The Shenzhen-Hong Kong modern service industry cooperation zone in Qianhai, Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo: VCG)

China is aiming to build its southern metropolis of Shenzhen into a "global model city with distinguished competitiveness, innovation capability and influence" by mid-century, according to a guideline supporting Shenzhen. The document supports the city in the construction of a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics. 
The guideline, released by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on Sunday, says that by 2025 Shenzhen should become a "modern international city of innovation" with its economic power and quality of development at the forefront of cities worldwide. By 2035, it should become a "hub for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship" as well as a sample for China to build a "great modern socialist country" at the city-level. 
The coastal city in south China's Guangdong Province should play a leading role in high-quality development and position itself as a demonstration city of the rule of law, the guideline stressed, calling for the creation of a "stable, fair, transparent and predictable" business environment in Shenzhen. 
It added that Shenzhen should become a model for a civilized society and decent livelihoods for its residents and a pioneer in pursuing sustainable development.