, collaboration, and cultural enrichment, exemplifying its role as a catalyst for regional development and global engagement in the cultural and creative industries^[17].

Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) aspired to accomplish the dual objectives of protecting architectural integrity and promoting economic growth by creatively transforming the industrial area into a dynamic hub for creative industries. Repurposing existing structures in an adapted manner not only pays homage to the site's industrial heritage but also cultivates an atmosphere that is favorable for artistic expression and creativity. Through this visionary initiative, OCT has demonstrated its commitment to environmentally conscious urban growth and cultural enhancement, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the development of contemporary urban spaces.