Shenzhen: The Silicon Valley of Hardware (Full Documentary) | Future Cities | WIRED

Future Cities, a full-length documentary strand from WIRED Video, takes us inside the bustling Chinese city of Shenzhen.

We examine the unique manufacturing ecosystem that has emerged, gaining access to the world’s leading hardware-prototyping culture whilst challenging misconceptions from the west. The film looks at how the evolution of “Shanzhai” – or copycat manufacturing – has transformed traditional models of business, distribution and innovation, and asks what the rest of the world can learn from this so-called “Silicon Valley of hardware".

ABOUT FUTURE CITIES
Future Cities is part of a new flagship documentary strand from WIRED Video that explores the technologies, trends and ideas that are changing our world. Subscribe to the WIRED YouTube channel to ensure you never miss an episode.

HOLY LAND: STARTUP NATIONS (SERIES 2)
Premiering in February, the second season of WIRED’s Future Cities series takes us inside one of the world’s biggest startup nations. With the most tech startups and venture capital per capita in the world, Israel has long been hailed as The Startup Nation. WIRED’s four-part series will look beyond Tel Aviv’s vibrant, liberal tech epicentre to the wider Holy Land region – the Palestinian territories, where a parallel Startup Nation story is emerging in East Jerusalem, Ramallah and the West Bank, as well as in the Israeli cybersecurity hub of Beersheba. And we will learn how the fertile innovation ecosystem of Silicon Wadi has evolved as a result of its unique political, geographical and cultural situation and explore the future challenges – and solutions – these nations are facing.

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[angeleum]

In 2002 - 2003, I was a tech rep for my US company in China (and Singapore). Our Chinese manufacturing partner was in Hangzhou, but our Chinese offices were in Shenzhen and Hong Kong where most of our Chinese sales were, so I had a chance to see the start of the development and innovation process this film so ably explains. What I saw back then blew me away, but when I got back Stateside no one would credit what I saw developing. The misunderstanding and complacency among my friends and business acquaintances was striking. Today we see the consequence of that sort of thinking. This film ought to be required viewing in our schools and communities. Thanks!

[candymanilkley]

They found a really good guy to have as the main interviewee - what a resource, he puts together the big picture so well.

[MarkHyde]

Microsoft: "Open source software will destroy the software industry"

Microsoft in 2016: "Microsoft joins The Linux Foundation after years of open sourcing development tool technologies."

[xyliu]

Holy cow! Half way through I realized it was filmed almost 5 yr ago. Would love to watch a follow up video by Wired.

[MohammadFaisal-rvku]

it is amazing where utube autoplay brings me when i fall asleep!!!

[AbrahamUwana]

Can we have a sequel to this documentary. Let's revisit Shenzhen in 2019 and see how far along the city, its people and hardware development has come.

[df_bby]

This was incredible to watch, really changed how I see China and it’s manufacturing capabilities. Thank you so much!

[PurpleNurpple]

They should hire you guys to direct new DC movies cuz you guys have made this documentary so beautifully engrossing.

[easyluckable]

It's always a funny thing that as a Chinese, I learned quite a lot about China from these kinds of documentary produced by foreigners.

[diskodasa]

More documentaries like theese, please!

[cremeV]

The rate at which they realize a concept/product is unmatched. Very informative video.

[UltimateArts]

I have really enjoyed this series. Please do more on China!

[qianli]

One amazing thing is that most of these "hardware engineers" in Huaqiangbei don't even have a college degree. They are from lower-class families. Yet Huaqiangbei provide them with the best opportunities, and they make great contributions to the China society and to the world.

[pateypmusic]

I watched this for school and I gotta say this is very well done. The cinematography, editing, and info is incredible. One of the better docs I've seen recently and definitely made me put Shenzhen on my list of places to experience.

[davidluria]

Probably the best video on YouTube in terms of setting context and telling a story. Thank you.

[ashiha]

This concept is both terrifying as an engineer and one of the best things to happen for humanity. As an engineer, I would be terrified to live there. To think that I would need to stay one step ahead of everyone else for the rest of my life in order to make any money is a scary concept. Sure, it promotes constant improvement of technologies which is great for the common good, but the concept of having to be the best to stay afloat is a very stressful one. Here in the US, it takes one real great invention or advancement to guarantee someones' financial future. In Shenzhen, you would need to do that every day. It's like having to find gold every time you swing a pickaxe.

[GachiTscho]

45:16 the most thuggish tech boss I've ever seen

[sadlfjasdfacv]

I wish wired made more documentaries like this. Its fantastic.

[abipray]

Really appreciate all the efforts that must have been gone behind such a deep insight into a city.

[ynnad]

This video gave me a much wider perspective on the stereotypical "China-fake" products and made me realize how innovative the citizens of China truly are. Fantastic documentary.