Shenzhen

Eco-friendly travel guide to Shenzhen advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Shenzhen, China.

Aerial view of Futian District in Shenzhen

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3.7 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5

Public transportation: 5/ 5

Parks: 5/ 5

Outdoor activities: 4/ 5

Locals' English level: 3.2 / 5

Safety: 4 / 5

Accommodation: US$50 - $213

Budget per day: US$90 - $870

Responsible Travel

With the health of the environment alarmingly declining, to be a responsible citizen and to travel responsibly has become a priority of daily life and it is high-time people must not overlook this. Shenzhen has developed over 40 years, from becoming a small fishing village, to an extremely unpolluted industrial town releasing black smokes, to China’s biggest tech megacity and China’s MOST sustainable city, leaving behind Hong-Kong, Beijing, and other big names. Sustainable tourism not only includes environmentally-friendly ways but also ways that have no negative impact socially and economically. Here are some ways –

Avoid using plastic bags as much as possible, since China is notorious for the use of plastics

Buy souvenirs from local shops that have been made locally to support the economy and directly help local artisans

Support budding artisans and local handicraft industry

Explore the thrilling food culture by visiting the local food markets and trying the street food

Opt for green hotels, boutiques and apartments that are both environmentally and economically good

Respect the culture of Shenzhen and be sure not to hurt the sentiments by passing hurtful comments

Air Quality and Pollution

Not recently, but much more than a decade ago, Shenzhen had started its revolution for being a sustainable city when most developing cities didn’t know about it. In 2002 it received an award from the United Nations for being one of the most world’s environmentally friendly cities. Now, about a decade later Shenzhen has introduced a full-fleet of electric buses, and electrical trains with no overhead wires, thereby reducing air pollution and noise pollution significantly. Due to its ever-growing fast industries and development, Shenzhen has been able to introduce sustainable reform in recycling, reusing, and reducing. It is China’s most sustainable city and has been able to reach this position for controlling pollution and reducing it by 50%. It has left far behind important cities of China's mainland- Beijing, Shanghai, and even Hong Kong, in terms of air pollution. Although PM2.5 and PM10 levels are quite high, with the development of a lot of green parks, and planting trees on both sides of roads, air pollution is moderate and it is safe to breathe and exercise outside.

Respect the Culture

Chinese people are open to western thoughts and traditions but they also take pride in their own culture and customs. Chinese people love maintaining their dignity, and manners. While visiting Shenzhen, there are some responsibilities you should follow to respect the culture, these are common to all places in China. Remember that public displays of affection with your travel partner are not looked well upon by society. If you are befriending a Chinese person for the first time or talking to a local stranger, do not show friendliness by patting on their shoulders, a surprise hug, or anything like that; they feel uncomfortable. When visiting China it is known that we have to use chopsticks. Even if you might know how to eat with chopsticks, please remember that there are certain traditional table manners of using chopsticks that you shouldn’t forget, such as pointing to someone with chopsticks, placing them vertically standing on food, making noises on the ceramic bowl by tapping the chopsticks on its sides, etc. Also, remember that there are 50+ minority groups in China alone, each having their own traditional values they hold with pride. Never pass a comment or make a joke that might hurt their sentiments.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Dafen Oil Painting Village – Dafen, which was earlier a normal village, became an industrial hub for the reproduction of oil paintings made by famous artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Can Gough, and others, since the late 1980s. Dafen has now become a popular tourist attraction for tourists who want to buy a local piece of master artistry, or want to witness how art is coped and reproduced for global sales, i.e., before the financial crisis, 60% of oil paintings in the whole world would be transported from the small village of Dafen.

Shenzhen Museum – Officially opened in 1988, the Shenzhen Museum covers a huge area of 39,000-meter squares, which is practically fair since it holds more than 20,000 artifacts that are historically and culturally significant. Most of these artifacts belong originally from the city of Shenzhen. Standing tall in front of the Lihu Lake, the Shenzhen Museum has separate exhibition halls such as The Museum of History and Folk Culture, Guerilla Command Headquarter Museums, clearly displaying the wide genre of artifacts it holds.

Window of the World – The window of the World, Shenzhen, is a famous theme park known for its wide range of copies of landmarks from famous cities and destinations around the world. This 48 hectare land has replications of over 130+ significant sights (including UNESCO World Heritage sites) from Europe, Africa, Asia, and other famous places scattered in the oceans. Along with different cultural shows, there is also a spectacular night show every evening displaying fireworks and dance performances that you surely shouldn’t miss at all.

Nanshan Mountains – Nanshan Mountains are mountainous ranges in Shenzhen that hold wide scenery, green views, and lots of hidden gems. A popular destination for hiking, Nanshan Mountains is the only green area in the southern part of this industrial metropolitan city. Complementing its natural view are the botanical gardens, a museum, a lookout point for the top view of the city, a street for only hotpots, becoming a popular Instagram spot in Shenzhen.

Happy Valley – The Happy Valley Shenzhen is another theme park, built for amusement – with more than 100 rides! The huge area of 48 hectares has 9 themes centers, one of which includes a Mayan Civilization themed inverted water roller-coaster ride. The Happy Valley Shenzhen is the oldest among the four Happy Valleys, the rest 3 seated in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu. The authority also organizes dance performances and gives discount tickets after 4 pm when most of the big rides close.

Splendid China Folk Village – Just at a distance of a mere 1 hour from the Dameisha Beach, The Splendid China Folk Village is a theme park that shows an exclusive display of traditional Chinese art, architecture, culture, and religious beliefs. Instead of the usual rides in a theme park, this place is divided into two regions- Splendid China on the left which has mini replicas of all famous landmarks in China, and the Chinese Folk Village on the right that showcases many traditional performances.

Dameisha Beach – Dameisha Beach is a popular tourist destination. It is the longest beach in China with white sand, a park for water sports on the beach, or if anyone wants to organize a barbeque session. There is also The Sun Side and The Moon Side that has local restaurants and will help you to figure out what to eat in Shenzhen.

He Xiangning Art Museum – He Xiangning Art Museum is the first and the only museum in China to be named after a person- He Xiangning who herself was an amateur artist but a leading political persona. The He Xiangning Art Museum is located in the Overseas Chinese Town and holds regular exhibitions of contemporary art. It is near to tourist destinations such as Splendid World China, Yitian Holiday Plaza, and Window of the World.

Seaworld Shenzhen – The Seaworld Shenzhen is a mall built in a watery area that has special features, especially for tourists to enjoy. The center of attraction Is a huge luxury cruise ship named Minghua which is actually a hotel inside, the whole of it standing on an artificial water reserve. One of the best things to do in Shenzhen at night is to visit the spectacular night shows at the Seaworld Shenzhen.

