International residents gather around a three-dimensional ground mural at Central One Square near Shenzhen North Railway Station. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Longhua International Cooperation Center

A three-dimensional ground mural depicting a futuristic digital city began to take shape on Sept. 17 as about 10 international residents from the United States, South Africa, Romania and other countries picked up paintbrushes in an outdoor space on the second floor of Central One Square near Shenzhen North Railway Station.

Titled “Insight into the Future: Smart Longhua,” the approximately 50-square-meter mural depicts cracked pavement opening onto a neon-lit futuristic world. At its center, the “Smart Longhua”logo is incorporated into a futuristic blue aircraft soaring above a digital city.

The artwork reflects Longhua District’s efforts to improve public spaces while highlighting its smart-city development. By inviting international residents to take part, the project also brings an international dimension to the district’s urban renewal efforts.

Sava Tomoiaga of Romania (C) paints a three-dimensional ground mural with other international participants at Central One Square in Longhua District.

Sava Tomoiaga from Romania said: “The bright colors we used in this painting convey a sense of optimism and positivity, which can make everyone who sees it feel happy. I believe this is an important connection between people and color.”

Sasa Rakovic from Serbia works as a teacher in Longhua and has lived in the district with his family for many years. He said Longhua feels like his second hometown.

“I’m happy to be part of this event, and I think it is a good way to make the community more beautiful. If there are more similar events, I would definitely sign up again,” he said.

A man takes a break in front of a wall mural painted at Jianshang Sports Complex in Longhua. 

The mural is part of Longhua’s campaign ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for Nov. 18-19 in Shenzhen. The campaign includes 24 mural sites covering more than 3,000 square meters. The sites are concentrated around key gateways near Shenzhen North Railway Station and along major routes, including Longhua Boulevard and Meiguan Road.

The project is designed to improve the city’s appearance while highlighting Longhua’s international character and industrial identity. Since the campaign began in mid-August, people from a range of backgrounds have participated in the mural-painting activities.

At the Jianshang Sports Complex, art teachers provided on-site instruction as young participants painted the mural, while volunteers assisted with logistics. Together, they transformed a plain gray wall into a vivid three-dimensional summer scene. Water appears to cascade from the wall, while a swimming dog seems ready to leap through it, turning the mural into a popular photo spot.

Food delivery riders participate in mural painting at Yousong Gas Station in Longhua.

At the Yousong Gas Station, food-delivery rider Liang Liang painted himself and his colleagues navigating neighborhood streets.

“I used to think mural painting was something only artists did,” Liang said. “I never imagined that one day I would be able to pick up a brush and paint delivery riders like us on a wall.”

By bringing together international residents, young people, artists, workers and volunteers, Longhua is using small-scale improvements to public spaces to support broader urban development and community engagement.

The district will continue work on the remaining mural sites on schedule, aiming to create a more welcoming and internationally minded urban environment as Shenzhen prepares to host the APEC meeting.