Shenzhen: What's the Catch?
-
Hello everyone, as a native Cantonese speaker and long-time resident of Guangdong, I've been pondering some thoughts that simply can't be contained any longer. Let me share them with you:
- Recently, I've been thinking about what it is we young people are striving for:
- Isn't it the case that sometimes, like me, you may feel directionless, losing interest in many things?
- There's another question that's stuck in my mind: Why is it that so many of us want to make our way to big cities?
- It's true that opportunities abound in big cities – that cannot be denied. But at times, their fast-paced, high-pressure lifestyle can also bring its downsides.
- Friendly reminder for all (especially friends from abroad):
- If you're considering coming to China's big cities like Guangzhou or Shenzhen to venture out on your own, make sure to prepare yourself mentally for the rapid pace of life and fierce competition here.
- When it comes to things like finding employment or renting a place to live, try searching online beforehand or asking those who already reside there for tips; this will avoid taking many detours.
- This subject really speaks to me, and I sincerely hope to hear everyone's perspective, especially those from different regions. How are young people in your area faring? I'd love to hear your insights!
- Recently, I've been thinking about what it is we young people are striving for:
-
Shenzhen's healthcare is terrible. My spouse underwent excessive treatment at HKU Shenzhen Hospital. After five failed surgeries, they were left a high-level paraplegic, incontinent, and with a first-degree disability.
-
It's boring—a high-tech kind of boring and empty. I wish Shenzhen could become a city with rich history and culture, rather than just a commercial hub.
-
If you're looking for historical depth, why not go to Beijing? Or if the north isn't your thing, Guangzhou has a decent amount of history too. Isn't this just a classic case of wanting to fundamentally change something and then complaining about it—like 'forcing a good woman into prostitution and then trying to save her'?
-
A 'food desert'? Please, stop parroting what everyone else says. Have you actually made an effort to find good food? If all you eat is your daily pig's trotter rice, what would you know about real cuisine?
-
The fact that you have to 'seriously search' for good food pretty much admits it's true, doesn't it? Even for something as simple as char siu rice, any random roadside stall in Guangzhou is a hundred times better than what you'd find in Shenzhen.
-
I actually think the 'coldness' or indifference between people here is a good thing. If everyone were close, I'd be expected to give gifts of money every time someone got married or had a baby.
-
Everyone's here to make money, not to make friends. That's perfectly fine by me.
-
It's incredibly heartless and cold here, making it hard to find friends. Firstly, even if you do, they're likely to leave soon. Secondly, at work, you have to keep your distance because backstabbing is common. Thirdly, rent is exorbitant and landlords are ruthless. Fourthly, salaries aren't that much higher than in other parts of China. Fifthly, there's a constant sense of drifting, with no feeling of home. The only thing I'd truly miss are the blue skies and white clouds.
-
Isn't life in any big city just about working? All first-tier cities feel pretty much the same; the main difference is the climate.
-
Haha, Shenzhen is a great place to make money... and also a great place for others to take yours.
-
How come you're not complaining about Hong Kong?
-
Probably because this person hasn't had the chance to visit Hong Kong, or hasn't stayed long enough to really form an opinion.
-
If I had the choice, I wouldn't choose to live in Shenzhen.
-
A city for workhorses.