Tian Hou Temple – The Tian Hou Temple is built after the Goddess Tian Hou who is the Ruler of The Ocean and The Empress of Heaven. It was originally built by the imperial emperor Zhu Di in 1410. Over the centuries it has been rebuilt several times and the last was in the 1990s by the Chiwan Municipal Government.

Artists at work in Dafen Oil Painting Village

Explore

Shenzhen is a small but extremely modernized and high tech metropolis in the Guangdong district of China that connects Hong Kong to Mainland China. Simple, one might judge from the outside that there is not much to see except gadgets, high rise buildings, and wonderful examples of technology. However, Shenzhen is ready to surprise you with its rich collection of art museums, theme parks, and areas of a pure traditional display. There is a lot to do in Shenzhen than one might think. Here is a brief list for you to get an idea.

City Parks

Shenzhen Central Park – Shenzhen Central Park is a wide-open city park having lots of greenery- different kinds of trees, flowers, bushes, and all. Lying just in the middle of the city it is surprisingly very quiet, serving as a quick peaceful get-away from the daily hustle. People come here for jogging, running, walking with their pets, exercising; a bike renting feature is also available promoting eco-friendly measures.

Lianhuashan Park – Lianhuashan Park is simply one of the top 10 things to do in Shenzhen. Spread over 180 hectares of land, the park has a “viewing point” which is a natural light uphill area from where you can get a spectacular view of the aerial footbridge in the Upper Hills. There is a lot to explore- from diverse flora and fauna to a pond, a statue of Deng Xiaoping, and more.

Shenzhen Children’s Park – The Shenzhen Children’s park is located just in the middle of the noisy city center. It is a green park with free entry and ten mobile rides such as a small Ferris wheel, teacup ride, and others. The prices for the rides are quite cheap.

Lizhi Park – Lizhi Park is a very peaceful park in the Futian district. It has small bridges over small ponds and lakes, a large number of litchi trees, and lots of activities to do, especially at night. It is perfect for a morning walk, running, or quite romantic strolls. There are small restaurants and cafes nearby, the Novotel Hotel lies near to it too.

Shenzhen Grand Industrial Zone Central Park – Recently it has been renamed “Pingshan Central Park” for some political reasons. The Park is much greener than the northern district and is easily accessible due to well-developed public transportations facilities. There are a few local restaurants to please your appetite.

Civic Center, Shenzhen Lianhuashan Park

National Parks

OCT EAST PARK (东部华侨城) – The OCT East in Eastern Chinatown is a large place/park, perfect for a day full of entertainment. There are many animals, birds, and reptiles. The authority also organizes cultural shows every evening. Apart from amusement rides, mountain toy trains, and the famous wooden coaster, there are also replicas of international villages (Interlaken, Hayfield, Chaweng), Buddhist monasteries, Statues of Buddha, food stalls, and accommodation options (lodging/hotels). The place is well maintained, and if you’re visiting Shenzhen for the first time then it is a must-visit!

East Lake Park, Shenzhen – East Lake Park in Shenzhen is spread over an unbelievable 1.5 million square meters of land, covering eleven attraction sites, namely – tennis court, playground, an arboretum, a zoo, an old historical trees area, Rhododendron sculpture garden, Bonsai world, Ornamental woody plants garden, Landscape Forest, Fishing Area, and Gateball Area. Three islands have been built over this manmade lake, all connected by a stone bridge. It was opened in 1966 and has been officially declared as a “provincial-level scenic spot” by Guangdong’s Provincial People’s Government.

Zhongshan Park – A peaceful getaway from the busy life, Zhongshan Park is the oldest park in China, named after the first president of the Republic of China- Sun Zhongshan. It is a public urban park with lots of greenery, and within its boundaries, carefully preserves the northern walls of Nantou (an administrative district of Shenzhen), built in the late 14th century. There is also a facial carving of Sun Zhongshan (also known as Sun Yat-Sen), which is the largest of its kind in China.

Shenzhen International Garden and Flower Expo – Shenzhen International Garden and Flower Expo lies in the Futian district and has 4 gates for its entrance. The southwest side of this enormous sized area is a specialty in displaying traditional Chinese gardens, whereas the northeast side showcases internationally themed gardens such as those of- American Garden, Nepal Garden, Indian Garden, Japanese Garden, Kenyan Garden, Bulgarian Garden, and lot more! It usually takes hours to visit the whole park. There is also another point of interest within such as a cultural assets museum and an expo dino museum.

Shenzhen Safari Park – Shenzhen Safari Park was opened in 1999. Spread over 1.2 million square meters, it has over 300 species of animals including Giant Pandas that were considered endangered. It is the first-ever zoo in China to have animals kept in open (without cage). Various shows are also held to teach tourists about animal life and their behaviors. However, despite its cleanliness and huge area, many tourists often complain that the animal density is too high and thus less space for each animal to stay.

Mangrove Nature Reserve – Mangrove Nature Reserve is basically a part of Shenzhen’s northeastern coastal lines that is home to many mangroves and 55 other species of trees. At the time of migratory seasons, 189 species of migratory birds take shelter here (especially in the winters). Some mentionable names include White Piano Herons and Xiaoqing Stilts. The well-paved paths also form a good trail for cycling, jogging, or running.

Tourists and locals enjoying a peaceful day at the East Lake Park

Beaches

Xiaomeisha Beach - Xiaomeisha Beach is located in Shenzhen’s Dapeng Bay. The white sandy coast with clear waters stretches over 500 meters in length, often termed by locals as “Hawaii of the East”. Lying very close to the populous Dameisha Beach, Xiaomeisha is surprisingly much cleaner, quieter, and more peaceful compared to its elder sister-Dameisha. Since there is an entry fee applicable, the place is thus well-maintained. There are places for setting up camping tents and barbeque pits. Sometimes tents are also given for rent but at a high cost. Hence, it’s better to bring your own.

Dameisha Beach – Definitely one of the most instagrammable places, Dameisha Beach is the most popular beach in Shenzhen. Located in Dapeng Bay near the east side of Yantian, Dameisha lies within a walking distance to Xiaomeisha Beach. The mountains of Dameisha dropping right into the sea provide a perfect opportunity for activities like climbing and camping. Lining the beach are numerous palm trees, coconut trees, and local restaurants that serve seafood at a very cheap price. Since it is closest to the city center, it is also the busiest and the waters are not so clean.

