Landing in Shenzhen -Again and Again

Nantou Ancient City

Getting There & Around
Because of airline availability and airport restrictions, direct flights into Shenzhen Airport can be a bit tricky depending on where you’re coming from. For me, I usually land in Hong Kong and take a taxi into Shenzhen—simple, smooth, and just works every time. The border crossing is fairly straightforward, especially if you're used to it. Just make sure your documents are in order, and be prepared for a short wait during peak times. Once you’re in, getting around is a breeze. Taxis (Didi) are cheap, and the metro is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate.

Visa & Connectivity Tips
As of 2023, China allows visa-free entry for Australian passport holders for up to 30 days (check before flying). If you travel frequently around Asia for work, the APEC Business Travel Card is worth looking into—it’s valid for 3 years and can really simplify entry into multiple countries, including Mainland China. And yes, social media is still blocked, but if you arrange an eSIM with VPN before you arrive (or right after), you’ll stay connected.

Language & People
English isn’t widely spoken, but it’s improving. More young locals speak it now, but having a translator app helps a lot. Still, people are friendly and helpful, even with the language gap.

Safety & Streets
One thing I truly love: Shenzhen feels safe. I walk around a lot, especially because the streets are lined with trees, small gardens, and open spaces. If you happen to be there during Chinese New Year, the city comes alive—red lanterns everywhere, mandarin trees at doorsteps, pots of mums blooming at every gate. It’s vibrant, festive, and unforgettable.

Food & Coffee Scene
Shenzhen is a melting pot, and with that comes variety. Coffee lovers, rejoice: the city is in a full-on coffee boom. You’ll see Luckin Coffee (China’s No.1 chain) everywhere—over 10,000 stores across the country, with dozens in Shenzhen alone. And yes, Western chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Domino’s are easy to find now too.

Shopping Fix
If you like shopping, you’re in for a treat. From luxury labels (though they can be a bit pricier than in HK) to budget-friendly local finds, Shenzhen has it all. I recommend checking out Dongmen, COCO Park, and Huaqiangbei for everything from clothes to gadgets. And depending on where you're staying, keep an eye out for night markets—they often pop up when the sun goes down, offering a mix of street food, clothes, and random little finds. It’s a lively, very local experience that’s worth wandering through.

A Few Places I've Actually Seen
I’m usually here for work, so sightseeing is limited—but I’ve squeezed in a few gems along the way:

• Yantian Seashore Catwalk – A long, breezy promenade along the coast, perfect for an afternoon walk or quiet break. On one side, you can actually catch a glimpse of Hong Kong across the water; on the other, Shenzhen’s skyline rises, with modern high-rises surrounded by mountains. It’s calm, scenic, and one of those places that makes the city feel like it can breathe.

• Window of the World – Think Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, and the Pyramids all in one place. It’s quirky, playful, and honestly a fun way to kill a few hours (and take a lot of photos).

• Dafen Painting Village – Rows of tiny art studios, where local artists recreate classics or paint custom pieces. It’s colourful, creative, and you might just walk away with something for your walls.

• Nantou Ancient City – Tucked away in the middle of modern life, this little pocket of old Shenzhen is peaceful, full of charm, and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another time.

Every time I come back, the city feels a little different—faster, shinier, and somehow still familiar. It’s one of those places that just keeps growing on you.

The first time I visited Shenzhen was in the early 2000s during a family trip. It was nothing like the city I know now—raw, buzzing, full of energy but still growing into itself. Then in 2014, I lived there on and off for almost a year and the city slowly started to feel familiar. Since then, I’ve been back regularly—except for the pandemic break—and resumed again in 2024, now visiting 3 to 4 times a year.

Yantian Seashore Catwalk

Longgang, SZ

Street food, Dongmen