In Celebration of APEC, Shenzhen Issues a Call to Action!
On the afternoon of March 20, the “Be a Good Host, Welcome APEC” — Shenzhen Civilization in Action thematic event kicked off at Shenzhen Bay Cultural Square.
At the event, Cai Huijuan, host of Futian’s “Happiness Lounge”; Wang Bei, president of the Tencent Volunteers Association; weather anchor Zhou Yu; and “Tape Measure Guy” from Shenzhen—took the stage to jointly read aloud the “Be Good Hosts, Welcome APEC—A Civilized Initiative to All Shenzhen Citizens,” calling on all Shenzhen residents to fulfill their responsibilities as hosts through small, everyday actions and to showcase the city’s civilized spirit through sincerity and friendliness. The full text of the initiative is as follows.
Be a Good Host and Welcome APEC with Open Arms—A Call for Civilized Behavior to All Shenzhen Residents
Dear Residents:
In 2026—the “Year of the Qiji”—here in Shenzhen, the “City of Miracles,” the APEC summit will be held with great fanfare, joyfully welcoming guests from all corners of the globe and warmly embracing friends from every part of the world. Shenzhen will serve as the “international reception hall” for the “APEC China Year.” As hosts, we are committed to integrating civility into our daily, ordinary, and routine lives, ensuring that through every civilized gesture and word, this “Shenzhen Gathering”—to which all parties have come together—becomes a “journey of civility” that bears witness to beauty.
Together, let’s let civility shine through our faces.A warm smile embodies the city’s welcoming spirit—that “once you arrive, you’re a Shenzhen resident”; a touch of sincere kindness builds bridges of communication and friendship; a composed demeanor and a confident expression showcase the grace of a great nation and serve as ambassadors for our beautiful homeland. Every gesture and smile reflects refinement; every aspect of their appearance and demeanor is dignified, presenting to the world a Chinese image that is courteous, restrained, and measured.
Together, let’s make sure civility leaves a lasting impression.A warm greeting—such as “Hello” or “How are you”—brings us closer to the world; a humble and courteous expression demonstrates an open and inclusive spirit, embracing diverse civilizations and cultures. Speak thoughtfully and with restraint; be polite and refined—avoid using harsh language, interrupting others, or speaking loudly. Join “Meet at APEC · Shenzhen CITY TALK” to discuss the “civilized STYLE” in our daily lives—from clothing to food, housing, and transportation—and tell China’s stories well to the world, spreading tales of civility.
Together, let’s make civilization bloom beneath our feet.Every step taken in accordance with rules and regulations is a commitment to upholding and promoting safety and order; every moment of conscious courtesy is an expression of respect for and protection of precious life. Do not run red lights or jaywalk; do not block traffic lanes or park haphazardly. Gently give way to the lush green grass, allowing it to bask in the sunlight and thrive; leave the park’s running tracks for those who run freely, letting them carry a path of civility and fragrance.
Together, let’s make civilization blossom in our hands.Take a moment to sort your trash, leash your pets, and park shared bikes and electric scooters neatly and upright; lend a helping hand to alleviate poverty, support the needy, assist the vulnerable and disabled, and help children with their education. We are committed to safeguarding public health and hygiene with clean hands; beautifying our cityscape with hard-working hands; and, through firm handshakes, enthusiastic applause, and sincere collaboration, continuously conveying the power of openness, innovation, and cooperation to the world.
Dear fellow citizens, the brilliance of APEC stems not only from the spotlight of the international stage, but also from the love every Shenzhen resident has for this city! Let us join together to “be excellent hosts and warmly welcome APEC,” contribute a civilized solution to the building of the Asia-Pacific community, and enhance this grand Asia-Pacific event with our concrete actions!
Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China
Shenzhen Municipal Office of Spiritual Civilization
March 20, 2026
Source: Shenzhen Civilization Office, Shenzhen Release, Shenzhen Press Group
The Whole City Is on the Same Wavelength! APEC Fever Continues to Build in Shenzhen
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
The 33rd Informal Leaders' Meeting
It will be held on November 18–19
Recently
Vehicles on Select Bus Routes Operated by Shenzhen Bus Group
Get a brand-new themed paint job
A Flowing Urban Skyline
Create a vibrant atmosphere in anticipation of the grand event
Bus Routes Affected by This Service Change
Covering transportation hubs such as Shenzhen Station and Shenzhen East Station
It also connects the Civic Center and the Convention and Exhibition Center
Key landmarks and commercial districts such as Huaqiangbei
Regarding text logos
The slogans on the sides of the buses vary by route
The slogans for Routes 21 and M182 are
“Let’s Meet in Shenzhen and Build a Better Asia-Pacific Together”
Route 236, M390
The slogans for the M398 and M500 are
“Meet in Shenzhen, Witness the Miracle”
The slogans for Routes 85 and M555 are
“APEC in China: Shenzhen in the Spotlight”
The slogans for Routes 12 and 60 are
“Be a Good Host and Welcome APEC”
This themed livery incorporates elements from the APEC meeting
Integrated with Shenzhen’s city image
To enable residents and visitors to, in their daily travels,
Experience the Festive Atmosphere
It also turns the side of the bus into
Showcasing Shenzhen's City Image
A Mobile Medium for Conveying Passion
Not just buses
The entire length of Shennan Avenue, Binhe Avenue, Binhai Avenue, and others
On several major thoroughfares throughout the city
Dressed in their finest welcoming attire
Bilingual banners flutter in the breeze
Becoming eye-catching urban landmarks
Beyond the Dynamic Landscape
The quiet, still urban spaces are also
Exuding the city’s warm hospitality
Electronic displays at various buildings are showing promotional messages
Everywhere you turn, you see APEC elements
Shenzhen Airport, Shenzhen Bay Port, etc.
Key locations will carry out the main activities simultaneously
Featured Broadcasts
From the City’s “Living Room” to a Transportation Hub
From a Financial Hub to a Technology Hub
Shenzhen has used the language of light to bring the entire city into harmony
Preparations for the APEC meeting are currently in full swing.
Currently, all aspects of the preparations—including venue setup, planning of supporting events, and comprehensive service support—are proceeding efficiently.
In addition to striving for excellence in providing conference support services, Shenzhen is also simultaneously carrying outInitiatives to Enhance the City’s Internationalization, Improve Environmental Quality, and Promote Civilization,To provide all guests with a professional and well-organized conference environment and a warm and welcoming experience of the city.
In terms of international services,Comprehensively improve the quality of foreign-related services in areas such as food, housing, transportation, tourism, shopping, and entertainment for foreign nationals in Shenzhen. Establish one-stop service centers for foreign nationals at ports of entry such as Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Shenzhen Bay, offering comprehensive services including payments, transportation, and cultural tourism, to enhance the service experience at these “first points of entry.”
In terms of cultural development,Full-time inspectors and volunteers have been organized to jointly monitor and correct the use of foreign languages. Since the beginning of this year, the city has corrected more than 100,000 instances of foreign-language signage.
In terms of convenient payments and the urban experience,Shenzhen has focused on improving multilingual wayfinding signage and payment facilities, enhancing the city’s appearance and the infrastructure at border crossings, and organizing a series of events to showcase the city’s culture and enhance its atmosphere.
In terms of volunteer work,Shenzhen is conveying the city’s warmth and goodwill through professional and international volunteer services. To date, all 148 urban volunteer service stations across Shenzhen have completed upgrades to their international-standard software and hardware; 11 district-level international volunteer teams have been established; and all key hub stations now offer multilingual services.
Shenzhen also organized a series of down-to-earth events to ensure that every resident of Shenzhen could become a “participant” in this grand celebration.
Landmark buildings in Futian, Nanshan, and other areas were illuminated with dazzling lights; the streets and alleys of Guangming and Luohu were meticulously decorated; Longhua launched the “Welcoming APEC: Painting a New Longhua” creative mural project; and Longgang introduced the “Civilization Is Fun · Chill in Longgang” civilized practice co-creation campaign.
The grand event is about to begin, and the whole city is buzzing with excitement.
There are two months left until the opening of APEC
Shenzhen, the "City of Miracles"
We have fully entered “APEC time”
Shenzhen is embracing an open approach
The Confidence to Innovate, the Sincerity to Collaborate
Capturing the World's Attention
We look forward to joining friends from around the world at this grand event and discussing the future together.
Let Us Write a New Chapter of Openness and Mutual Benefit Together
Source: Shenzhen TV News, reporters Du Wei and Yan Kezhong; Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, reporter Wen Kun