Xichong Beach – A popular destination for surfers and campers, Xichong beach lies in the Longgang district which is the southern part of the Dapeng Peninsula. Since it is still under development you might not find much of water sports facilities. With the clear turquoise waters, rural villages nearby, and the magnificent Qiniang mountains dropping steeply into the sea, its 5km long and wide clear sandy lines, Xichong Beach has been listed by the Chinese National Geographic among ‘The Top 10 Most beautiful places in China’. The entry fee of Xichong can soar up to a minimum of 20 RMB per adult on the weekends, while kids enjoy the privilege of free entry.

Sunset at Xichong Beach

Landmarks

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden – Opened in 1983, Fairy Lake Botanical Garden covers more than 540 hectares of area on the foothills of Wutong Shah Mountain. It has 6 different areas- such as Fossil Forest Area, Conifers Azalea Area, Dessert Plant Area, FairlyLake Area, Heaven and Earth Area, and the Hongfa Temple area. They have more than 12 themed gardens including collections of exotic plant breeds. The iconic Fairy Lake is actually a man-made lake, also known as Lake Xian, with footbridges.

Ping An International Finance Center – The tallest high-rise building in Shenzhen, Ping An International Finance Center (also known as Ping An IFC) is a symbol of power and technology in Shenzhen's business hub- The Futian District, China. The skyscraper is 599meters tall, its storeyed floors reaching the height of 551m, and the observation-deck at 562.1 meters, above that, is the building towers. It is the 2nd tallest building in China and the 4th tallest in the world. Having 34 floors, and 33 double-decker elevators at a speed of 10m/s, be sure to check this thrill-filled skyscraper and enjoy the bird-eye view of Shenzhen.

Meridian View Center – At a gigantic height of 384 meters, Meridian View Center is Shenzhen's second tallest skyscraper, located in the Luohu District. It is not a completely separate building itself, but sits on the head of the Diqang Mansion in Shun Hing Square. The building is divided into three parts, The Office Area, The Shopping Complex, and The Business Area. The observation deck offers a 360-degree wide panoramic view of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and also has telescopes. Be sure to check out the shopping area built for tourists and explore the 3D cinemas!

Shenzhen Zoo (Safari Park) – The Shenzhen Safari Park, located in the Nanshan DIstrict is the first-ever 'zoo' to unleash the animals from the cage and let them roam freely in the wild protected areas of the park. Rare animals that were on the blink of extinction such as Giant Pandas and South China Tigers have been preserved and bred here. Tourists can enjoy the animals as close as them peeking into the safari midibus. However, it is strictly advised not to feed the animals or irritate them with unwanted noise.

Shenzhen Safari Park

Museums

Dapeng Fortress & the Ancient Village – The Dapeng Village was fortified on all four sides which came to be known as The Dapeng Fortress and the Ancient Village. Visit this master fortress and know more about its intriguing history- how it played a significant role in the Ming Dynasty by proving resistance against pirate invasion, how it prevented the invasion of Japanese pirates for over 40 days, its functions as the Dapeng Marine Master Camp in the Qing dynasty, and the history of Opium War against Britain. In short, Dapeng Fortress is a museum worth visiting. Here you can visit the magnificent TianHou Palace, the residence of Anti-British General Liu Qilong, the Houwang Temple, traditional folk houses dating back to the 14th century, and the military signaling towers.

Shenzhen Museum – Remember that there are 2 Shenzhen Museums. The Shenzhen Museum near the Civic Center is the bigger out of the 2 and has displays of multiple categories such as art, culture, folk traditions, and historical relics, audio-visual display, work building, and more. The one on the Tongxin Road (near the Science Museum Subway) is comparatively smaller. It has pottery exhibitions on the first floor and animal replicas on the second floor.

Longgang Museum Of Hakka Culture – During the 17th century when the relations between Hakka and Cantonese people were strained and millions of people lost their lives in wars, the Hakka people built fortified their settlement over Crane Lake, the place came to be known as Crane Lake Fortified Hakka Village. It is also known by several other names such as Longgang Museum of Hakka Culture, The Walled Houses of Luo’s descendants, etc. Here you can find the houses of Hakka people that were originally built by them, the Xingning people. These Hakka buildings have been carefully preserved and wax models of common people are built to depict how they lead their lives. It is a must-visit in Shenzhen.

Gangquin Museum – Gauguin Museum or Piano Museum is the first-ever museum of its kind in China in the Guangdong Province. This museum consists of 76 pianos dating from the ancient 17th century till the present 20th century. It shows how pianos were first made compared to how it is made now, how it sounded before with a lesser number of keys versus how it sounds now with 88 keys. If you are interested in music, especially classical western music, you should definitely visit this place. It takes nearly 2 hours for sightseeing.

Shenzhen (Baoan) Labor Museum – The Shenzhen Labor Museum on Bao’an is the first-ever museum to be built with the theme of labor that celebrates a historic 40 years of reform in Shenzhen and honors the work of the labor class people, including immigrant workers. Although some tourists might think there is not much to see, the locals take much pride in their history. There are permanent exhibitions of old pictures dating back to the time, the 3-and-one reform plan, etc.

Entrance of the Shenzhen Museum

Eat

Asian cuisine is popular around the globe, and Chinese cuisine in specific has a wide fan followingBold text. In any part of the world, you will find restaurants or street food stalls that serve Chinese specialties like hotpots, noodles, sea-food specialties of squid, octopus, king crabs, and more! Just as how people say, the best taste of the traditional dish is enjoyed in the country of origin itself!

Traditional Local Restaurants

Jinhuangtin Restaurant – Jinhuangtin Restaurant is placed in the Golden Central Tower of the Futian District. It is a local restaurant in Shenzhen that offers authentic Cantonese food, with clean and friendly service and a comfortable interior. Rates are average and you can get the best of Dim Sums at a very reasonable price.

Bashu Fengyue – Located on the fourth floor of DMD Plaza Shopping Mall, Bashu Fengyue is a specialist in Sichuan cuisine. The interior is beautifully set with wooden floors, curtains, and antique decorations. Apart from Sichuan non-veg dishes, it also has vegan-friendly options side by. The dishes are huge in quantity with a very ‘average’ price.

Tanggong Seafood Fang – A true Chinese restaurant with its branches in Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai, Tanggong will rock up to your taste palate with its authentic Cantonese cuisine, everything specially prepared traditionally with original recipes of spices. With luxurious interior designs and great taste, the prices also soar high. They also have a variety of teas available.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Yunlaiju vegetarian Restaurant – In Ding Men Ding Plaza, this restaurant serves Chinese cuisine that is 100% vegan. The interior is beautifully decorated with wooden furniture and décor dedicated to Buddhism. The food is well prepared so that clients do not feel uncomfortable or bloated as it usually tends to happen to some people with vegan food. Prices are average and so are the quantities served, but the quality is top-notch.

