About Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a modern and beautiful metropolis located in southern China just across the border from Hong Kong. A popular destination for business travellers and Chinese tourists, Shenzhen has been relatively undiscovered by international tourists. However that is changing as people hear about the city’s great attractions and that it is easily accessed from Hong Kong.
Described as a window of China’s opening up policy, Shenzhen was established as a Special Economic Zone in 1980. Since that time it has grown from a fishing village into a major and economically significant city.
A planned city, Shenzhen features striking architecture, an abundance of parks and open space, a modern road network with wide tree-lined streets and boulevards, a new and continually expanding underground metro rail system, and a wide range of tourist attractions.
Shenzhen was selected as the most liveable city in China in a report released at the 2007 China City Forum in Beijing. The Beijing International Institute for Urban Development compared and analysed the quality of life in 287 cities in China, examining factors such as facilities, government services, clothing, food, accommodation and travel. In another study, conducted by the Hong Kong-based China Research Institute for Urban Competitiveness, Shenzhen was named as the third most beautiful city in China, following Beijing and Hong Kong.
Fairy Lake Botanical Gardens (Galleries)
What can I do in Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has much to entice the traveller:
- Theme parks offering family fun and fascinating cultural experiences.
- Beautiful parks, natural areas and beaches and interesting historic sites.
- Golf, tennis and yachting with world-class venues and facilities.
- Excellent shopping, accommodation and dining.
- 26th Universiade games 2011.
To find out more see Shenzhen Attractions.
Futian District (Galleries)
How do I plan my visit?
Shenzhen is easily accessible from Hong Kong and the Hong Kong International Airport, or you can fly directly to the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. People from many countries don’t need a visa to enter Hong Kong, however you will need a Chinese visa to enter Shenzhen and it’s best to arrange this before you travel. Shenzhen has a range of very attractively priced three to five-star accommodation that can be booked online or through travel agents. To find out more see Plan Your Shenzhen Visit.
Some facts about Shenzhen
Geography
Shenzhen is a coastal city located in Guangdong province in south-eastern China, just across the border from Hong Kong. The capital of Guangdong province is the city of Guangzhou, which was known for a period as Canton. Shenzhen has an extensive coastal plain with a backdrop of rugged forested mountains. There are six districts in Shenzhen: Futian, Luohu, Nanshan, Bao’an, Yantian and Longgang. The districts of Futian, Luohu and Nanshan together make up the majority of the central Shenzhen area which directly adjoins Hong Kong. The city centre is in Futian district.
Model of central Shenzhen (Galleries)
Climate
Shenzhen has a subtropical climate with a long hot and humid summer from April to September. Temperatures rise to 30-35°C (86-95°F) in June-July at the peak of summer, sometimes higher. The nights are also warm to hot with temperatures of 25-30°C (77-86°F). Summer is also the wet season, when most rain is experienced, and typhoons are also possible. The temperature range in February, which is mid-winter, is from about 20°C (70°F) in the day to 10°C (50°F) at night.
Language
Mandarin, the official language of China, is spoken in Shenzhen. Mandarin is known in known in China as ‘Putonghua’. Because of Shenzhen’s close proximity to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, you will also hear the Cantonese language spoken. Many people in Shenzhen can also speak at least some English, with the Shenzhen Government offering programs to help people learn English. Many road signs and tourist maps and brochures feature both Chinese and English information, and announcements and displays on the Shenzhen Metro are also in both Chinese and English.
Currency
The currency in China is called the Renminbi, which means People’s currency and is abbreviated as RMB.
Useful links
- Shenzhen Government Online features a wide range of information about Shenzhen and its attractions, and an interesting Local News service.
- The China Internet Information Portal has a wealth of information and news about all aspects of China.
- The English language Shenzhen Daily newspaper website has the latest news about Shenzhen and China including business, travel and entertainment updates, and often features fascinating insights into Shenzhen and its attractions. Links to a range of interesting Shenzhen Daily articles can be browsed in Discover China News.
More information
To find out more about Shenzhen see: