As the 100-day countdown begins for the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for Nov. 18-19 in Shenzhen, the city is extending a global welcome, with its international community taking the lead.

On the morning of August 10, about 300 guests gathered at the Civic Center in Shenzhen's Futian District for the “APEC China 2026 — Gather in Shenzhen, Witness the Wonders” 100-day countdown event. Among them were government representatives, business leaders, volunteers and a group of international communication ambassadors who took the stage to share why the world should pay attention.

For Shenzhen, hosting the APEC meeting marks a milestone in the city’s evolution from a manufacturing hub to a global technology and innovation hub. It is the third Chinese city to host the meeting, following Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014.

Representatives from different fields, international residents and volunteers attend a 100-day countdown event for APEC China 2026 in Shenzhen on August 10. File photo

‘The whole world will know Shenzhen’

For the expats who call Shenzhen home, the countdown is personal.

Shin Moon-sub, a South Korean student at Shenzhen University, drew a parallel between his home country and his adopted city.

“South Korea had the ‘Miracle on the Han River.’ China has the ‘City of Miracles,’ Shenzhen,” he told Shenzhen Daily. “I think after this APEC meeting, the whole world will know Shenzhen. I’m so excited and really looking forward to it.”

Shin also premiered an original song titled “One World,” which he hopes will help spread stories of life in China through music.

Michael Eagleton, an Australian e-commerce entrepreneur, praised Shenzhen’s complete industrial chain and business-friendly environment for cross-border ventures.

(From L) Michael Eagleton, Shin Moon-sub, Lizbeth Charaja Sueldo and Marina Vilchinskaia share their stories and excitement ahead of the city’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering during the countdown event. Courtesy of event organizer

Lizbeth Charaja Sueldo, a Peruvian trade professional, highlighted the city’s quality of life. “Take this great opportunity to come to Shenzhen,” she said. “It’s not just a big, vibrant city — it’s a place where you can truly experience APEC.”

Jim Filbird, an American, was equally enthusiastic in his praise. “If you want to see the most amazing city in the world, come to Shenzhen,” he said. “Friendly, safe, happy. Beautiful weather, beautiful people.”

Marina Vilchinskaia, a Russian social media influencer, summed up the mood: “I’m so excited. Only 100 days to go, and I think all authorities in Shenzhen are ready.”

Participants hold signs welcoming APEC during a 100-day countdown event in Shenzhen. File photo

A window into China‘s growth story

For Eagleton, Shenzhen’s significance goes beyond the event itself.

“Over the next 100 days, we’ll see so many people coming to Shenzhen — some who’ve never been to China, others who’ve been but never seen this city,” he said. “And Shenzhen is such a big part of China’s growth story.”

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting brings together leaders from 21 member economies across the Pacific Rim. This year’s gathering, hosted by China, sets openness, innovation and cooperation as the three priorities for the APEC “China Year,” with “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together” as its theme.