Pin Cha Ju – A Chinese vegan restaurant in the Aiguo Road, the interior features Buddhist themes and promotes peace and harmony. The dishes are 100% vegan, however, it was recently doubted that they might be using dairy products for dressing and toppings.

Just Vegan – Located on the 4th floor of De Wang Shopping Centre, Just Vegan offers complete vegan and organic foods and juices. Prices are moderate and they have a beautiful modern interior décor. Just Vegan has a diverse and vast range in their menu, serving from Chinese to International cuisine, Western dishes, organic juice bar, and fusion specials; all 100% vegan.

I See Vegan Life – This small shop opened in 2020 at Keiji Road. ‘I See Vegan Life’ has a cute little menu that serves vegan western (especially American) dishes. It also offers an organic juice bar. Prices are moderate and the restaurant avails Take-out options too.

Namaste Vegetarian Cuisine – Situated on the Zhenhua Road, Namaste Vegetarian Cuisine, as its name suggests, is an Indian restaurant that serves purely vegetarian food. You can get the best of Indian curries and dishes over here with great taste and luckily, all vegetarian and reasonable prices. There is also range of Indian style teas (chai) available. When you visit this place, don’t forget to order a “Thali”, which is a favorite of regular customers.

Street Food

Grilled Lamb on Stick /BBQ Meat – A popular night street food in Shenzhen (and the whole of China), this dish is loved by everyone! The meat is tender, soft, and juicy on the inside, while the outside is made crispy and spicy with secret spice ingredients. Four to five pieces of lamb meat marinated in spices and sauce are inserted on a stick and barbequed, the whole stick is served to you so be careful not to burn your mouth.

Shajing Oysters – Shenzhen is famous for its Shajing Oyster cultivation! These oysters are different from other oysters due to their larger size, and milky white flesh which is more nutritious and tenderer. These oysters are cooked and then eaten. Cooking these oysters include either process of the steam, grill, fried or roasted; with other ingredients such as different types of sauce, scallion, etc.

Bingtanghulu – A famous street snack of Shenzhen that originated in Beijing, Bingtanghulu is sweet and crispy. It is made by coating Chinese Hawthorn (a mountainous Chinese fruit) in hardened sugar syrup, which gives it its unique crispiness along with killing sweetness!

Rou Bing – Rou Bing is a type of Chinese meat pie. It is extremely delicious and is usually served for breakfast and evening snacks. These are small round pancake looking (but thick!) made out of minced pork or ground beef, scallions, sesame seeds, oyster sauce, ginger cilantro, garlic cloves, and other special spices. It smells fantastic, has a crispy touch to it, the inside is soft and delicious!

A street vendor selling Bingtanghulu

Drink

Tea - Tea in China has been consumed by citizens for hundreds and thousands of years. Anyone who visits Shenzhen, must and foremost try tea, and in fact, all types of tea. From the rich aromatic and healthy Crysanthemum tea, to Jasmine Tea which has the literal flavor and aromatic bitterness of jasmine, and spicy herb tea, there are more than 7 varieties of tea, each made in different styles, but all are healthy.

Plum Juice - If you're visiting Shenzhen on a sweaty summer day, make sure to try out China's refreshing Plum juice which is made by original Chinese Plum. Either at a local fruit juice vendor stall or from a branded bottle, enjoy it anywhere.

Baiju - A national and original alcoholic beverage of China, that is widely found in Shenzhen- Baiju, or in simple language- 'Rice Wine', has a minimum alcoholic content of above 40%! yes, that's minimum. You won't be able to forget this drink very soon.

Green tea of China

Tap-water

Tap water in Shenzhen has been considered by many as drinkable, and my many as non-drinkable. This Is because although due to high industrialization the infrastructure for water development has been highly upgraded in Shenzhen, still it has been sowed in minds of many people of the city that due to high pollution in China, tap water should not be consumed. Hence, to be on the safer side, it is best to boil the tap water before consuming it. Since Shenzhen is one of the most modern areas in the world with top-notch infrastructure and works in most fields, tap water is considerably safer than in Beijing or Shanghai. You can also use bio-degradable filters like TAPP 2 which are infused with activated charcoal, and fix it on your high-end faucet, to remove all the pollutants and germs. To be a responsible traveler and also look after your health, it is advisable not to use plastic bottles as they not only pollute the environment but also contain microplastics that affect your health.

Organic Cafés

Johandy Coffee Voyage – Johandy Coffee Voyage is one of the best places where you can get hand-poured high-quality coffee. They are their own manufacturers and produces more than 30 varieties of coffee beans, all in organic and eco-friendly sustainable ways. Hence, you can completely trust their quality. They also sell roasted coffee of the 7 best types produced every month to many locally-owned Shenzhen cafes.

Triangle Coffee – An animal-friendly and organic coffee shop in Shenzhen, Triangle Coffee uses its self-produced coffee beans that are also self roasted. Having a diverse range of 30+ coffee styles on their menu, they sell organic chocolates, as well as Japanese Matcha which is quite hard to get. They also are pet-friendly, you can bring in your own fluffy friends!

Breweries

Bionic Brew – An original microbrewery of Shenzhen, Bionic Brew was established in 2014. They are surely among the top beer brands in Shenzhen for making the best of crafts beer in the city with a rich aroma and strong taste. Some of their signature drinks are Bionic Ale and Crick side while limited editions include American Pale Ale and Golden Ale. They also host Beer Fest every year.

Peko Brewing & Co. – Peko Brewing is the oldest in making craft beers in Shenzhen. Its microbrewery is widely appreciated for the beer-making process, its concept, and theme. They have a complete menu that will please your soul and mouth with varieties of extremely good craft beer, side dishes like French fries, tacos, burritos, and chimichangas. Their specialties include the rich, refreshing, aromatic Peko Pale Ale, its blonde version with a malty body – Blonde Pale Ale, a bitter and malty version of typical Irish Red Ale- Red 88, and it’s very famous and highly acidic- Demon Cider. One of the best things to do at night in Shenzhen is to visit Peko Brewing and Co.

Galleon Bar and Restaurant – A nano brewery and tap beer in the OCT Loft of Shenzhen, Galleon Bar and Restaurant disport a unique theme of pirates (from Disney’s Pirates of The Caribbean) and crafts beer. Their signature drinks are Rubia Blonde and Rubia Blanca, which they make on their own. The prices range somewhere from moderate to expensive and a homemade brew will cost you around 50RMB.

