A vast metropolis situated on China’s southeastern coast, Shenzhen is one of the country’s wealthiest and fastest-growing cities. What was once a small fishing village has transformed into a global technology hub and major megacity.

Expats moving to Shenzhen are often astonished by the city’s impressive skyscrapers, while the array of lush gardens and nature trails are equally inviting.

Living in Shenzhen as an expat

This megacity has grown out of the Pearl River Delta, a geographic landmark that has made Shenzhen one of the world’s busiest container ports and a vital link to neighbouring Hong Kong.

Its status as a Special Economic Zone has also allowed the city to become a key manufacturing and tech centre with a clean, extensive and efficient public transport network. Shenzhen and its surrounding areas host the headquarters of numerous multinational companies, including Tencent, ZTE and Huawei.

With this in mind, finding work in this city’s strong economic climate may not be a major hurdle. The same goes for settling and integrating into life here.

Although perhaps less spoken about than other Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, Shenzhen draws in its fair share of foreigners. This influx has led to a growing number of services and facilities to meet the needs and desires of expats.

Getting Around in Shenzhen 
Lifestyle in Shenzhen

Cost of living in Shenzhen

Moving to this megacity can come at a high financial cost. Shenzhen is one of the most expensive cities in China, after only Shanghai and Beijing. 

While renting accommodation in a modern apartment complex may seem alluring, you should be sure to budget appropriately and research the popular neighbourhoods. Living further out from the city centre can save you a significant amount on rent.

International schools are another expense that expat parents will have to budget for carefully. Some employers may offer an allowance to help cover this cost. If not, be prepared for high tuition fees.

Accommodation Culture in Shenzhen 
Areas and Suburbs in Shenzhen

Families and children in Shenzhen

Public education is typically unsuitable for expat children, as the language of instruction is Mandarin, which may be a difficult adjustment for non-Mandarin speakers. Fortunately, you can find several top international schools that offer globally recognised curricula like the International Baccalaureate, British, and American systems.

Shenzhen is also becoming increasingly popular among expat families, who enjoy its diverse selection of shopping centres, outdoor activities, and restaurants to suit any lifestyle. The city’s beautiful natural surroundings also offer nature lovers an easy escape from the frantic pace of life.

Education and Schools in Shenzhen 
International Schools in Shenzhen

Climate in Shenzhen

One of Shenzhen’s best qualities is its pleasant subtropical climate. Average summer highs of 86°F (30°C) make for perfect beach days, as long as you remember to slather on the SPF, stay out of the sun in the hottest hours of the day, and don a shady hat. When winter rolls around, minimum temperatures tend to be cool rather than cold, usually no lower than 54°F (12°C).

As with anything, moving to Shenzhen has both pros and cons. Expats who are open to the move may find magic and charm hidden in every area of the city and truly enjoy their experience.

As one of China’s megacities and a hub for multinational companies, Shenzhen has a high demand for housing. Shenzhen frequently ranks among the most expensive cities in China. That said, the city’s cost of living and rent prices, although lower than those of cities such as Hong Kong and New York, could prove higher than in London and Dubai.

Accommodation in Shenzhen will likely take up a significant percentage of your budget. It’s best to look into various options when renting in Shenzhen.

Areas and suburbs in Shenzhen

Home to one of China’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ), Shenzhen is a major tech hub that attracts expats from all over the world. The city is divided into 10 districts, each offering unique amenities and lifestyle opportunities. Expat families in Shenzhen prefer living close to the city’s green spaces and international schools to ensure an easy commute to school and work.

Some of the best family-friendly districts in Shenzhen include Nanshan, Shekhou in Nanshan, and Yatian. These districts are home to the largest population of expats in the city, thanks to the beautiful parks, restaurants, and serviced apartments on offer here. They not only allow children to enjoy quick access to school, but parents can also get to their workplaces fairly easily using the excellent public transport network in the city.

Young professionals and single people who want to be in the heart of the action typically like to live closer to the city centre, where rental prices can be higher. Futian is Shenzhen’s largest business and commercial district, which attracts young professionals who prefer a short commute to work.

Luohu is another fantastic area for nature lovers who still want to be in a commercial district. This area has many historical and cultural influences but is fast-growing as a metropolitan area with many restaurants, karaoke bars, and diverse shopping experiences.

See Best (and worst) Areas and Suburbs in Shenzhen for more on the city’s neighbourhoods.

