Over the past weekend, Fanshen Road in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, became a hotspot for social media enthusiasts. Young people gathered at Fanshen Metro Station, taking selfies with murals featuring koi fish—a symbol of luck and transformation—while creative street signs bearing phrases like "Good luck can't be stopped!" attracted long lines of visitors.
At night, the street came alive with vibrant market stalls and food vendors. Online, hashtags such as #IAmInFanshen (#我在翻身) and #FanshenRoad (#翻身路) garnered nearly a million views, with posts enthusiastically declaring, "A trip to Shenzhen isn't complete without visiting Fanshen Road," and "Every step here feels like stepping on good fortune!"
With the launch of the "I Am In Fanshen" urban IP initiative, what was once simply a street name has now evolved into a cultural symbol. Through a mix of immersive experiences, storytelling, and creative merchandise, Fanshen Road has quickly become one of Shenzhen's most talked-about landmarks.
Located in the heart of Bao'an's Xin'an sub-district, the road gained popularity on social media largely due to the auspicious meaning behind the name "Fanshen," which translates to "turn over" or "transform one's life." It has attracted both residents and tourists, who come to take photos, make wishes, and share in the positive energy.
The "I Am In Fanshen" project aims to revitalize the area—rich in both history and youthful vibrancy—by reshaping its narrative and reinforcing the idea of "transformation," ultimately turning it into a new cultural tourism destination while fostering local identity and sustainable growth.
The transformation of Fanshen Road is also part of Bao'an's larger urban renewal efforts in preparation for the upcoming National Games and Paralympic Games. The district is actively upgrading its image, focusing on developing the Bay Area Business Avenue along Chuangye Road—an important urban axis connecting modern services and smart manufacturing. The Fanshen area has been included in this plan and is designated as a "Pioneer Cultural Consumption Experimental Zone."
Looking ahead, Xin'an Sub-district plans to merge Bao'an's traditional cultural elements with Fanshen's creative IP, turning the road into a food-centric cultural and creative hub. By 2035, the area is expected to feature approximately 70,000 square meters of commercial space, creating a dynamic blend of local heritage and trendy consumption.
Reporter: Cai Minling
Photo: Wang Yue
Editor: Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
