Shenzhen: Things You Just WON'T Know Until You're Actually Here!

[Byron Larkin]

Welcome to Shenzhen? Here's What You Need to Know!

• Hunan Friends Are Everywhere!

  • True enough! In Shenzhen, you'll find many friends from Hunan Province, forming a vibrant community. After all, this metropolis opens up numerous opportunities for people from other parts of the country.

• Public Toilets Are Remarkably Neat!

  • Public toilets in Shenzhen, especially those in shopping malls and subway stations, are often spotlessly clean and usually provide toilet paper—quite an advantage when traveling in Asia!

• The Universe of 'Urban Villages'

  • Shenzhen is dotted with unique "urban villages," which are densely populated residential areas preserved amidst its rapid urban development. The number of these villages is so vast that you could move to a new one every month and still not run out!

• "Landlady/Landlord" Is a Legitimate Profession

  • With so many "urban villages" and rental units, "rent collection" practically becomes its own industry here, with many people earning a living from it.

• Lazy? Shenzhen Helps You Stand Up!

  • Living costs? Let's put it this way: in Shenzhen, it can be tough to afford even a bare minimum standard of living if you slack off at work. Competition here is fierce!

• Shenzhen Always Feels Young!

  • Although everyone eventually ages, this city always feels brimming with youth and energy, always filled with new blood and fresh trends.

• Different Social Security Levels

  • Some local life details such as social security services vary by category. This primarily affects local residents and long-term workers.

• The Weather Is a 'Magician'

  • The weather in Shenzhen feels almost like a game of random mode, switching seasons anytime during the year, so check the forecast before heading out.

• Working Overtime is Daily Life

  • Working overtime culture is quite common here. It's not surprising to see skyscrapers still lit up late into the night—this is very "Shenzhen."

• Gold and Treasure is Just a Rumor

  • Though Shenzhen is well-known for high-tech innovation and wealth, don't expect everyone to have an annual salary in the millions. The average monthly wage is around RMB 5,000 (approximately USD 700), putting significant pressure on daily life.

• Toilet "Vanishing Act" on Malls' First Floors

  • Notice this! Many malls in Shenzhen are nearly void of toilets on their ground floors; remember to look upstairs if you need one!

• Safe Yet Lonely City

  • Shenzhen might feel a bit lonely because everyone is quite busy. However, a good aspect is that the city is incredibly safe, with no real concern about going out at night.

• "Demolition and Construction" Continues on the Go

  • Everywhere you turn in Shenzhen, you'll see it seeming to endlessly build roads, cut down trees (of course they plant new ones too), this city is constantly undergoing construction and transformation.

• Know About Giant Flying Cockroaches!

  • High Energy Alert! In Shenzhen, some species of cockroaches are particularly large, as big as your big toe, and guess what, they can fly! Be mentally prepared, especially in older residential areas or during summer.

• Limited Space, Lots of People, Crowded But Thriving

  • The land area of Shenzhen isn't overwhelmingly large, but the population is massive. Everywhere feels packed with people, especially during peak hours commuting and at popular attractions.

• Simpler Social Relations

  • Comparatively speaking, social interactions in Shenzhen are simpler and more direct than in some older Chinese cities with complex social conventions. Often, capability takes precedence.

• Pedestrians Share Space with Bicycles

  • A tip for出行 (traveling): many bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways are combined in Shenzhen, note safety and avoid each other when walking or cycling.

• A Large Number of Singletons

  • There are quite a few single men and women above 30 or even 35 years old in Shenzhen, which is relatively common here. Personal freedom and choices are better accepted.

• Green Commuting, Buses Lead the Way

  • One great thing is that nearly all the buses in Shenzhen are electric, providing a silent and eco-friendly ride!

• Say Goodbye to Winter Upon Arrival

  • Once you arrive in Shenzhen, especially if you hail from the north, you may find yourself saying goodbye to most winter memories! Shenzhen remains warm throughout most of the year, hardly experiencing true winter.