Activities

Shenzhen, a name that symbolizes the future, technology, and modernism, lies in the southeastern part of China connecting Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland. Many underestimate Shenzhen thinking there isn’t much to do except shopping and experiencing high-tech gadgets. To their surprise, Shenzhen has a lot more to offer. It has thrilling amusement parks, easy hiking spots, cultural shows, and historical showcases, museums of art, peaceful co-working space, and so much more. Not to miss, Shenzhen has a dangerously tasty food culture to steal your heart! Try out the following activities in Shenzhen, you’ll definitely love it!

Travel a mini-world while being in Shenzhen; visit the Window of the World.

Think no more of what to eat in Shenzhen, enjoy lip-smacking street food of Dongmen Street

Try birding in the Mangrove Nature Reserve, home to millions of migratory birds

Enjoy the beautifully lighted cruise ship, fountain shows, and bars after sunset at Shenzhen SeaWorld, one of the best things to do in Shenzhen at night

Fascinate yourself by the LED Light Show displayed across all skyscrapers at Talent Park and Lianhua Shah Park, the best free thing to do in Shenzhen.

Go on a hike up the Wutong Shah mountain and experience its wildlife

Get lost in the history of Dapeng Fortress and witness it coming to life at night

Explore Dapeng Peninsula and the coastal attractions surrounding it

Indulge in the local crafts beer and locally made coffee

Get a view of the whole city from the top of Ping An International Trade Center

Experience the traditional way of lifestyle in Shenzhen’s Folk Village

Dapeng Fortress

Yoga and Retreats

Fine Yoga – Fine Yoga was first established in 2002 in Beijing by Sherri Rao, the only person in China to have received education from Guruji Sri K. Patthabi Joi in Mysore, India. With their studios in 7 main cities of mainland China, they offer diverse types of Yoga. They have teachers who have mastered their particular style. Their specialty features include beginner-friendly classes, each class with a small number of students so that there is ample teacher-student connection, location of their yoga studio amidst their own bamboo forest, a pond with koi fish, traditional Chinese style architecture, and amazingly 10 branches in different areas of Shenzhen itself!

JingYuan Yoga – A leading name in China for teaching yoga, JingYuan is known for its extensive courses. It has above 60 courses that cover all important yoga genres, including private lessons, maternity courses, teacher training courses, and small classes for better communication. They also provide an ‘Open Garden Course’ that lets you practice yoga in the midst of nature. They have their own shopping site that will avail you of everything needed for practicing yoga, from basic to fashionable items- that are all built in eco-friendly ways.

Xiao Yoga – Located on the 5th floor of Fuchun Oriental Building, Xiao Yoga is one of the best places in Shenzhen where you can learn different types of yoga including forms such as pilates, spinal care, maternal care, Iyengar, and also three-dimensional yoga. They have a spacious studio of 1000 sq. m provided with oxygen tanks and air purifiers so that learners can breathe freely while practicing.

Six Senses Qing Cheng – Located in Sichuan which is only 1.3 km Shenzhen, this wellness retreat is a haven of good places. It offers different guest plans from meeting pandas, vast spa types, beginning your morning with Tai Chi, hiking in the magical mountains, learning to cook in the Sichuan style, and many more options. They have programs that help you rejuvenate, clear out toxins from body and soul, give yourself time, and find yourself again.

Accommodation

Shenzhen is the city of the future, and in such a highly populated, busy metropolis it is usually an easy deal to find yourself your ideal suitable accommodation. Shenzhen has everything from traditionally-styled hotels to eco-friendly accommodation options. To be a responsible traveler, it is advisable to opt for such accommodations that are eco-friendly and sustainable so that you can leave behind minimal carbon footprints as a traveler.

Green Hotels

Crystal Garden – Situated within a 5-min walking distance from Shekou Harbor, Crystal Garden Hotel is one of the best eco-friendly hotels that will fit your budget in Shenzhen, China. Instead of a typical multi-storied hotel, Crystal Garden offers 5 eco-friendly villas that are well-furnished and clean. These green villas are also provided with an electric kettle, a shared lounge, a garden, free Wi-Fi, a full screen LED TV, and bathrooms with essential toiletries.

The Interlaken OCT Hotel – If you want to become a responsible traveler by staying in an eco-friendly hotel but no way want to compromise on the feel of luxury, look no more! The Interlaken OCT Hotel was built just for you! Located in the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT), East Dameisha in Shenzhen, this is an eco-friendly hotel built luxuriously with the theme of Switzerland and its Gothic architectural styles. It overlooks the East Huaqiaocheng Mountains and protects the National Wetlands, hence giving you an exceptional scenic view. Their restaurant offers 4 different types of cuisine- European, traditional Cantonese, Italian, and Japanese. For the enjoyment of adults, they serve the best alcoholic drinks along with the beer brands in China, in their Gothic styled-bar and Lake Side Bar.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Shenzhen Xi You Hostel – Capsule hotels in Eastern Asia like China and Japan have grown into wild popularity all around the world. Shenzhen Xi You Hostel located just 3 km from the Shenzhen Civic Center in the Futian District is such a hostel. There is free Wi-Fi, 24*7 front desk service, a common bathroom which is kept very clean and hygienic, a shared lounge, and a small eatery that also works as a cafeteria. There is a separate male and female dormitory room, each supplied with ample capsules. The capsules are spacious, soundproof, and have been accommodated with comfortable beds, a plug-in point, small television, and ventilation.

Shenzhen Loft Youth Hostel – Located just 3 km from the He Xiangning Art Museum, Shenzhen Loft Youth Hostel has diverse rooms for every need. The rooms are fully furnished, well decorated with soft pastel colors, has an electric kettle, a hygienic bathroom, and a beautiful balcony. There is also free Wi-Fi access, 24-hour front desk service, the hostel’s very own restaurant, and cafeteria, cycle rental facility, and a beautiful garden.

Me Town – Me Town is a beautiful eco-friendly guest house located in the Dong Bei Village of Shenzhen. It is quiet, peaceful, and far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Due to its location, it has been naturally accommodated with a mountain at the back and sea 7km in the front. The rooms are spacious, well maintained and decorated, has different types of bedrooms for different needs, a shared lounge, free Asian breakfast, free car parking, a beautiful self-made garden by the owner, a private bathroom attached to each room with free toiletries and other essentials. It is also pet-friendly. A great place to spend a night or two in Shenzhen!

YiYue Guest House – Their rooms are beautifully furnished in modern chic style, having provided raised wooden floors for bedrooms, a fully equipped private bathroom, free Wi-Fi across their entire premise, a beautiful view of their well-maintained garden. What clients love about YiYue Guest House is their friendly service, clean and hygienic atmosphere, daily room cleaning, and free access to the fishing area nearby.

