Its growth from a small fishing village to a thriving urban metropolis was heralded by the then Chinese leader Deng Xiao Ping when he launched the country's opening up policies in 1979, establishing it as the first Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Today Shenzhen is a city of more than 14 million people, world-leading technologies, more than 150 of the world's top 500 companies and a growing sports and cultural base.

Its growth was marked by the arrival of millions of people from across the country who came to seek their fortune as enterprises flourished under the government reforms and it is now the richest city in the country with its residents enjoying the highest disposable income in the country.

Naturally that wealth has generated a growing middle class now pursuing the aspirations of their colleagues in the west, enjoying their leisure time through culture, sports and relaxation.

As a regatta venue it is also ideally located close to Hong Kong and with a perfect autumn climate for sailing.

Situated on the coast of the South China Sea, Shenzhen covers an area of 2,020km2 with 230km of coastline. It is a natural port city, with Daya Bay in the east, where the regatta is held, and the Lingding Sea to the west.

It is less than an hour from downtown Hong Kong by train, 30 minutes by ferry from Hong Kong airport and in around two and three hours flying time of Shanghai and Beijing respectively.

Shenzhen lies between 113.46'E and 114.37'E longitude and between 22.27' N and 22.52'N latitude, to the south of the Tropic of Cancer in Guangdong province, giving it a subtropical oceanic climate with an annual average temperature of 22.4C (high: 36.6C, low: 1.4C) Annual average rainfall is:1,948mm (rainy season: May - September). Southeasterly winds prevail all year round.

By October temperatures have cooled from their summer peak making it an ideal month for sailing.

Its easy access from Hong Kong and other mainland cities also makes it an attractive city to visit, with fine shopping, dining attractions, and quality accommodation while its quality of life stands out. Further details can be found on the "Visiting us" page, click here

The Shenzhen Stock Exchange was established on 1 December 1990 and is one of two in mainland China (the other is in Shanghai). Analysts in Hong Kong say that Shenzhen, which is already taking market share from Hong Kong in handling China's exports, is well on its way to replacing Shanghai as the mainland's largest port.

As well as the annual China Cup International Regatta, Shenzhen has been chosen to host the world university games, the 26th Summer Universiade in 2011.

China Central Television's international channel has celebrated the 30th anniversary of Shenzhen's opening up with two discussion programmes about the city. To watch the programmes click here