Types of accommodation in Shenzhen

Shenzhen is one of China’s wealthiest cities, and as such, many luxury accommodation options are available.

Most accommodation is in the form of apartments, including regular and serviced apartments and compounds. Regular apartments are usually partially furnished and have basic amenities such as televisions, kitchen appliances, and washing machines.

Expat families may prefer a home in a gated apartment complex. Apartment compounds offer shared facilities, including gardens and swimming pools – great for families with kids. On the other hand, serviced apartments offer a whole spectrum of amenities and facilities, much like a hotel, and come at a premium.

If you’re staying in Shenzhen temporarily, you may afford to stay in one of these fully furnished flats. Tenants can enjoy a lavish lifestyle, potentially with access to a gym and swimming pool, housekeeping services and on-site restaurants.

Flatshares are a popular way of renting an apartment in Shenzhen. Given the high cost of accommodation, it is not uncommon for young or single expats in Shenzhen to seek out roommates. Having roommates divides up rental expenses and makes Shenzhen’s popular areas and suburbs more accessible.

Finding accommodation in Shenzhen

Some companies may include furnished accommodation in an expat contract for employees who are working in China.

Individuals who do not have this benefit are advised to use a local real estate agent who specialises in expat rentals. Fees can be up to one month’s rent. If you don’t speak Mandarin, estate agents are your best bet at successfully navigating the language and cultural barriers that may hamper your apartment search in Shenzhen.

Online property portals are also a fantastic starting point, allowing you to begin the search before you even arrive in Shenzhen. Online advertisements looking for roommates in Shenzhen are another common way for expats to find a home and establish connections in the city.

Useful links

• Now Shenzhen
• sz.58.com
• eChinacities – Shenzhen Listings

Renting accommodation in Shenzhen

Renting accommodation in Shenzhen can be a complicated process full of hidden costs and lengthy processes. We recommend reading through lease agreements and asking landlords and estate agents about any and all pressing questions before signing.

Making an application

After you have found a suitable apartment, you must submit an application to your landlord or their real estate agent. This typically involves providing a copy of your passport, visa, and employment contract if you are working in Shenzhen.

You’ll also need to register your presence with the Police Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of moving into your home. You must request your landlord’s ID and the property ownership certificate, which must be submitted with the lease agreement and your identity documents.

Leases, costs, and fees

Expats doing business in China frequently come and go, so there is a demand for transient and short-term accommodation. You can rent property short-term on a weekly or monthly basis. Outside short-term accommodation, the lease length is usually 12 months, which is often negotiable.

To secure a property, you will likely be required to make a deposit of at least one month’s rent. Tenants may need to pay at least one or two months’ rent upfront.

Read Accommodation in China for more on rental processes in the country.

Utilities in Shenzhen

You should be aware that most monthly rental prices do not include utilities such as water and electricity or property management fees.

Modern apartment complexes with amenities such as gyms and swimming pools are likely to charge additional monthly maintenance fees, which could significantly increase the advertised rental costs.

Electricity

Shenzhen Energy is the primary electricity provider in the city. The electricity account is likely to remain in the landlord’s name, who will send you the monthly electricity bill.

You can set up an automatic debit for your electricity bill or make payment through multiple online platforms like Alipay or WeChat Pay. This is often the easiest method for expats, as these platforms offer their services in multiple languages.

Gas

Shenzhen uses a mixture of piped and bottled gas, and there are several providers, with the largest being Shenzhen Gas Corporation. If you live in an area where there is piped gas, your landlord will typically keep the gas account in their name and send you a monthly bill.

The meter readings are frequently estimates, so we encourage you to read your meter and send the usage details to your landlord monthly to avoid being overcharged. Similarly to electricity, you can make payment through an automatic debit or using Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Bottled gas is typically delivered to your home by a local gas company. You can simply ask your landlord or residential estate manager to add your name to the delivery list, and you will receive a steady supply of bottled gas.

Water

The Shenzhen Water Group is responsible for treating and supplying drinking water across the city. If you need to transfer the account from the previous tenant’s name or the landlord’s, you can simply visit a local office or apply for a transfer online.

You must provide your passport and residence permit and may be required to pay a small deposit to start the service. Although the tap water in Shenzhen is treated, many locals prefer to filter or boil it, while others drink bottled water. We recommend filtering the water and following local advisories on its cleanliness.

Bins and recycling

The Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government is responsible for the overall waste strategy, while local municipalities are responsible for collection. The city encourages sorting waste at source and has introduced smart waste initiatives that encourage recycling by offering cash rewards to those who drop off sorted recyclables.

