WTF Does This Mean?! China Translation SOS
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Alright! This title is intriguing; I clearly understand that feeling! Let's modify it into a more suitable post for foreign friends to read - both witty complaints and travel tips, keeping it authentic!
On the first day in Shenzhen, oh my gosh, I almost packed up and went home!
Hey, friends planning to visit Shenzhen, let me give you some advice: there are a few things you should know before you arrive!
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Shenzhen might seem like a futuristic city filled with skyscrapers and tech companies, which indeed is modern. However, as someone who grew up in inland areas (you can specify your origin like being from the north or inland regions), coming here initially made me feel quite out of place.
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The transportation made me doubt myself:
- Eager to take the metro to get from the airport/train station to the hotel, but that subway map looks like an intricate maze filled with twists and turns!
- Cultural Tip: Shenzhen has an extensive and well-developed metro system (Metro). It has numerous lines with massive interchange stations, so using it for the first time could be confusing. Plan your route in advance, such as by using apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps.
- In desperation, I decided to order a taxi ride through Didi, app equivalent to Uber or Grab in our country. I was surprised to see how pricey these ride fares were! It seemed much more expensive than in the northern cities where I originated.
- Eager to take the metro to get from the airport/train station to the hotel, but that subway map looks like an intricate maze filled with twists and turns!
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My God, this weather!
- I visited it during the heavy and humid seasons ("Sihan" period or Summer season). Walking around felt like moving in wet clothes, and I was sweating all the way, feeling like I had molded.
- Geography Knowledge: Located in the south, near the coast of China, Shenzhen has a relatively high humidity rate throughout the year, especially during Spring and Summer. If you come from relatively dry places, you need to bring several sets of clothing and be prepared for some steam sauna experience.
- I visited it during the heavy and humid seasons ("Sihan" period or Summer season). Walking around felt like moving in wet clothes, and I was sweating all the way, feeling like I had molded.
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Not all popular spots are surprising:
- People call Shenzhen young and dynamic, which may be true because of the towering skyscrapers filled with tech presence. But it gave me initially a cold feeling since it seemed too new, lacking the warmth of old cities that carry slow-paced lives or the subtle charm. Maybe I haven't strolled the right part of such big cities yet.
Pay close attention, dear friends traveling to Shenzhen: -
Some popular "must-go" tourist attractions:
- Some sites that have been hyped up online and considered as "must-visit", particularly food streets or creative markets, actually might turn out to be very long queues, wasting your time, with average taste, and a low cost-effectiveness.
- Tips to avoid disappointment:
- Try going on weekdays or taking advantage of peak-hour-free periods such as early morning hours or evenings.
- Read different platforms' genuine reviews beforehand (like Dazhong Dianping, similar to Yelp; Xiaohongshu, similar to Instagram, but focuses mainly on living experience). Do not just judge based on the beautiful official promotional pictures.
- What about souvenirs?:
- At popular scenic zones, those so-called “local specialties” or souvenir goods in beautiful packaging often come at an extraordinary price and the quality isn’t guaranteed at all sometimes.
- Cultural Context: We consider the behavior of deliberately raising price levels mainly due to tourists to be "harvesting leeks," where we treat tourists as easy-to-harvest targets.
- Ways to save money:
- If you really want to buy something, try shopping in supermarkets nearby that locals frequent (such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, or local chains like CR Land); or branded shops in large commercial center.
- Trying local delicacies would give you a more genuine insight into local culture rather than buying unnecessary commodities.
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About Accommodation Choices:
- Do not solely depend on the cheap hotel price. Look carefully at its location and convenience of transport. Otherwise, you might end up spending the whole day commuting.
Certainly, Shenzhen is not entirely without its unique charm. For instance, the night views here are amazing, standing atop high buildings, looking at the sparkling skyscrapers, making you feel as if you're in a sci-fi city. It's definitely worth an inspection.
Of course, this is only my early impression as a newcomer. Tomorrow, I'll explore different places, taking some time off to enjoy the sea breeze or look for old and distinctive neighborhoods tucked away in hidden places, just to make new discoveries and add some fun experiences to my travels. Hoping my insights can help you!
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I arrived in mid-February and spent nearly three weeks job hunting. I was anxious every day because my money was running out. I kept wondering what to do, wanted to go home, and was so stressed I'd just wander outside. With no experience, I mostly found companies offering around 3k+ a month, which I ultimately didn't take. You really can't survive on 3k+ in Shenzhen.
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I was constantly going to interviews, taking the subway all over the place every day. Eventually, I found a job I really like. During my internship, after deductions for social security and housing fund, my take-home pay last month was 4.6k. This month, it'll probably be a bit better, around 4.9k. I'm due to become a permanent employee next month. Now, I don't feel like leaving Shenzhen anymore. After work or on weekends, I've explored so many fun places in Shenzhen (I've practically turned into a travel blogger, haha!). I've also met a lot of great people. It's such a vibrant city, very welcoming to young people. I feel like it's a place where hard work genuinely pays off.
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Been in Shenzhen for eight or nine years, and I still have nothing.
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Then why don't you go back to your hometown?
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I'm actually thinking of heading to Shenzhen in a few days.
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Say no more, I just got here today.
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Been in Shenzhen for over 9 months now, just been grinding away.
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Doing what?
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If you've never been to Shenzhen, it's best not to go. Once you're there, reality will quickly humble you.
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Well, I didn't exactly get 'humbled.' I stayed. When you're young, you should be full of energy, venture out and take risks. Even if you fail, at least when you're older, you won't feel like your whole life was predictable from the start.
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What's going on here?
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I interviewed with an operations company at Mingteng Center. They offered 3000 for the first month, including food and lodging, then 6000 after the probation period. However, they mentioned there would be deductions later, a few hundred RMB each month, but wouldn't specify the exact amount when I asked. All they said was they wanted me for a trial period. It feels pretty sketchy.
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It's my second day in Guangdong, and I've started a trial job. I cried on my first day here, cried that night, and cried again last night. I'm not even that tired, I just feel like crying.
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I cried too.
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Don't go back! Your hometown is the real trap. Focus on your career in Shenzhen, find a boyfriend, and build a life together. It's much more comfortable here than back home. The tricky part about hometowns is dealing with all the complex relationships and people's hidden agendas.
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I've consulted several fortune tellers. Some advised me to head east, others north, but they all agreed I shouldn't stay in the South. They said even if I do stay here, my career will just be mediocre, with no significant improvement.
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I'm also looking for e-commerce jobs, and the salaries are ridiculously low.
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How much?
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Honey, if anyone in Shenzhen is giving you trouble, just drop my name: 110!