The Shekou Industrial Zone in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has created 24 "China firsts", becoming a frontrunner of the country's reform and opening-up.

Through the zone's development, Shekou took the first step in China in 24 fields, including applying a democratic system in its management, implementing open recruitment for talents, the commercialization of residential houses, and establishing a social security system for locals.

In August 1979, the district took the lead in implementing merit-pay plans in China, blazing a trail for the country to apply the plans to improve production.

On April 24, 1983, Shekou established its first administrative committee and selected the leaders from public polls. Any candidates with greater than half negative votes were deemed unqualified for posts.

Under public observation and supervision, Shekou has not encountered any corruption or bribery incidents in more than a decade.

In Shekou, media outlets are encouraged to take social responsibility and supervise government functions and work styles. Some leaders were even openly criticized by the media.

Shekou is the earliest open and reformed development zone among all Chinese economic special zones. During its development, Shekou has been questioned due to the fact its market economic development road differs from the then planned economic mechanism. However, history proves that the development road that Shekou stuck to enabled a breakthrough for reform and opening-up.

Shekou Area of Shenzhen