Waste sorting is mandatory in the city, and those who fail to comply can expect to receive fines. You should note that waste is divided into four categories in Shenzhen:

• recyclables
• kitchen waste
• harmful waste
• general waste

Waste collection is on a regular schedule that differs in each district. We recommend finding out your specific collection schedule from your landlord, building manager, or real estate agent to help you stay on track.

Useful links

• Shenzhen Energy
• Shenzhen Gas
• Shenzhen Water Group
• Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government – Services

The best places to live in Shenzhen

Shenzhen is one of China’s fastest-growing expat destinations. Rapid expansion and urbanisation have resulted in skyrocketing rent prices, so expats hoping to live near the city centre should expect to pay for the privilege.

Shenzhen is home to one of China’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ). Thanks to its more liberal economic policies and practices, this megacity has become a hub for multinational companies. As such, many areas of the city are commercial and business-oriented but equally promote a positive work-life balance.

When searching for a place to live in Shenzhen, choosing an area that makes commuting to work or school easier is important. Commutes between some parts of the city can take up to 90 minutes during rush hour.

The city is divided into nine administrative districts and one new management area, providing housing options for families and individuals. Below are some of the most popular areas and suburbs in Shenzhen.

Accommodation in Shenzhen

Family-friendly areas in Shenzhen

Among the preferred areas for expat families are Nanshan and its sub-district, Shekou. Yantian is a more peaceful option for families and offers easy access to the beach, but it is further away from the city than expats may like.

Nanshan

Nanshan is one of the most popular areas in Shenzhen and is often called the city’s garden district. It has a large expat community and is especially loved for its clean environment and easy access to green spaces.

Expat families like living in Nanshan because it’s close to many good international schools. The apartments here are high-quality, and there are also luxury serviced apartments available.

Nanshan’s accessible metro, bus, and taxi services make getting around Shenzhen simple, albeit busy during rush hour. The ferry terminal also offers residents a quick and easy way to visit nearby Hong Kong.

Shekou

Shekou is a part of Nanshan district but stands out because it’s popular with expats. This small neighbourhood has one of the largest expat communities in Shenzhen. Newcomers can easily find housing in one of Shekou’s many residential complexes, which typically include gardens, swimming pools, and gyms.

The area also has a lot of international schools, making it a convenient choice for families. If you enjoy dining out or nightlife, Shekou has plenty of great restaurants, pubs, and bars.

Some new arrivals say they feel cut off from the rest of Shenzhen. If you want to avoid the ‘expat bubble’ and experience more local culture, you might consider living in areas like Futian or Luohu instead.

Areas for young professionals in Shenzhen

Young and outgoing expats who move to Shenzhen to pursue work or education may be drawn to the buzzing atmosphere and social lifestyle in areas such as Futian and Luohu.

Futian

Futian is Shenzhen’s main business and administrative district. It’s a busy, modern area with famous landmarks like the Shenzhen Stock Exchange building, Shenzhen Library, and Concert Hall. Some of the tallest buildings in China shape Futian’s skyline, giving it a truly urban vibe.

Futian is one of Shenzhen's priciest and most exclusive areas. Its stylish and modern apartments are especially popular with young, single professionals.

Although there are a few international schools in Futian, family-sized apartments are exorbitant. The district doesn’t have much green space, but it makes up for that with an exciting nightlife, full of bars, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centres.

Traffic during rush hour is a big problem, so it’s best to live close to work. Fortunately, Futian has excellent public transport options.

Luohu

Luohu, one of Shenzhen’s oldest districts, was once a fishing village but is now a hub for trade and finance. Living here gives expats a mix of the city’s history, culture, and modern lifestyle.

The district is a shopping haven, offering everything from luxury designer brands to expensive antiques. Residents can also enjoy a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, karaoke lounges, and nightclubs.

For nature lovers, Luohu has beautiful spots like Wutong Mountain and scenic rivers to explore. Housing in Luohu is more affordable than in areas like Nanshan or Futian, although apartments tend to be smaller and older.

Shenzhen is one of China’s foremost education hubs, and expat families moving here will have access to some of the country’s most innovative public and international schools. That said, the city is home to only a handful of international schools, which may make finding a school for your child more challenging.

Parents may need to weigh up the affordability of international schools and compare it to the feasibility and fit of public schools.

