Shenzhen: Living Guide
China’s richest city and second most important center for finance behind Shanghai. You are coming to a highly developed area with top of the range bars, restaurants and clubs. You can also stroll through Shenzhen Square and appreciate some folk songs and dances. Out of the city-centre you can experience a very relaxed environment filled with history, through the ancient buildings as well as the beautiful scenery and welcoming locals.
The Basics
A primary city along the Pearl River within Guangdong province. It has a multitude of skyrise buildings due to its greatly expanding economy. The nearest cities are Kowloon, 28km away, Zhuhai, 58km away and Huizhou - 70km away.
A very warm climate all year round; its apparent ‘winter’ ranges from December to February hitting lows of 12° but still reaching 21°. While all the other seasons between March and November vary from 16° to 34°. Due to the constant warm weather, there is an abundance of rainfall, 78 inches per year, and occasional typhoons - but don’t worry - all apartments have special safety measures.
Transport in the city is well structured with over 900 bus lines working from 7am to 11pm at 1-2 yuan a trip. 8 metro lines are currently running taking you to all of the city’s urban areas and the airport for only 3-6 yuan. Over 16,000 taxis running, with different colour cabs for certain destination points. Only costing 6-10 yuan for 2km then 2.5 yuan extra per 1km.
City Highlights
Dameisha Beach
Hope you’ve packed a bikini since there’s a relaxing getaway waiting for you! The longest beach in Shenzhen spanning 1800 metres, allowing visitors to sun-bathe all day, swim or bodyboard in the sea. Alternatively, you can pay for a horse ride along the beach or hold a barbecue party there, whatever floats your boat! Take bus 387 or 703 plus a short walk.
Dafen Oil Painting Village
The world’s largest oil painting center and one of China’s leading suppliers for quality oil painting copies. They are well known for replicating famous photos or oil paintings to a high standard, almost unrecognisable differences. A lovely day out for art fanatics and you could surprise someone with a ‘famous painting’ as a present. Also, small cafés are dotted around the campus, meaning you can stop for a quick drink. Arrive via the Metro Blue line and walk towards Walmart.
Huaqiang North Road Commercial District
A huge commercial district filled with branded shops like Apple, Rolex and PlayStation. It is popular for leading the technological market in China since being certified in 2000. Over 2km of shops, a nice place for a day out with friends and help your spending needs. At peak times reaching up to 500,000 visitors. Easily accessible via bus or metro to Huaqiang North.
Splendid China
Have you ever been to Madame Tussauds? Splendid China offers a similarly outstanding experience but with Chinese culture, containing replicas of famous places in China. All tiny sculptures made from clay representing the Great Wall, Yellow Mountain, Beijing Courtyards and many more. Live performances of acting or dancing take place throughout the day providing some entertainment. Take metro Line 1 and walk east. Open from 10am to 9:30pm. Entrance fees of 110 yuan for children and seniors, 220 yuan for adults.
Huaqiao Town & Ocean World Square
Two hotspot areas for the number of bars and clubs situated there. If you are looking for a boogie and some drinks that pack-a-punch, you can go to the highly prestigious Snake pit, Curv, or Club Viva that expats strongly recommend. Instead, if you’re seeking a more chilled environment for a drink, bite to eat or a simple conversation, take a look at George & Dragon British Pub, Black Stamps Jazz Coffee or X-TA-SEA Sports Bar.
Surrounding Areas
Kowloon
Admire the breath-taking Victoria Harbour scenery and experience some top local dances or dramas on the streets. If you’re feeling peckish make sure to visit Ashley Road where local cuisine is cooked to perfection as well as Japanese, Korean or Thai dishes. Embrace the Chinese culture at the Tin Hau Temple or a shopping excursion down Temple street which has some of the busiest avenues in the world.
Zhuhai
A city filled with cultural masterpieces from the New Summer Palace, Zhuhai Museum or Jintai Temple, where you are encapsulated by religious activity, ancient architecture and classical Chinese gardens. Pack a towel and visit Tangjia bay, that’s lined with relaxing beaches and tropical cocktails, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Huizhou
An environmental wonderland that’s home to some of China’s most famous mountains from Luofu to Nankun, providing a summer escape with impressive views. Water lovers can visit west lake for a tranquil picnic setting or Xunliao bay for an unpolluted, quiet paradise. If you want a leisurely stroll accompanied by magnificent waterfalls and reams of wildlife, go to Nankunshan National Forest Park.
We hope this helps you decide if Shenzhen is for you!