Shenzhen culture differs from most other cites in China, as it has a diverse and multi-ethnic population. Of the roughly 5 million people that live in Shenzhen, only about 1.5 million people are permanent residents of the city. Due to its Special Economic Zone status, Shenzhen is an immigrant’s paradise. People from all over the world come to Shenzhen to live and work in search of a better life. With its close proximity to Hong Kong, this port city has adopted many of Hong Kong’s influences and lifestyle. In this unique environment, Shenzhen promotes a culture of openness and tolerance; and like most Chinese cities, hospitality here is taken very seriously.
Shenzhen Weather
Shenzhen has a subtropical maritime climate that is somewhat like Miami, Florida. The city gets plenty of rain and sunshine throughout the year, with its spring, summer and autumn being relatively mild. Winter is not very cold, and the average annual temperature is around 23° C (73° F). Shenzhen’s rainy season lasts from May to September, during which the city gets a lot of rain. Typhoons can occur in summer and autumn, but are usually blocked by the mountains in the north of the city.
What to Wear in Shenzhen
Since Shenzhen has a mild climate, casual clothing is ideal. Jeans, sleeved tops and t-shirts are perfect to wear. It is advisable to bring an umbrella or rain coat if you travel to the city during the rainy season. The locals are very fashion conscious as they adopt many of Hong Kong’s dressing trends. If you are in the city on business, bring a couple of good suits and dress to leave a lasting impression.
Shopping in Shenzhen
The shopping scene is Shenzhen is great. Many people from Hong Kong come here to do their shopping on the weekends, especially for clothing and accessories. Many fake designer clothes, bags, watches and jewelry can be found all over the city. Shenzhen also has great department stores and electrical goods are a bargain. Influenced by the latest western trends coming from Hong Kong, Shenzhen’s shopping districts can be divided into four main areas. Good quality clothing can be found in the area around the Luohu railway station. Electrical goods can be found at a great price next to the Shanghai Hotel and SEG Electronics Co.
Trinkets and souvenirs an be found around the streets of Dong Men. Boundary Street in the Shatoujiao district is another great location for good bargains. Shenzhen also has many department stores like Xiwu Department Store and the International Commercial market near the Shenzhen Grand Theater and the People's Bridge. Wal-Mart also opened a big department store in downtown Shenzhen. Some good stores for western wear include Absolute NYC in Futian district and Decathlon Sports Outlet Store in Nanshan District near Overseas Chinese Town.
Shenzhen Travel
Shenzhen’s public transportation system is one of the best in China. Buses are the easiest way to get around the city, as they are cheap, air conditioned and comfortable (not overcrowded like in Beijing). However most public buses do not have a ticketing agent and require exact change.
Minibuses or small vans are another way to see the city. Small but comfortable, these buses often go to places where regular buses do not go. They usually have a fixed route but change it from time to time to avoid traffic jams. The fare on a minibus is a bit more than a regular bus, but cheaper than a taxi.
Taxis can be found all over Shenzhen, but they can be pretty expensive. Fares can be paid in Yuan or Hong Kong dollars, and start at around ¥12.50. When traveling by taxi always insist that the diver use the meter.
A Sightseeing Bus sponsored by Shenzhen Pengyun International Travel Service, is another way to view the city. These double-decker buses are air conditioned and have a TV and a bar on the bus. The route starts from the railway station and then proceeds towards International Trade Building, Diwang Mansion, Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen Special Zone Press Tower, Honey Lake, Water Park, Splendid China, Folk Culture Villages, Happy Valley, Window of the World, and ends at Future Times. This bus also goes to the many shopping arcades in city like the Futian Farm Product Market, Women's World, MOI Department Store, Wal-Mart and Buji Farm Product Market.
Shenzhen Health Services
As with all Chinese cities, do not drink tap water, only use mineral water. Shenzhen has nearly 900 medical and health care institutions in the city of which 85 are hospitals. The Shenzhen People's Hospital, located in the northwest near Yayuan Interchange, is the largest and most comprehensive hospital in the city with the most advanced equipment and technology. Other hospitals include with first rate facilities include 2nd Shenzhen People's Hospital and Beijing University Shenzhen Hospital.
Shenzhen nightlife
Shenzhen’s nightlife is has many bars, discos and clubs all over the city. Many Hong Kong residents come here to have an inexpensive night out. The "Snake Pit" on Tai Zi Lu is one of the most popular clubs in town. Goodfellas at 98 Zhen Hua Lu is another popular crowd hangout. Some other crowd favorites include Chicago Club near Shenzhen City Stadium and Golden Times in Luohu. Downtown Shenzhen is where most of the trendy nightclubs are found. China's first ever rave was held in Shenzhen and the city is often awake until 6 in the morning.
Dining Out in Shenzhen
The food in Shenzhen is very good with a variety of cuisines available including Cantonese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese. With plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops throughout the city, Shenzhen is a great place to spend the night out. Most of the five-star hotels have their own in-house bars and restaurants, but if you are looking for local cuisine check out Gangxia Food Street in Futian District and Nanyuan Food Street and the seafood available on Fenghuang Road in Luohu District. Here you can find everything from the local delicacies like bird’s nest soup to Shanghai dumplings. For those who prefer Western cuisine, the Henry J Bean Bar and Grill and the Tiara Revolving Restaurant in Shangri-La Hotel are good places to eat.
Shenzhen Business
Shenzhen is a fast-paced commercial city and is the only city in China that owns 12 seaports and land ports, including an airport. The Shenzhen Port ranks fourth among the world container ports, making Shenzhen’s shipping industry the city’s biggest employer. Besides the shipping business, Shenzhen is also a leader in producing high-tech products. Shenzhen has over 3,000 factories that produce supporting parts for computers. Every year the China Hi-Tech Fair is held in Shenzhen. The city produces computer parts, communications equipment, audio visual products, optical and electromechanical products, and biological engineering products.