Apartments

Somerset Grandview Shenzhen – If you’re searching for an apartment for rent in Futian, Somerset Grandview is a perfect choice! Somerset Grandview is a fully-furnished, eco-friendly apartment which has everything you need- from modern interior and décor, a fully equipped kitchen, well-maintained washroom, comfortable beds, LED TV with cable connection, and a great balcony; you also get availabilities such as children’s park, a theatre, a swimming pool, playgrounds, a garden, free Wi-Fi, free private car-parking area and more!

Mamaya Hotel Apartment – Having a good location of just 2 km from the Luohu Commercial City, Mamaya Hotel Apartment provides you with all needed facilities such as laundry service, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, its own buffet system with Cantonese/ Asian cuisine, cafeteria, swimming pool, bar, karaoke, etc. Each room is well furnished and provided with essential toiletries, slippers, microwave, refrigerator, television, kettle, and other required stuff. Different sized rooms are available too.

Coastal rose Gardens Phase 2 – One of the best apartments for rent in Shekou, Shenzhen is the Coastal Rose Garden Phase 2. It has 2 bedrooms along with dining space and living room, a private bathroom with toiletries, and a balcony that offers a great view of the sea. The rooms are fully furnished with beautiful modern decorations in peaceful pastel colors. It also offers 24-hour security protection, a swimming pool, a children’s playground, and a gym. Day-to-day convenience stores are located nearby.

Mont Orchid3 – Mont Orchid3 offers 1BHK flats with a private bathroom. The hall consists of a separate living room and dining room. All rooms are fully furnished along with essential toiletries and kitchen essentials. It has security in the apartment, a free spacious parking space, and also a swimming pool. Located within 5 km from the Nanshan Mountains, if you’re an expat looking for renting an apartment in Shenzhen, you’ll definitely love this place.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is an online community that lets people travel to their destination under the guidance of a host, who is a local of that place. The host either offers the traveler to stay with them or affiliate a hotel/guest house. It is also considered a great option by many tourists as they can share cultural experiences and traditional values. Search for Shenzhen in this online community and select your desired host.

Camping

Dalu Harbor – Considered as the most pollution-free part in Shenzhen, Dalu Harbor is the most famous place for camping in Shenzhen. In this place that is untouched by civilization and industrialization, you have to hike carefully under a guide. Many intertwining trails make it easy to get lost. There is also a fresh stream that flows from Honghualing to the sea on one side of Dalu Harbor, the other 3 sides are guarded by gigantic mountains.

Xichong – As discussed earlier, Xichong Beach is the longest and one of the most beautiful beaches in Shenzhen. With its long white coastal sand lines and mountains covering 3 sides, Xichong is where you can set up your tent for late-night campfire activities with other campers, enjoying the warm sunset and breeze. Usually, a small fee is required to enter the beach, setting up a tent might require a fee too. There are local stalls set up on the beach from where you can enjoy seafood with beer. Top-notch!

Nanshan Mountains – Although Maluan Mountains is widely known for camping, Nanshan Mountain is a hidden gem for hiking and also for camping. The Nanshan Camping Resort provides tourists a safe camping ground in the lush green forests of Nanshan, along with other requirements such as clean toilets, a small eatery where you can also buy drinks, and a bike rental.

Maluan Mountains – A perfect destination for camping, indeed the best one! At an elevation of mostly under 500 meters, clouds are kissing the moderate slopes of the mountains making it a magnificent yet easy to climb mountain and camping destination. Preserved carefully from the pollution of high industrialization in the city of Shenzhen, MaLuan Mountains houses Hakka civilization with a history of 600 years! There are thick dark lush green forests that cover MaLuan Mountains; you are bound to forget the noise of daily hectic-life here. One of the best free things to do in Shenzhen is camp on the Maluan Mountains.

Xichong

How to Get There

Shenzhen is an important metropolis in the whole world. It has important and high-rising official buildings, important global organizations, and well-established art industry. Hence, getting to Shenzhen is quite simple. Shenzhen also has ship harbors that allow ships to dock here. Here are all the ways by which you can get to Shenzhen, China.

Air

Shenzhen has its only and very own international airport- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, located 32 km north of the city center, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province of China. Having 2 huge runways with the airport itself having all facilities from shopping and dining to comfortable waiting stations, high guarded security, or simply buying souvenirs, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport hosts direct international flights for over 50 countries around the world. It also receives more than a million domestic flights every year from all over China.

Inside of the new Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport Terminal Building

Bus

Shenzhen has a wide and diverse bus service system. Different Shenzhen bus groups have been activated by the government for different purposes. Shenzhen receives travelers from all parts of China, especially Hong Kong, Macau, and the Guangdong Province. These long inter-city routes are allotted with green colored long-distance coaches. These coaches have arrived and departed from either of the 3 coach stations at – Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Yinhu Coach Station (in Luohu district, Yinhu Subdistrict), Shenzhen North Railway, or from Shenzhen Railway Station. You might find other coaches operating too with “long express” written in Chinese, but they are illegal and not registered.

Shenzhen bus

Train

Trains in China have been classified into 7 different types depending on their speed and purpose. Classes C, D, and G are high-speed bullet trains, whereas classes K, T, Z, and 4-digit numbered trains are regular/normal trains (not bullet trains). There are 8 railway stations in Shenzhen, out of which 5 important names are – Shenzhen North Railway Station, Shenzhen East Railway Station, Shenzhen West Railway Station, Shenzhen Futian Station, and the most important Shenzhen Railway Station. All trains in Shenzhen are electrically powered, hence providing cleaner, safer and pollution-free environment. There are no over-head wires, all trains charge at the stations. G-trains are for faster travel to closer cities such as Guangzhou, Hong-Kong, Xi’an North, Wuhan, whereas D-trains are for second-fastest types after the former and run for middle-distance destinations like from Shenzhen to Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai Hingqiao, and Xiamen.

Train at Shenzhen Railway Station

Hitchhiking

China is booming with economy and tourism, but hitchhiking is not that popular. The thumbs-up sign that is widely popular for asking for a free ride, is understood by many Chinese people as “okay” or “good” in south-east Asian culture. Hence the thumbs-up sign doesn’t walk most of the time. Instead, you have to stretch your arms and wave it, by this the driver will know that you are asking him to stop. Also, since Shenzhen is quite big, you have to get to the national highways and ask for cargo vehicles like trucks or even widely popular taxis to travel to Shenzhen. Also, remember since the driver may ask for a small sum of money, the best option is to write (Dabianche) in Chinese, whose literal translation stands to “free ride”. Hence, no problem with money at all!

