60 Then-and-Now Photos That Show Us How Different Places Have Changed Over the Years

In 1979, the city of Shenzhen, China, had no name – a far cry from the current metropolis it has become. Back in the day, the city of Shenzhen in China was simply a small little town in the mountains, as the first photo shows. Rapid economic development is to thank for their immense transformation.

Shenzhen, China, is ranked number 9 for having one of the most competitive financial centers on the planet, with large shopping and entertainment centers. Fun fact: Shenzhen is also home to billionaires, ranked number 5 in that department.