Public schools in Shenzhen

Following the education system in China, public primary education begins at age six. Six years of primary school are then followed by six years of secondary school. Shenzhen offers both academic and vocational high schools.

While expats can access public schools in Shenzhen, generally, few parents choose them. The language barrier poses a problem, particularly for older children. Additionally, the pace of state schools is rigorous, and there is a heavy emphasis on rote learning.

Chinese parents care deeply about their children’s academic performance, while expat families may find the academic pressure excessive. As such, state schools may not be the best fit for families who prefer a more relaxed educational philosophy.

Education and schools in China

Useful links

• Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government – List of Public Schools

Private schools in Shenzhen

Private schools are another option for families with children moving to Shenzhen. These schools usually follow the Chinese national curriculum and have the same high academic expectations as public schools. Private schools also offer a wider range of extracurricular activities and smaller class sizes.

Some private schools in the city offer a bilingual curriculum. We recommend reading through any potential school’s language policy to ensure your child will have adequate support if you’re considering this option.

International schools in Shenzhen

International schools are by far the most popular option for expats in Shenzhen. These schools offer a diverse range of curricula and language options for foreign children.

Most international schools in Shenzhen teach the acclaimed International Baccalaureate curriculum. You can also find international schools offering country-specific curricula, such as the Japanese, Canadian, British, and American systems.

There are many pros to enrolling your child in an international school, like allowing them to continue learning a familiar curriculum and the opportunity to meet other young people who share similar experiences. The cost of international schools is one downside; we recommend negotiating an educational allowance with your employer where possible.

Places in international schools are often limited, so we recommend applying to schools well in advance. Some of the more popular schools will have waiting lists and include placement tests as part of the admissions process.

Best International Schools in Shenzhen

Useful links

• Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government – List of International Schools

Nurseries in Shenzhen

Preschool is not compulsory in China, but there are many nursery, daycare, and kindergarten options across the city. Young infants who can pick up language more easily than older children may do well in a Chinese preschool or a kindergarten with a bilingual programme.

Early education that follows programmes such as Montessori can also be found, while some preschools are part of larger international schools.

Homeschooling in Shenzhen

Some expat families may prefer to homeschool their children. However, homeschooling is not formally recognised in China. In fact, homeschooling is entirely illegal for Chinese citizens, but expats fall into a grey area.

Expat parents planning to homeschool their children are strongly advised to consider the options carefully and contact local homeschooling organisations and support groups. It is worth noting that homeschooled children aren’t allowed to write the local school-leaving exam, meaning they cannot apply for enrolment in Chinese universities.

Special-needs education in Shenzhen

While special educational needs are identified as an area for development in schools in China, support is often limited. Most support for students with severe difficulties is separate from mainstream schools. Shenzhen’s local government has drafted a plan that enables children with special educational needs to complete their nine years of compulsory schooling in integrated mainstream schools and special-needs education schools.

This plan ensures building a special-needs school in each district and expediting this effort. Integrated education will be implemented at the preschool stage, showcasing the city’s commitment to enhancing its special-needs education services.

International schools may offer specialised services, although the extent varies. Educational psychologists, support teachers, and counselling may be available. Still, these schools may also lack resources for students who require significant support.

We recommend consulting each potential school individually. This process can be tiresome but will provide the most accurate information.

Tutors in Shenzhen

Hiring a tutor in Shenzhen helps expat children integrate into a new schooling system and home environment in Shenzhen. Tutoring provides students extra support outside the classroom – both online and in person. Adults, too, can hire a tutor to learn Mandarin or Cantonese, for example.

There are many online resources and platforms for searching for tutors, including TeacherOn and Preply. Quick searches on these portals can identify tutors specialising in a specific curriculum or subject area. You can also ask your expat network or your child’s school for tutor recommendations.

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• Preply
• That’s Mandarin

With a rapidly growing expat population, many international schools are beginning to appear in Shenzhen. Parents in the city will likely find no shortage of schools offering modern facilities and innovative international curricula.

Many of these schools are structured to allow students to continue their education in the language and curriculum of their home country, so expat families are sure to find a school that meets their needs. Some schools teach bilingual Chinese-English programmes, which are ideal for families planning to stay for the long term.

It’s essential to consider the proximity of your home to your children’s schools, as Chinese cities are notorious for severe traffic congestion during rush hour. Many children in Shenzhen use public transport to get to school, but most international schools will also offer a school bus at an extra.