Others

Being a coastal city with the Dapeng Peninsula at its southern tip, Shenzhen has been receiving visitors, tourists, and cargo for a long time through its port in Shekou. Shekou is an area in the northern part of the Nanshan district in Shenzhen. It’s port – China Merchant Shekou Ferry Terminal. This terminal receives tourist ferries from different ports of 3 areas, namely – Macau, Zhuhai, and Hong Kong.

Moving Around

Moving around in Shenzhen is undoubtedly quite easy, thanks to its widely distributed and diverse public transportation system. Shenzhen is well accommodated with pedestrian walkways, eco-friendly buses, underground metro, and all other systems. Taxis are very common and highly used in Shenzhen. Day by day as it is getting more exhausting for people to bear the hefty traffic congestion, more and more people are deciding to opt for cycling instead of buying their own car.

Walk

Shenzhen has good pedestrian walkways but since it is a huge city with never-ending heavy traffic, newcomers might find it difficult to move around by walking. However, with Shenzhen’s map, it walking around the city can be a good self-guided tour. One of the most famous pedestrian walkways is in Dongmen, named as the Dongmen Pedestrian Street where millions of people step foot daily.

Bicycle

Bicycle is gaining more and more popularity in Shenzhen. In fact, more than buying a personal bike, hiring bikes is more common. Several Chinese apps like Hellobike, Xiaoming Bikes, the most popular being Ofo and Mobike, lets users hire bicycles. Each app has its own distinctive color painted on the rim of the cycles so that it’s easy for you to locate the bike. All you have to do is open the app, let it find your location, and show the bikes closest to you, you have to find your nearest bike as no one will bring it to you, scan the QR code on the bike, pay through WeChat or Alibaba, and start riding. Remember to park only in parking areas so that there is no chaos. Also, cycling through bus routes in Shenzhen as well as other busy roads is prohibited to reduce the prone of accidents. Cycling through pedestrian streets and separate cycling streets have are the preferred ways. Thankful to this huge eco-friendly development in Shenzhen, the streets are much quieter now and noise pollution has been tried to control.

Electronic Vehicles

Shenzhen is the first city in the whole world to revolutionize its public transport by completely changing its bus system. Buses that are run by fossil-fuels were completely replaced with electric buses in 2008. About a decade later in 2020, Shenzhen has now 16,000 buses in total and all of them are electric buses. They stop at normal bus stations that were made earlier, and within the meantime, the widely popular taxis have also been replaced by electric taxis. The government has been powering Shenzhen industries full- so that soon all taxis moving in Shenzhen are electrically powered. Trams that were built in 2013 and opened in 2017, are also fully electrically charged.

Public Bus

Public buses in Shenzhen are all electrical buses. Apart from technology, art, and nature, what Shenzhen is famous for is its unique plans for public buses. The government has franchised 3 bus companies- Shenzhen Eastern Bus Group, Shenzhen Western Bus group, and Shenzhen Bus Group, to operate on most of the routes. Depending on the type of bus route, the buses have been accommodated with a specific color. Express lines that connect the city to suburbs/villages have green long-distance coaches, for main-lines, there have been allotted cyan colored transit buses, for short routes connecting alleys and narrow streets, there are orange midibuses. There are also other bus routes, for example- Rush Hour Express, Inter-city bus routes, Travelling Routes, etc, that are written in Chinese characters. Apart from these, a few private companies have also introduced their own buses.

Tram, Train and Subway

Shenzhen metro card, Shenzhen metro group, Shenzhen metro line 6, Shenzhen metro line 10, Shenzhen metro line 12, Shenzhen metro operational hours,

Two tram lines have been opened in Shenzhen since 2017. When the construction began in 2013, it was originally planned for 3 lines, however, later it was changed to two. Hence, both the lines have their starting point at Qinghu, have parallel tram lines till Dahe, then they separate. Tram line 1 goes to Xiawei, and tram line 2 goes to Xinlan.
Trains in Shenzhen only support inter-city transportation, and are connected to 51 important cities and spread all across China, including Hong-Kong. Moving around in Shenzhen includes trams and mtr.
MTR or metro or subways in Shenzhen is the most common traveling option for locals and expats. It is literally vast and has spread its roots all across Shenzhen, covering urban areas, railways, bus stations, and airports. There are 11 lines and 283 stations in total that run for an enormous 411 km. Each station departs its first metro at 6:30 am while the closing mtr runs at 11 pm. It is advisable to buy the Shenzhen metro map, or download its pdf so that there is no confusion where you want to drop off or get on the subway. Locals can purchase their metro cards for convenient daily travel.

A tram passes through the platform at the tram station, located in Longhua District, Shenzhen.

Sustainable Shopping

Shenzhen- China’s Silicon Valley, has made great efforts for introducing sustainability through diverse eco-friendly ways such as introducing green travel options, encouraging the public to opt for locally made eco-friendly products, franchising sustainable clothes, urbanization, and more. Although sustainable shopping is still not 100%, people are being encouraged continuously.

Food Markets

Dongmen Food Market – The widely popular Dongmen Food Market is a part of the Hubei Dongmne market in the Luohu District. Here you can get anything and everything from Shajing oysters, to grilled meat on skewers, different types of fried rice, Bingtanghulu, cockroaches, baozi, Taiwan pancakes, and more! What adds to the uniqueness of this place is its eclectic environment- it is loud, it is noisy, it is filled with humidity, and it is an interestingly great place to make friends whenever you visit!

Yantian Seafood Street – Do you want to taste seafood in local Chinese style in Shenzhen but worried about the budget? Then throw away all doubts into the sea and enjoy the thrilling seafood at Yantian Seafood Street. Steamed lobsters, steamed king crab, seafood mixed hotpot, octopus, Rodrigues, crustacean combo plate, you name it, you have it! Talking about the prices, they are much cheaper because of the location close to the sea.

Baishizhou – Baishizhou has been nicknamed as “urban village”, “a dying area planning for redevelopment”, etc. The last ‘village’ according to the high industrialization standards of Shenzhen, the original food market has been slightly relocated. You can find food stalls on the streets of Baishizhou, a few minutes walking distance from the Jiangnan Supermarket. You’ll get varieties of spicy bread, BBQs, fried skewers, Hong Kong street food, leaving the rest for you to discover. It is inexpensive yet rich in taste and quality!

