Shenzhen, China 🇨🇳
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shenzhen is a major city located in Guangdong Province, adjacent to Hong Kong, known for its rapid economic growth. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 13 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 200 Mbps, with major providers like China Unicom and China Mobile. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is RMB (Renminbi) and 1 USD ≈ 7.1 RMB. International cards like visa and Mastercard are accepted in places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; it's advisable to use bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type A, C, and I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC, Bank of China, and local ATMs widely accept international cards. Services through Alipay and WeChat Pay are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments, with platforms like Airbnb and local rental services. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, very cashless friendly with Alipay and WeChat Pay being the most common forms of payment. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms such as Tujia offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include hostels like HI Shenzhen and capsule hotels like SLEEP LAB. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hacker Paradise offers excellent coworking facilities and community for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brewed by Bina offers a calm atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are regularly hosted at community spaces like the Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Center. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | There are various expat groups on WeChat that organize social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the leading ride-hailing app in Shenzhen. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo provide bike-sharing services around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nan'ao Beach is a popular beach, approximately 1 hour from downtown Shenzhen. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Shenzhen Airlines operates several domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | China Southern Airlines connects Shenzhen with major international cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is connected via several major highways, including G4 and G15. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shenzhen North Railway Station is the primary transit hub for high-speed trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Shenzhen offers a public transport card for buses and metro, priced around 100 RMB. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | High-speed rail connects Shenzhen to Guangzhou and other major cities in a short time. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Shenzhen People's Hospital is highly regarded for healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room in Shenzhen offers a variety of classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Popular gym chains include Anytime Fitness and Fitness First. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like Laundromat Express can be found in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty, Peking Duck, available at various Chinese restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan restaurants like Loving Hut are available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try dessert specialties at Lady M bakery. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Dongmen Pedestrian Street offer budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are the leading online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Freshippo and Ele.me grocery delivery services are widely accessible. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sea World area in Shekou has a lively nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Shenzhen Brewery offers local beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Try Bar 88 for a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food in Luohu district is vibrant, offering dumplings and BBQ skewers. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are various international restaurants at the Coco Park area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Don’t miss visiting the Shenzhen Civic Center and Window of the World theme park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Shenzhen Museum and OCT-LOFT are key cultural sites. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out the Ancient City of Dapeng. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Yinhu Si Temple is a notable religious site in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shenzhen International Marathon is one of the city's key events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | OCT-LOFT is known for its artsy vibe and cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Shenzhen Grand Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Luohu Commercial City is great for shopping and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bars in the Nanshan district frequently host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city has vibrant street art, especially in the Nanshan area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Young chefs offer cooking classes showing traditional Chinese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Shenzhen's Shekou district is home to various contemporary art galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Shenzhen Customs Building is an architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Shenzhen has a unique blend of modern and traditional heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Xili Lake Park is an urban nature escape, perfect for picnics and walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wutong Mountain National Park offers hiking trails and stunning views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Shenzhen Bay Park features dedicated cycling and walking paths along the waterfront. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Wutong Mountain offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Mai Po Wetlands, near the border with Hong Kong, is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Nanshan Park has designated areas for bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and China Post provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Located in Huaqiangbei, there are numerous tech repair shops available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables available for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language institutions like Mandarin House offer classes in Mandarin. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Shenzhen Library is well-equipped for students and remote workers. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Shenzhen Community Center regularly hosts various workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are gaming lounges available in areas like Nanshan District. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Shenzhen as gambling is illegal, but there are gaming cafes. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥70,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥2,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥2,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥80,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥4,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥60,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥3,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥90,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥7,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥70,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥5,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for corporate income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | China operates a worldwide income taxation system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is calculated based on income generated. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard property transaction tax. |