Sailors compete in waters off Dapeng Bay during the 14th China Cup International Regatta.

1. Shenzhen’s Prime Marine Resources

Dapeng New District possesses the best marine resources in Shenzhen. The district’s planned sea area spans 1,380 square kilometers (approximately two-thirds of Shenzhen's total), and its coastline stretches 125 kilometers (about half of the city’s total). The quality of nearshore waters across the district consistently meets China’s highest national standard (Class I). It is Shenzhen’s most naturally endowed area in terms of marine resources, environmental quality, and ecological advantages, serving as a key platform for building a ‘Global Marine Center’. Dapeng is home to 48 out of Shenzhen’s 50 beaches, with a total beach coastline of 26 kilometers. Dongchong and Xichong beaches were selected among ‘China’s Eight Most Beautiful Coasts’, while Dapeng Bay was recognized as one of the ‘Top Three National Beautiful Bays’ exemplary cases.

China Central Television’s News Weekly has featured Dapeng’s innovative marine initiatives, including ecological protection, the removal of offshore fish farms, marine litter cleanup, and standardized sea area management. The district’s ecological civilization achievements are remarkable, earning eight national honors including ‘National Ecological Civilization Pilot Area’ and ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ innovation base.

2. Strong Support from Innovation Platforms

The district hosts several innovation platforms such as the Marine Biotechnology Industrial Park, Dapeng Coastal Marine Biotechnology Innovation Demonstration Base, and the Guangdong Aquatic Animal Health Assessment Engineering Technology Research Center. Among them, the Shenzhen International Bio-Valley Dapeng Marine Biotechnology Industrial Park was established in October 2009. It was among the first national bio-industry bases approved by the National Development and Reform Commission, and it also serves as a ‘Returnee Entrepreneur Park’ and a ‘Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base.’

The park covers a planned area of 205,000 square meters, with a total floor area of 433,000 square meters. It aims to establish a marine industry system centered on marine biotechnology, supplemented by marine intelligent equipment, marine science services, and marine ecological protection. The park is also equipped with over 20,000 square meters of coastal R&D pilot testing facilities and a high-end instrumentation public service platform, offering high-quality and cost-efficient industrial space for enterprises in the marine sector.

3. Strong Research Capabilities

As of February 2025, the park hosted 40 projects, introduced 3 academician-led teams, and attracted 1 national-level leading talent. It has established 3 academician workstations and 5 provincial-level or above bioengineering R\&D centers. There is more than a dozen various research institutes, key laboratories, and industry-university-research demonstration bases. The total number of intellectual property items exceeds 180. The effect of industrial clustering is becoming evident, providing strong industrial and technological support for Shenzhen’s efforts to build a Global Marine Center City and for Dapeng New District to accelerate its development into a world-class coastal ecological tourism resort and a core zone for marine industry development.

4. High-Quality Development of the Marine Industry Landscape

Focusing on the marine technology chain of ‘basic research+key technological breakthroughs+industrialization of achievements,’ the construction of key projects like Shenzhen Ocean University, Deep Sea Scientific Exploration Center, and Marine Museum is progressing rapidly. A world-class, integrated, multifunctional marine innovation consortium is gradually taking shape.

The district is also promoting the establishment of platforms such as a Marine Comprehensive Testing Site and a Polar Ocean Support Base in Dapeng. Centered in the Baguang area, it aims to build the Southern Marine Science City. It is also planning and developing key projects such as the Shenzhen Underwater Robotics Industrial Park, International Submarine Cable Landing Station, and Global Marine Big Data (Intelligent Computing) Center. These initiatives will expand new models and business forms such as ‘Marine+’ and foster new productive forces in the marine economy.

Dapeng remains committed to coordinated land-sea development, deepening domestic and international cooperation in marine science and technology, and cultivating key sectors such as marine technology, marine biotechnology, marine pharmaceuticals, and marine energy.