International schools in Shenzhen typically offer smaller class sizes, highly qualified teachers, and a wider range of extracurricular activities, but this comes at a cost. Expat parents moving to Shenzhen for work are encouraged to negotiate an educational allowance as part of their relocation package.

Below are some of the top international schools in Shenzhen.

International schools in Shenzhen

International School of Nanshan Shenzhen

The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen is a world IB school that leverages its inquiry-based learning methodology to develop life-long learners who are encouraged to develop their own understanding. The school is the only Canadian school in Shenzhen and is renowned for its arts, athletics, and academic programmes.

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Canadian 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.isnsz.com

Shekou International School

Established in 1988, Shekou International School is home to more than 1,000 students of more than 40 nationalities. A commitment to educational innovation is at the heart of Shekou International School, which offers specialist science programmes. Shekou International School also offers a French, German, and Chinese language programme, developing bilingual world leaders.

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate 
Ages: 2 to 18 
Website: www.sis-shekou.org

Shenzhen American International School

A Cognia-accredited school, the Shenzhen American International School offers a rigorous academic programme that adopts tenets from the American, Singaporean, and Chinese curricula. The school has also developed a wide range of arts, athletics, and robotics programmes to ensure they develop students holistically.

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and American (Advanced Placement) 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.szsais.org

QSI International School of Shenzhen

QSI International School of Shenzhen is a non-profit school that develops its programmes to inculcate critical leadership, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills in its students. Teachers at QSI International School of Shenzhen are recruited from native English-speaking countries. Learning at the school is student-centred to ensure that all pupils are successful.

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and American 
Ages: 2 to 18 
Website: www.qsi.org/shenzhen

With an incredibly diverse range of entertainment options, Shenzhen offers plenty of things to see and do. This vibrant Chinese city offers residents many shopping and dining experiences to meet their every desire, as well as a huge variety of nightclubs, pubs, and bars.

If you prefer to spend time in the great outdoors, you will also find plenty of attractions and activities to keep you occupied during your stay in Shenzhen.

Shopping in Shenzhen

Expats in Shenzhen will have an abundance of excellent shopping options. The city is often hailed as a shopper’s paradise: from malls to markets, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Luohu Commercial City is one of the largest shopping malls in Shenzhen. This centre mainly specialises in cheap dupes of world-famous brands, and shoppers won’t have to look far to find a good bargain.

Other popular shopping malls in Shenzhen include The Mixc and the expansive COCO Park.

As Shenzhen has expanded, several outdoor markets have sprung up around the city. Markets such as the farmer’s market in Nanshan and Shekou Market are conveniently located in popular expat areas of Shenzhen. They offer residents an exciting outing and cultural experience, as well as a chance to taste local cuisine.

The shopping streets in Shenzhen are some of the most iconic and unique shopping options in China. The most popular of these is Dongmen Pedestrian Street, located in the Luohu district. Here, you can find everything from shoes and clothing to souvenirs and electronic goods.

Nightlife and entertainment in Shenzhen

If you’re looking to enjoy a night out in Shenzhen, you will not be disappointed. Most of the popular expat neighbourhoods in the city have a wide selection of nightclubs, bars and cocktail lounges for residents to enjoy.

Central areas such as Shekou and Luohu have high concentrations of nightclubs. These areas also boast other attractions like live music venues, karaoke lounges, and sports pubs. Thanks to the extensive public transport network, getting around the city at night is also easy.

Sports and outdoor activities in Shenzhen

Nature lovers in Shenzhen will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Just a short distance out of the city, Yantian and Longgang offer a wide selection of beach resorts for city dwellers looking to escape the bustle of Shenzhen.

Hiking is another popular outdoor activity in Shenzhen. Hikers can enjoy the beautiful trails around Wutong Mountain for a fun day out or even a multi-day hike over a weekend.

Fitness enthusiasts needn’t venture far from the city, though. You can find gyms and indoor swimming pools in Shenzhen’s central districts. Some types of accommodation, including apartment complexes and serviced apartments, may have these amenities on-site, so you may not even need to leave your home.

Meeting people and making friends in Shenzhen

Meeting people and making friends will likely be your top priority when moving to Shenzhen. This will likely be one of the most daunting aspects of the move, but with time, you’ll feel right at home in the city. Many expats join clubs or other interest groups like running and book clubs.

Volunteering is another great way to meet people while contributing to a worthy cause. If you’d like to learn Mandarin, you can join a language exchange, which will allow you to meet and make friends with locals.

