Shenzhen Bay Culture Square, the city’s newest cultural landmark, began its soft opening on Nov. 1, welcoming eager visitors who signed up as the first batch of the square’s Experience Officers.

Performers from French circus company Gratte Ciel dance atop 6-meter poles in the outdoor plaza of Shenzhen Bay Culture Square on Nov. 1. Photos by Liu Xudong

Located in the Houhai area of Nanshan District, the cultural complex spans a total built area of 188,000 square meters. It was designed by Beijing-based MAD Architects, led by architect Ma Yansong, and is operated by CR Land under China Resources Group.

The "Design Eternal: Modern and Contemporary Design of the World" exhibition showcases more than 300 masterpieces by renowned designers.

The opening ceremony drew city officials, executives from China Resources Group, representatives from international museums, and guests from the design, culture, architecture, and art industries.

During the ceremony, Shenzhen Bay Culture Square officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with London’s Tate Modern, outlining plans for co-organizing exhibitions, academic research, and the exchange of international resources.

The "Dynamic Heritage, Chinese Design Narratives" exhibition traces the evolution of Chinese characters through design.

In a move to blend Chinese tradition with contemporary aesthetics, the square also inked strategic agreements with two renowned domestic institutions: Rong Bao Zhai, a centuries-old print studio in Beijing, and the Xiling Seal Art Society, a Hangzhou-based arts organization.

These partnerships aim to promote the integration of traditional Chinese crafts and contemporary design internationally. The square also launched the Future Design Academy, an educational platform intended to promote innovative design ideas through public courses, workshops, and seminars.

Visitors admire the futuristic structure of Shenzhen Bay Culture Square.

The square's exterior architecture immediately impressed visitors. John Leal, a Brazilian who runs a foreign trade company in Foshan, stopped by with his family while visiting friends in Shenzhen.

Although Leal couldn't enter because he hadn't registered in advance, he was still struck by the exterior. "Shenzhen Bay Culture Square is amazing. It's so futuristic — as if from outer space," Leal told Shenzhen Daily. "I like the blend of nature with the modern vibes."

Visitors capture moments at the "Design100: Design·People·Life" exhibition curated by designer Han Jiaying.

Following the ceremony, the opening day featured a series of events, including the "Shenzhen Bay Design Dialogue" seminar series, the "Horizon-Colors of Design" performance by the French circus company Gratte Ciel, a ballet show by Hong Kong Ballet, and live music.

The "Experience Officer Project" runs through Nov. 22. During this period, no tickets will be sold. Visitors can sign up via the square's official WeChat account; admissions will be granted by online lottery.