Shenzhen is a fascinating city located just north of Hong Kong. The city is renowned for its rapid development and modernity, often being referred to as the “city of the future.” Visitors to Shenzhen can expect to find a vibrant metropolis with towering skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and a lively nightlife scene. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what to expect when visiting Shenzhen.
Planning your trip: Weather & The Best Time to Visit The City
The best time to visit Shenzhen depends on what kind of weather you prefer. The city has a humid subtropical climate, so it’s fairly warm throughout the year. However, the summers can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 34 degrees Celsius. If you don’t like the heat, then it’s best to visit Shenzhen between October and March.
During this period, the weather is much cooler and more comfortable. You’ll also find that hotels and attractions are less crowded during these months. Of course, if you’re looking for a bargain, then you can always visit Shenzhen during the low season (May to September). Prices will be lower during this time, but you’ll need to be prepared for the occasional typhoon.
Transportation: Airport to Hotel, and Getting Around in The City
There are several ways to get from the Shenzhen airport to your hotel. The most popular option is to take a taxi, which is relatively inexpensive and convenient. You can also take the subway, which is a bit more complicated but can save you some money. Also, there are always public buses available, though these can be quite crowded during rush hour. Whichever option you choose, be sure to have your hotel’s address handy so that you can give it to the driver.
The most common form of transportation in the city is by bus. There are over 4,000 buses that cover the city, making it easy to get from one place to another. You can also take the metro, which has 11 lines and covers most of the major areas of Shenzhen. If you want to explore the city on your own, you can always take a taxi or rent a car. However, keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during rush hour. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, you can always take advantage of the many ride-sharing apps that are available in Shenzhen.
Tourist Attractions, Where to Eat, and Best Things to do in Shenzhen
Shenzhen is home to many different tourist attractions. If you’re interested in shopping, then you’ll want to check out places like Luohu Commercial City and Dongmen Pedestrian Street. For those who want to experience the city’s nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. And of course, no trip to Shenzhen would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Window of the World theme park.
When it comes to food, Shenzhen has something for everyone. If you’re looking for traditional Chinese cuisine, then you can’t go wrong with restaurants like Huang Jihuang and Xiao Fei Yang. For something a bit more modern, there are plenty of international options available as well. And of course, no trip to Shenzhen would be complete without trying the street food.
So, what are the best things to do in Shenzhen? Well, that depends on what you’re interested in. However, some of our top recommendations include visiting the Window of the World theme park, exploring the city’s nightlife scene, and sampling the street food.
Currency, Credit Cards, and ATMs in Shenzhen
The currency in Shenzhen is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). You can exchange your foreign currency at banks, hotels, and airport kiosks. You’ll also find that most major businesses accept credit cards, so you shouldn’t have any trouble making purchases. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand in case you need it.
There are plenty of ATMs throughout the city, so you should have no trouble finding one when you need it. However, keep in mind that most of them only accept Chinese cards. If you don’t have a Chinese card, then you can always use an international ATM, though you’ll likely be charged a fee for this service.
Safety: is Shenzhen safe to visit?
Overall, Shenzhen is a safe city. violent crime is relatively rare, and the police are quick to respond to any incidents that do occur. However, like any large city, some areas are best avoided, particularly at night. The Luohu district, for example, is home to many of Shenzhen’s nightclubs and bars and can be quite chaotic after dark. Similarly, the Futian district can be prone to pickpocketing and other petty crimes. As long as you exercise caution and avoid these areas after dark, you should have no problem staying safe in Shenzhen.
Visa Requirements for People Traveling to China
For anyone looking to travel to China, it’s important to be aware of the visa requirements. All travelers must have a valid passport and a tourist visa. The visa must be obtained before arriving in China, and it’s advisable to apply for it well in advance of the trip. The application process is generally straightforward, but it can take several weeks to obtain a visa. Travelers from some countries may also need to obtain a separate visa for Hong Kong.
Once in China, travelers should be aware that they will need to register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. With these simple steps, you can ensure that your trip to China goes smoothly and that you comply with all the necessary regulations.