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Hi
all... I would like to share some things about the city of Shenzhen. This
city has grown from a small border village in the 60s to one of the most
exciting new cities in China with a population of around 9 million people.
This city is full of migrant workers and I would say this would bolster the
population to around the 12 million mark.
The city is building a reputation for electronics and makes most of the
world’s mobile phones and parts for computers and also the iPhone and iPad
are made here to. The beauty of this city is that is has been built on the
backs of the migrant workers who still have a big part to play in the city
even today. Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken even though it is in Guangdong
province and squeezed between Hong Kong and Guangzhou where the language is
Cantonese
As
it is a new city most of the buildings are very modern with some breath
taking designs and it just keeps expanding at a fantastic pace. The new
subway is only 4 years old and when you go about the city you will see all
the work going on where they are pushing outwards with the metro system
which I must say is the best way to travel around.
Of
course any city in China has its shopping areas, one of the must see places
is Dong-men this is a huge sopping area squeezed in-between the tall
buildings and you can buy about anything there. Well worth a look but beware
of your belongings as there are so many people around this area and well
known for the pick pocketing or slashing your bag open. As I say think about
your belongings and where you put them before you go into areas like this.
On the whole I find it is one of the best places to shop in Shenzhen.
When you cross over the border from Hong Kong drop down on to the subway and
take the train 2 stops only and get off and take exit D will take you in to
this area which is a must see. But if it is a nice phone or the latest
gadget on the market head to the computer area in Futian district. I bet you
will be amazed what you see there but again be carefully as what you see as
what you get often is not the same so take your time and make sure you test
the product well before you buy and oh haggle, never pay the price they ask
what every they say. You will get it for half the price or less even
if you walk away they will call you back if they can make something on it.
Always haggle for price in China as they will see you and think they are on
a winner (I know this still happens to me 12 years on). I bought 3 watches
on my last trip. When I decided the ones I wanted they asked me for 600 Yuan
and I went straight in at 100 Yuan £10 sterling and I got them for that so
this just shows you what the mark up is on the products they are selling to
YOU. The best way is to say to yourself what it would cost you at home and
what you are prepared to pay for it, then if you are happy what you are
paying and they still have a smile on their face it is a good deal.
The night life is well known as it has everything from very load clubs to
the ktv but I must say the huge thing in China is the massage. These
places are open 24 hours and are mixed venues and well worth going to as you
will be treated like a king or queen and even worth going in for a foot
massage. There is a basic charge of around 80-100 Yuan but you can
have use of all the facilities and tea coffee, fruit, ice cream etc are all
included on your entry fee. Well worth a visit and also a cheap way to have
a bed for the night, cheaper than a hotel.
The weekends are very busy as it becomes a day out for the whole family so
best during the week. There is also a street not far from Dong-Men where it
is all restaurants mostly selling sea food and the best thing is you pick it
from the tanks and it is all cooked fresh for you but if you take a taxi
there get off at the end of the street and walk as you can get stuck in
traffic for a long time with the meter running. Please enjoy the photos
(sorry for the rain ones)
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