It is located within the Futian Central Business District and was constructed at a cost of CNY 2.172 billion.
The curved-wing design of the Civic Center is based on a traditional Southern Chinese roof form and reflects Shenzhen's description as the "Eagle City".
The long roof truss was built in 1998, but wasn't clad until 2004 due to a lack of funding and difficulty developing the metalwork.
The roof was also intended to use solar panels as an energy source but that was removed for cost and maintenance issues.
The building was also designed to cast a large shade area to protect visitors and workers from inclement weather and the higher heat of summer.