On July 25, a delegation of Italian parliamentarians led by Vinicio Peluffo—a member of the Democratic Party and President of Italy’s Parliamentary Association "Friends of China"—visited Luohu District in Shenzhen. The visit featured an in-depth tour of Yucun Community in Nanhu Subdistrict, along with stops at the Shenzhen Jewelry Museum and the Shuibei Jewelry District.

Yucun Community: a model of grassroots governance

The delegation began their visit at Yucun, a community that has undergone a remarkable transformation from a humble riverside fishing village opposite Hong Kong into a modern urban neighborhood. Along the cultural corridor, 28 relief sculptures themed “Setting Sail” depict the village’s history and the enduring spirit of its people—marked by courage, hard work, and unity—etched into marble walls.

Inside the village’s history museum, old photographs, newspapers, and everyday artifacts vividly tell the story of Yucun’s evolution from waterborne homes to one of China's earliest 10,000-yuan households during the reform and opening-up era, and eventually to a thriving community. Outside, seniors strolled and children played in the public square as golden carp swam in a tranquil pond.

At the community’s Party-Masses Service Center, the delegation visited various functional spaces such as the residents’ parlor, decision-making room, village classroom, elder care areas, and wellness zones. On this bustling Friday afternoon, residents were reading, writing, exercising, and receiving medical care. The visiting parliamentarians also tried their hand at writing traditional Chinese characters for “fortune” with calligraphy brushes.

“I come from a city called Rho, and today I’m visiting Luohu—both names sound very similar, and I feel an unexpected sense of connection,” said Peluffo. “The dramatic transformation of Yucun has given us a powerful impression of China’s reform and opening-up. Shenzhen’s pioneering spirit is evident everywhere. The Yucun model offers valuable insights into urban development, and I look forward to encouraging more Italian officials to visit Luohu and learn from its experience.”

Shenzhen Jewelry Museum: cultural exchange through craftsmanship

The delegation continued their visit at the Shenzhen Jewelry Museum—the first public museum in China dedicated to jewelry—where they embarked on a journey through thousands of years of jewelry art and culture.

In an exhibition, the group was particularly drawn to Tiananmen, a masterwork of filigree inlay craftsmanship recognized at the national level. At the "Shenzhen's Jewelry Path" exhibit, a digital display traced the rise of Shenzhen’s jewelry industry—from a processing hub in the 1980s to today’s global jewelry powerhouse. The Italian-designed pieces on display further fostered a sense of familiarity and appreciation among the visiting lawmakers.

Shuibei Jewelry District: new opportunities for China-Italy collaboration

The delegation also visited Jinzan Jewelry Plaza in the bustling Shuibei Jewelry District, home to nearly 8,000 businesses across the entire jewelry supply chain. They explored various specialty exhibits and witnessed the industry’s rapid shift toward branding, digitization, fashion, and globalization.

“China’s jewelry and fashion sectors are brimming with innovation. The Jewelry Museum is playing an active role in promoting international cultural exchange, and the development potential is enormous,” Peluffo remarked. “I hope to facilitate further dialogue between businesses and institutions in both countries and encourage more Italian companies to explore opportunities in Shenzhen. There is great potential for practical cooperation between Italy and Luohu across many fields.”

The visit highlighted Luohu’s unique blend of cultural heritage, community innovation, and industrial vitality—leaving a strong impression on the Italian delegation and laying the groundwork for future cooperation between Shenzhen and Italy.