Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shenzhen is a major city in Guangdong Province, China, known for its skyscrapers and rapid economic growth. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 13 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY ≈ 0.15 USD. Most shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Easy to purchase at airports or convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered are available. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rentals through platforms like Beijinger. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payment methods are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Hi Shenzhen Hostel offer affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Luohu district is popular for its shopping and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nanshan District, known for its coworking spaces and tech scene. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork in Nanshan provides a vibrant working community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Mix, known for its good coffee and work-friendly ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are frequently held at venues like Shenzhen Art Museum and via platforms like Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Shenzhen Expat Meetup on Facebook regularly organizes social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the main ride-hailing app used in Shenzhen. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo offer bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shenzhen Bay Beach is about a 30-minute drive from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Shenzhen Airlines is the primary regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | China Southern Airlines operates numerous international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Multiple highways, including the G4 and G15, provide easy access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shenzhen North Railway Station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Shenzhen offers Monthly Transport Cards for local metro and bus networks. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | High-speed trains to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and other major cities are readily available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Shenzhen People's Hospital is one of the best medical facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House Shenzhen offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness has locations across Shenzhen. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services like Wash & Fold are available in many neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dim sum is a must-try in Shenzhen. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurant options include Pure Lotus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dessert shops like Sweet Dynasty offer a variety of treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Dafen Oil Painting Village has affordable local art and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com is a popular e-commerce platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Freshippo offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Coco Park is a popular nightlife district. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Shenzhen Brewery offers craft beers with local flavors. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Dine is a chic wine bar worth visiting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Dongmen offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta e Basta serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Huawei Headquarters and Shenzhen Central Park are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Shenzhen Museum offers insights into the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ancient Art Museum features impressive historical artifacts. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Hongfa Temple is a beautiful site to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shenzhen is known for the Shenzhen International Cultural Industries Fair. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nanshan's OCT-LOFT is a cultural gathering place for artists. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Shenzhen Grand Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Huaqiangbei Electronics Market is a must-visit for tech enthusiasts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live House at the OCT-LOFT often features local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Shenzhen has vibrant street art in areas like Dafen. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kitchenvilla offers local cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The CAFA Art Museum showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Shenzhen Civic Center is renowned for its architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local heritage is showcased in the Shenzhen Folk Museum. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wutong Mountain offers excellent hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Shenzhen Mangrove Ecological Park is a great spot for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Shenzhen Bay Park features scenic biking and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The observation deck at Ping An Finance Center offers stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Nan'ao Beach area is excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Dapeng Peninsula has areas for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and local electronics shops offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Parks like Shenzhen Bay Park have free outdoor ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin House offers Chinese language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Shenzhen Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Shenzhen International Cultural Exchange Center hosts many community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes like Game Center offer gaming services. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is largely illegal in mainland China, with few exceptions. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥2,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥2,700,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥3,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥1,600,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | World-wide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No capital gains tax; allows for easy asset management. |