So. Many. Regrets. 😭 And it's SO. DAMN. COMPLICATED.
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Hi everyone! I'm sharing my experience of "bravely" navigating Shenzhen last week, and just reminding the soon-to-come friends!
Last Thursday, a young man from a northern small town finally flew to Shenzhen! People often say that the South is good with its sea, skyscrapers and so on, which have always been appealing to me. So I sent my resume across multiple recruitment apps (which took me two days!), and secured five interviews at last, bought a ticket and off I went to Shenzhen.
First, allow me to share my first impression:
When the plane circled over Shenzhen, I was so excited that my lips must have reached my ears! Wow, it was bustling below. Tall buildings covering the streets, industrial zones, and big ports... most importantly, it was the first time I had seen the seaside!
Compared with the neat fields back home, this was like two different worlds. At that moment, I dreamt happily about the great life awaiting me after being settled in Shenzhen...Important reminder: Shenzhen's weather is another story!
As soon as I landed, I was drenched with sweat – oh no! My dad has always told me how naive/unaware I was regarding what would await me in the South, as he believed I might not be able to survive the hot and humid weather. Nevertheless, I insisted there must be ways to adapt, or why did people in Shenzhen keep working?Turns out, I significantly underestimated nature and those old wits... Indeed, Shenzhen has earned the nickname of “exile site of Lingnan region”, once a place for officials to serve their punishments due to its hot and humid climate, making travel inconvenient.
When I first touched down on the aircraft’s footbridge at the airport, it hit me that the air was abnormally damp and sultry. It felt like stepping into a public bath house in our winter north, causing non-stop perspiration, breathing with difficulty as if inhaling steam.
At that moment, I wanted to turn around and fly straight home, but Mum, who had warned me that this stay will be tough, prevented that.Advice for friends coming from the North/dry regions:
Prepare yourself – it’s very damp and hot here. When you come from a dry area, be mentally prepared and try your best to acclimate the body. Bring along lightweight and breathable clothes instead of sticky garments.The second shocker: I am the one lost by the roads!
I checked into a hostel near the first interview company, and got terribly lost trying to take the subway using the Maps app.
When transferring lines, things are much more complex compared to some cities where different directions on same lines are located in opposite ends. Many times, we need to take elevators up and down, wander around to achieve transfers. First-time visitors should spare enough time and follow the signs carefully.After finally arriving near the booked hostel, I lost track again until I called hostel-owner for a detailed walk-through. That hidden in an old apartment building was also the first time for me to see such a place… Oh man.
Living hints:
When reserving bookings, check details such as location and transportation feasibility, especially whether it is hidden somewhere in winding alleys rather than well-explained otherwise.Despite these unfortunate happenings, luckily, my interviews proceeded smoothly. All companies were great and I already decided which to go to.
Looking forward to settling into my new company next Monday!Fingers crossed!
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I was there for a week, worked just one day, and immediately bought a ticket back. It was incredibly muggy, and I sweated like crazy. I'd be drenched in sweat after just a five-minute walk, and my face was constantly oily and breaking out. I didn't like the food either. I love noodles, but all they seem to have in Shenzhen is stuff like fried rice noodles and pig trotter rice.
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Haha, hey there, fellow northerner! The food is fine for me since I like rice anyway, even back home. It's just the climate that's really hard to get used to.
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That's because you came right at the start of Shenzhen's toughest summer period. If you can make it through to autumn, around late September or October, things get much better. And winter is especially amazing – you'll think, 'Wow, the weather is so comfortable!' Compared to the freezing north, winter here feels like pure bliss.
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To be honest, Shenzhen winters aren't all that great when it rains. It's often warmer outside than inside, and you'll be shivering indoors. At least in the north, you have indoor heating during winter.
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Shenzhen is basically a giant sauna.
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And the north is like a giant icebox.
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I'm from the Northeast! I've always lived in the north! I went to Shenzhen for a trip a few days ago, and I almost burst into tears the moment I got off the plane! I just couldn't stand the heat!
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Actually, the real heat hasn't even started. Wait until July, then you'll know what real heat is.
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My foot's broken, and I have no money for food. Could someone lend me enough for a meal? I'll pay you back when I get my salary.
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I'm also from the Northeast and have been in Shenzhen for two years. Here's some advice for girls coming here alone: Try to find a slightly more expensive place, even if it means sharing. It's worth it. Avoid the 'urban villages' (chengzhongcun) if you can, and opt for proper residential compounds. If you have no choice but to live in an urban village, pick a place near a main road, not one tucked away down narrow alleys, as those can be unsafe.
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If you want to see the sea, the north has Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, Rizhao, and Dalian.
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I'm the type who easily feels cold. Yesterday, it was 22 degrees Celsius, and I wore long johns to bed. During the hot months, I just open the windows at night and use an electric fan.
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Definitely keep an eye out for any small red spots on your skin. I developed eczema from an allergic reaction; it's just so humid here.