Dongmen food market

Flea Markets

Pinghu Fruit Market – Though it is not a flea market, it is worth mentioning. Here, in Pinghu Fruit Market located in Longgang district, farmers sell their produce directly. Covering at least 10,000 sq. meters, here you can get freshly produced tea, varieties of fruits, nuts, flowers, plants/saplings, eggs, fresh meat, and seafood. Expanding its diversity are stalls that sell kitchenware and locally made clothes/shoes. Needless to mention, the prices are visibly less and the quality of items is much better. Wholesale dealers usually buy from Pinghu Fruit Market.

Aihua Lu (Lu standing for Luohu district) - Huaqingbei is the world’s biggest electronics wholesale market, but it's only a day. But after sunset, another market emerges- called the Aihua Lu. Here the shop-owners, well rather electronics’ vendors (since most of them sit on the street and don’t have proper stalls) sell second-hand products, products that were earlier used to people but are now needed no more. The owners, knowing electronics, repair whatever damage had been done to the product (if any), polish it, and sell it to new customers at half the price. No bargaining. No questioning on the quality of the product. No asking where it came from. What you see is what you see. If you try to question or bargain, you’ll probably be jolted back by some harsh comments.

Second Hand Stores

Quan Yuan Xuan Gallery – Located in the Longgang district’s Pingkui Road, the store numbered 11, Quan Yuan Xuan Gallery, is a simple store that organizes exhibitions in their own shop. These exhibitions display old Chinese paintings and calligraphy that are now antique. It is a family-run shop, and apart from exhibitions, they also hold sales on specific dates. The old traditionally designed paintings or handcrafted frames, and old calligraphies are sold at a discounted price. Apart from these, they also sometimes display the little stock of original hand-crafted jewelry made in ancient China.

*Second-hand market of Huaqianbei – Huaqianbei is a haven for electronics goods, not only in China but also in the whole world! Also, here in Huaqianbei, you can get stalls and shops that sell second-hand electronic goods (not the night market of Aihua, but licensed stalls in the market itself). You can get the widely popular refurbished iPhones of china here in the market itself. Any kind of electronics, starting from the smallest sim adapters to the large electronics like washing machines and refrigerators, you’re heartily welcomed.

Eco-Fashion

China, a country whose traditional views were against buying second-hand items, is now consistently changing the traditions for less impact on the environment. Eco-fashion stores are consistently on the rise in China, especially in Shenzhen. The First China (Shenzhen) International Ecologic Fashion Design Contest held in Shenzhen, organized a fashion runway where young budding designers were aspirants for creating environmentally friendly eco-fashion clothes. You can easily spot brands like H&M Conscious, Matt and Natt, Everlane, and China’s very own leading eco-fashion brand in the world- INDICES, very easily in every clothing store or fashion malls. Stores like ‘Live With Less’, and ‘Share2’ are promoting sales of second-hand items. Their chief executive sales manager has common thoughts; they say that although they accept and sell second-hand items of all categories, what they mostly receive are clothes. The central government has constantly encouraged citizens to avoid fast-changing fashion that has a harsh effect on the environment. Instead, opt for the thrill of buying used clothes, which are almost as good as new ones.

Recycling

Many people have a wrong thought that China is the most polluted in the world, and there is dir everywhere. This is absolutely untrue. In fact, when one visits China’s megacity- Shenzhen, one can witness clear streets, as same as in the western. The government in Shenzhen has set up special recycling bins for every possible category of waste, in each and every area of the Shenzhen metropolis. There are bins for glass, aluminum, tin, plastics, and metal. Shenzhen has made recycling compulsory and mandatory, a motive that every developing country must follow! The measures for a sustainable future is taken are huge steps, such as recycling of homeware. Out of 5 million people who live in Shenzhen, their going to-be discarded kitchenware, used electronic appliances, and even furniture was taken for recycling. Each process from collection, to sorting, and sending for recycling were carried out successfully in a well-planned order. It is no doubt Shenzhen carries on the legacy of changing scrap to treasure, just like how it transformed itself from a mere fishing village to one of the world’s leading hi-tech megacity.

Waste

Wastes produced such as torn and used furniture and clothing, or other materials such as plastics and metals- are categorized as recyclables. Those that cannot be recycled, such as kitchen wastes for example- vegetable peels, decaying food, rotten fruits, leftovers, tea residues, etc. are soft wastes and separated from used tissue papers or broken ceramics, filled in plastic bags and kept in green kitchen waste recycling bins and collected by the municipality. Hard kitchen wastes such as broken ceramics, used towels, used sanitary pads, dust, etc, are not considered suitable or safe for recycling and reuse, thus they are kept in grey colored waste bins and transported to a plant where they can be incinerated or used for landfill. The potentially hazardous wastes such as batteries and broken bulbs are kept in a differently designed, orange-colored “Harmful waste” bin that is transported to detoxification plants and then discarded so that it does not cause pollution to the environment.

Work and Study Abroad

Apparently, getting a job in China seems easy, but it is always not the case. If you want to work in Shenzhen, you do not have to learn Chinese only to get a job. For foreigners trying to get a job, companies in Shenzhen look for 3 main qualities. The person should excel in their native language let it be English or any other language from any country, the applier must have work experience in international markets like Sales, trade, etc. Since Shenzhen is known for its technological markets, many companies prefer expats who have qualifications in technological fields such as AI, computers, microchips, etc. Although it is not mandatory to learn Chinese in the first phase of getting a job, once you get a job, you should learn Chinese, because you’ll slowly start to come across more people who don’t know English or your native language. Also, it is better not to apply for jobs via online apps and profiles, rather go to Shenzhen and look for one yourself.

Exchange Student

There are extensive programs available for students to apply for an exchange student program in Shenzhen, China, one of the leading tech metropolises. Courses offered can include various courses such as Chinese speaking courses, engineering, zoology, nursing, courses from commerce, calligraphy and culture classes, and so on. Many universities, colleges, and schools offer exchange programs, the most named and reputed being The Chinese University Of Hong Kong in Shenzhen.

Au Pair

Au Pair is an online community that offers foreign women (the au pair) to stay in the house of a local (called the host). The au pair must look after the house/ take care of children/cook or do any task asked by the host, in exchange for shelter, food, and cultural values. Au Pair is a trusted and safe community that checks both applier and the host. However, no monetary reward is mentioned compulsory to be given by the host, but they do give small allowances. There are many hosts available in Shenzhen. Check the website to know more.

Volunteering

To volunteer as a tourist in Shenzhen, or any other city in China, you must be fluent in English or at least know how to speak basic English. Many local organizations are constantly trying to expand their work. You must get in touch with a local manager in Shenzhen to know which are the current ongoing programs in which you can participate as a tourist.