Useful links

• Shenzhen Meetup
• Shekou Hash House Harriers
• A Heart for China

As one of the most modern cities in China, Shenzhen is home to an extensive and affordable public transport network that makes getting around the city a simple affair. Getting around in Shenzhen on four or two wheels will also be easy, thanks to the city’s well-maintained road infrastructure.

In the few areas of Shenzhen that are not covered by the metro or bus networks, cheap taxis are generally a safe and accessible option.

Public transport in Shenzhen

The public transport system in Shenzhen is modern, clean, and efficient. To access the integrated public transport system, you can purchase a ticket or a reloadable contactless smartcard known as a Shenzhen Tong Card. You can purchase these cards to swipe when boarding and exiting buses, some ferries, and the metro.

Buses

Operating more than 1,000 routes, Shenzhen boasts the world’s first fully electric bus fleet. These public buses are clean, comfortable, quiet, and punctual. Some bus services charge a flat rate, and others charge by distance.

You can use intercity buses for longer journeys to neighbouring cities and elsewhere in the country. These may not be as comfortable as long-distance trains, which are an efficient mode of transport in China.

Metro

Like many other Chinese cities, Shenzhen has a reliable and efficient metro system. It is one of the cheapest ways to travel within the city, and the extensive metro network covers most areas.

You can use your Shenzhen Tong Card or purchase tickets using electronic ticketing machines. Day passes for the metro are also available. Metro trains and stations can become uncomfortably crowded during peak hours. Metro lines typically operate between 6.30am and midnight, although timetables differ on public holidays.

Ferries

Ferries in Shenzhen are popular with expats and locals. Regular high-speed ferries travel to nearby cities and areas, including Macau and Hong Kong. Tickets can be bought at ticketing machines or ticketing counters in ferry stations.

Ferry tickets have been known to sell out quickly, particularly on weekends. We recommend planning ahead for ferry trips and booking tickets well in advance.

Useful links

• Shenzhen Bus Group
• Shenzhen Eastern Bus
• Shenzhen Metro
• Shekou Cruise Homeport

Taxis in Shenzhen

Taxis are widely and cheaply available in Shenzhen. The city has a unified line for calling taxis, which is easy to operate and offers the opportunity to request an accessible city.

You should always be sure to establish a price with taxi drivers before entering the vehicle, but Shenzhen’s local government sets tariffs that drivers must comply with. Ensure your taxi has a meter before you begin the ride to avoid being overcharged.

Taxi drivers may not be able to speak English, so you are advised to have your destination written down in Mandarin or use ride-hailing applications such as DiDi to avoid miscommunication. You can book traditional taxis by phone or through the taxi network’s app, which works similarly to DiDi. There are also various payment methods, which include cash or WeChat Pay.

Useful links

• DiDi

Driving in Shenzhen

Driving in Shenzhen can be frantic and unpredictable. Most expats prefer not to purchase a car. Those who do often decide to use a private driver instead of risking getting behind the wheel themselves.

Traffic congestion can be extreme, particularly when travelling close to the city centre and during peak times. Parking spots are also frequently difficult to find.

Road signage is all in Mandarin, and you will be at a disadvantage if you cannot speak or read the local language. If you intend to drive in Shenzhen, you must go through the full process of applying for a local driver’s licence since international licences are not recognised in China.

Transport and Driving in China has more on securing a local driver’s licence.

Cycling in Shenzhen

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Shenzhen. The city has invested in creating secure cycling paths and bicycle-sharing schemes.

Several companies operate bicycle-sharing schemes in Shenzhen, so you should be sure to do your research. It’s also important to note where to park the bikes to avoid haphazard parking. Children under 12 are not allowed to rent or ride bicycles on the road using public bike-sharing services. Expat families should keep this in mind.

Useful links

• Mobike
• Hellobike

Walking in Shenzhen

Walking in Shenzhen might not be the most efficient way to get around the city, but there are numerous footbridges and pedestrian walkways scattered throughout the city that make walking a little easier.

Shenzhen also boasts many famous pedestrian streets, including Dongmen Pedestrian Street and Huaqiang North Pedestrian Street.

Air travel in Shenzhen

If you’re travelling to or leaving Shenzhen, you will be glad to know that you will have easy access to nearby airports, which offer flights to a multitude of domestic and international destinations. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is well-connected to public transport, and Hong Kong’s airport is only a 30-minute ferry ride away from Shenzhen.

Useful links

• Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport