Shenzhen: It's a Giant, Souped-Up County Town.

[Orville DuBuque]

Sure, here is the translated text that captures the essence and sentiment of the original content:

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Shenzhen is... interesting...

• An "upgraded version" of a large town?

  • Well, speaking of Shenzhen, it reminds me of an extraordinarily large yet somewhat underdeveloped "County+ Edition." A "county" in China usually refers to a place smaller than big cities and less developed. Despite being an international metropolis, Shenzhen sometimes gives a feeling like it’s still undergoing its maturation.

• International vibe? Not quite!

  • If you think about its 'modern' or 'westernized' allure, it somehow comes up slightly short compared to those established international megacities, like its flair isn't entirely there — that air of sophistication you'd get from more seasoned cities.
    • (Side note: Modern and westernized here essentially means having a 'global outlook.')

• Local charm? No so much!

  • Then consider its 'local' or 'native' character... It might not have left a distinctive 'old Shenzhen' vibe for you to recall. Due to being newly developed post China’s Reform and Opening-up policy, it used to be just a small fishing village. Therefore, comparing it to historical gems like Beijing or Xi'an, it lacks that deep-rooted history.

• So, in a nutshell:

  • New: Truly new, filled with skyscrapers everywhere.
  • Large: Really vast, covering a few hours' distance from east to west.
  • But it has somewhat of a strange sense that makes one feel its soul is still catching up to its physical growth.

Travel Tip (Key Points!):

• Don’t anticipate seeing many historic landmarks when visiting Shenzhen due to its focus on modernity and fast-paced atmosphere.
• Although it might not amaze you with its profound cultural heritage, its rapid development and youthful vitality stand out instead.
• While Shenzhen may not be your go-to place to experience 'Old China', if you’re pondering about witnessing a ‘city of tomorrow’, then this is where it lies!

[Jo Douglas]

Always complaining, whether in Hong Kong or Shenzhen. Where's your hometown? Why don't you just go back there?

[Roosevelt Reynolds]

Hey, cross-eyes, less yapping!

[Hazel Brown-Stracke]

Sure, Shenzhen has a lot of people, incomes are high, and everyone's eager to make money. But I just don't get why some people think they can set up a small table, sell homemade sandwiches, and they're not even cheap.

[Bob Heller]

What I mainly don't get is who actually buys them.

[Elaine Boyle PhD]

It's true Shenzhen has many 'urban villages,' and places outside the former special economic zone like Longgang and Longhua are packed with people and scooters. But there are also plenty of prosperous and beautiful spots. Ultimately, whether you like a place largely depends on your own living environment. With enough money, life is good anywhere because you can afford to live in a nice area.

[Orville Conroy]

Ha, so true. It's the same everywhere; having enough money to live your own life well is what really matters.

[Jeannie Parisian]

What Shenzhen looks like has nothing to do with your monthly salary. What's truly important for you is being able to make a better life for yourself here.

[Mr. Jody Bednar]

Got it. That makes perfect sense, thank you!

[Carmen Willms]

A futuristic, sci-fi, romantic metropolis—that's where I work.

[Kristi Doyle]

This picture really captures the feeling of a major city.

[Dr. Guadalupe Homenick]

The standard of management is worrying (it wasn't like this before).

[Jesse Paucek]

If you're unhappy wherever you go, why don't you just stay back in your hometown?

[Josephine Cremin]

You go to Hong Kong and complain about being looked down upon, then come to Shenzhen just to scoff. Little do you know, most second-generation Shenzheners are wealthier than you. Even if they were in Hong Kong, they'd likely be able to afford property and wouldn't just have an employee mindset.

[Lorraine Rau]

It's mainly because there are too many migrant workers from smaller towns and rural areas now. Plus, with electric scooters darting all over the place, it's not wrong to say it feels like a county town.

[Beatrice Thiel]

...This is a place that has boomed over 40 years of rapid development... It's in its DNA to have both that 'wild growth' spirit and a vibrant, down-to-earth street culture.

[Florence Stark]

Shenzhen certainly lacks that 'old-money' or 'aristocratic' vibe of more established cities. On one hand, you have the elites in suits in the tech parks; on the other, the bustling, down-to-earth atmosphere of 'urban villages' with the aroma of rice noodle rolls wafting through the air. The contrast is pretty stark at first glance! But look at it from another angle, isn't this its unique charm? It carries no historical baggage, having grown from grassroots beginnings into an international metropolis. The innovative companies incubated in its tech parks, the cutting-edge electronics from Huaqiangbei – aren't these all examples of 'sophistication' sprouting from 'local soil'? The urban villages offer a landing spot for young newcomers, while the CBD holds endless opportunities. This eclectic, inclusive mix is something other cities can't easily replicate.