Shenzhen, the special economic zone (SEZ) in south China's Guangdong Province, has a new title: pioneering demonstration zone. The title signals a change in the city's historical mission, portending a new era of China's reform and opening up.

In the early years of reform and opening up, Shenzhen's work was to transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Today, it is exploring a new pattern of opening up.

Over the past four decades, China has designated SEZs with special and favorable policies to attract capital, promoting local economic growth. The SEZs were set up in places where the planned economy was the weakest and the market economy was practiced ahead of other parts of the country. Today, Shenzhen boasts a well-developed market economy and will now construct a demonstration zone of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The demonstration zone signifies a change in the concept of governance, discarding the emphasis on GDP and economic growth. People's feeling of happiness, security and achievements are to be important measurements of successful governance.

High-quality development depends on industrial restructuring and upgrading and innovation. Only by doing well in these aspects can Shenzhen help to strengthen China's international competitiveness and redefine China's role in the international labor division.

However, public health and hygiene, education and public welfare should also be covered by the concept of high-quality development. All these issues are waiting to be solved through a trial in the demonstration zone.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Oriental Outlook on October 3)