Shenzhen: Yeah, I'm Officially Not Built For This City.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

Now, let me tell you about my less-than-stellar experiences in Shenzhen and offer fair warnings for friends considering joining the fray!

• Frankly, I can’t even remember why I insisted on coming here, leaving behind job opportunities in my hometown (where I grew up) to venture alone into the unknown.

  • While I do have some friends in Shenzhen, we’re scattered all over! The city is vast, making it quite an undertaking to meet face-to-face since traveling usually takes around two hours for any casual encounters.

• Speaking of which, I’m now fully convinced by Shenzhen’s weather!

  • Before arriving, people had warned me about the oppressive humidity and heat which often leads to deteriorating skin condition – back then, I naively brushed off these concerns. But today, when I look in the mirror, my doubts were shattered!
  • I have never had such poor skin; my face is covered with pimples and tiny flesh-colored bumps (a type of skin irregularity we call “blisters”, which are small bumps under the skin). Before moving to Shenzhen, my acne would just linger around my forehead and chin, but now they've sprouted all over my face, including my lower jaw. Every time I see myself in the mirror, I feel like gouging out my eyes!
    • Reminder for new arrivals in Shenzhen: Be mindful that the hot and humid climate may not be as favorable to some individuals’ skin. As a precaution, ensure to invest in proper skincare.

• To make things worse, there are just too many bugs in Shenzhen! I'm positively appalled (even though perhaps this will become more bearable after frequent contact).

  • Major Warning: At the mere thought of discovering bed-bugs nestled comfortably on my clothes (small, blood-sucking insects), my skin still crawls.
    • Avoid the Pitfalls: Upon moving to Shenzhen, especially if staying in older buildings or budget-friendly accommodations, thoroughly check your bed and clothes for pests. If possible, bring your own insect repellent or sheets for added peace of mind.

[Jeremiah Bednar]

I lived and worked in Shanghai for over seven years, and I've only been in Shenzhen for half a month. Honestly, I feel completely out of sorts and resistant to this place.

[Daisy Hermiston]

Seriously, I keep trying to talk myself into accepting it, but Shenzhen really feels like a city where you just grind away like a beast of burden.

[Lorena Runolfsson]

Shenzhen's climate is actually pretty good.

[Dana Sanford]

Good? My foot!

[Courtney Hickle Jr.]

Really? Is it that bad? I was all set to start working in Shenzhen, I've even already confirmed with my boss there.

[Colin Cronin]

I guess everyone's different. I have friends who actually love Shenzhen.

[Roosevelt Reynolds]

Shenzhen is hot and humid year-round, which can definitely affect your skin. Try adjusting your skincare routine and diet; things usually get much better after an adjustment period. As for bugs, it's common in the humid south to have these 'uninvited guests.' You can get some insect repellent, a mosquito coil, and generally bug-proof your room.

[Josephine Cremin]

I used to break out when I was in Shenzhen too.

[Helen Gleason]

Personally, I think it was because the construction sites ️ were too noisy, and I couldn't get enough rest.

[Glenn Ryan PhD]

Same here. I lived in Hangzhou for three years and didn't feel particularly down when I first moved there. But in Shenzhen, I just can't seem to get interested in anything.

[Josephine Cremin]

Guys who come to Shenzhen often get folliculitis, and women tend to break out and get 'puffy face.' Seems like Shenzhen's water or environment really isn't kind to your skin/body.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

The water quality seems pretty bad.

[Danielle Purdy-Weimann]

It's true, Guangdong is humid and hot, which makes it easy to get acne. My former teacher from Lanzhou said he started breaking out when he moved here too.

[Courtney Hickle Jr.]

Avoid sugary foods, eat lighter meals, and skip the milk tea. That should help a bit.

[Wayne Marvin]

Maybe consider getting some hair removal or IPL photorejuvenation, see if that makes life a little more bearable.

[Colin Cronin]

Oh, really? I actually find Shenzhen's climate quite comfortable. I've been here for six years and never had any acne.