City celebrates 30 years as China's inaugural special economic zone

SHENZHEN, Guangdong - President Hu Jintao hailed the southern economic powerhouse of Shenzhen as a "miracle" on Monday as China marked 30 years of reforms of the city that provided the blueprint for the country's economic rebirth.

"The Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) created a miracle in the world's history of industrialization, urbanization and modernization, and has contributed significantly to China's opening up and reform," Hu said during a visit to the southern city, which borders Hong Kong.