I still remember clearly how we lined up at the Immigration of Shenzhen. Then I needed to pee that time after I passed through the immigration. We processed and received our Visa on Arrival for short-term visitors.
Obviously, everybody was speaking Chinese and the signages are mostly in Chinese. There are also people coming from Hong Kong and Macau that go through checkpoints. You can imagine the struggle on language barrier in a new country. But that’s the challenging yet exciting part of traveling, right? You really just need to be resilient and observant of the flow at all times. The toilets were not probably the “usual Western throne toilets” found in your country. You need to do the squat position with these Chinese squat toilets. I needed to pee that time after I passed through the long line at the immigration.
First, how did I arrive in Shenzhen from Hong Kong? I took the MTR Hong Kong 1-hour train ride. I paid around 100 HKD and used the metro card. You will arrive at Lo Wu station, get your visa and get around Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is already part of the Republic of China, in Guangdong province so you need to secure Visa before entering the city. It depends where you come from. Please always check with your passport.
Most important thing, please download Google maps to get around and translation apps if you do not know the language. English is barely spoken here. Although, if you have extra budget, you can hire a tour guide and translator for convenience.
The sightseeing lasted for a half day and here are my recommendations:
1.) SHENZHEN CIVIC CENTER
This is the landmark of Shenzhen city. The red and yellow structure that looks like a big arch. I liked staying at the park within the area. It was cozy, clean, calm and beautiful. You can also find the amazing Shenzhen Library and Shenzhen Concert hall. You must come here at night for the light show. My most favorite part is just chilling at the park and it is a free thing to do.
2.) WINDOW OF THE WORLD
Like what I said you need to use a translator to interact with the local people, I came here without knowing the language. A Chinese photographer on the side approached me to to take a photo of us. Apparently, we had a misunderstanding about the price of the photo printing and the copies. I thought I got scammed or something because I am a tourist. It turned out to be very very expensive.
It was fun coming here at this theme park. It will take you to popular world attraction sites. Though it was crowded because it’s always filled with families and teenagers who spend quality time together. The ambiance was lively.
2.) Kuang Yi Cultural Exhibition Centre
This is a mineral shop and bamboo store where you can find cultural items. I remember entering to the center and the attendants were so friendly and warm to us. One attendant even approached us using our language Tagalog. She was so nice. Then she gave me a free jade sample which I really liked. Of course, it’s part of the sales talk. We did not have to spend a penny and got it for free. Going further the center you can find a store filled with souvenir items. There I bought the Shenzhen fridge magnet for 5 Yuan.
4.) STROLL THE CITY BY BIKE
Biking is popular in a place like Shenzhen. Tourists can rent out a bicycle through searching them in mobile app. Make sure to create a Wechat account as payment is always done online for most establishments in China. Shenzhen is a clean place and it’s fun to bike around the city if you can spare 2 hours for this activity.
5.) EXPLORE THE FOOD
Traveling is not complete without trying out local Chinese food in Shenzhen such as Dimsum and Seafood Hotpot. You can head to Nanshan District where you can find restaurants after visiting Window of the World.
After exploring Shenzhen for the whole afternoon, we were already starving. We found a place to eat randomly that does not have an English name and you just pick by looking at the photo. The food was indeed flavorful and the price was reasonable. Coming to Shenzhen for the first time was enjoyable.
I still remember clearly how we lined up at the Immigration of Shenzhen. Everybody was speaking Chinese and the signages are mostly in Chinese. You can imagine the struggle and confusion. But that’s the challenging yet exciting part of traveling, right? The toilets were not probably the “usual Western throne toilets” found in your country. You need to do the squat position with these Chinese squat toilets. I needed to pee that time after I passed through the immigration.
First, how did I arrive in Shenzhen from Hong Kong? I took the 15-30 minute train ride. Please note that it is not visa free in Shenzhen because it is already part of the Republic of China, in Guangdong province so you need to secure Visa before entering the city. MOST IMPORTANT THING, please download maps and translation apps if you do not know Chinese language. English is barely spoken here
.
The sightseeing lasted for a half day and here are my recommendations:
1.) SHENZHEN CIVIC CENTER
This is the landmark of Shenzhen city. The red and yellow structure that looks like a big arch. I liked staying at the park within the area. It was cozy and beautiful. You can also find the amazing Shenzhen Library and Shenzhen Concert hall. You can come here at night for the light show. My most favorite part is just chilling at the park here. And It is totally free.
2.) WINDOW OF THE WORLD
Like what I said you need to get a translator, I came here and I asked a Chinese guy to take photo of us. Apparently, we had a misunderstanding about the price of the photo printing. I thought I got scammed or something because I am a tourist. I just walked away because it turned out to be very expensive. It was fun coming here at this theme park. It will take you to popular world attraction sites. Though it was crowded as it’s always filled with families and teenagers. The ambiance was lively.
2.) Kuang Yi Cultural Exhibition Centre
This is a mineral shop and bamboo store where you can find cultural items. I remember entering to the center and the attendants were so friendly and warm to us. One attendant even approached us in Tagalog. She was so nice. Then she gave us a free jade sample which we really liked. We did not have to spend a penny. Going further the center you can find a store filled with souvenir items. There I bought the usual fridge magnet. Hehe.
4.) STROLL THE CITY BY BIKE
Biking is popular in a place like Shenzhen. Tourists can rent out a bicycle through searching them in mobile app. Make sure to create a Wechat account as payment is always done online for most establishments in China. Shenzhen is a clean place and it’s fun to bike around the city if you can spare 2 hours for this activity.
5.) EXPLORE THE FOOD
Traveling is not complete without trying out local Chinese food in Shenzhen such as Dimsum and Seafood Hotpot. You can head to Nanshan District where you can find restaurants after visiting Window of the World.
After exploring Shenzhen for the whole afternoon, we were already starving. We found a place to eat randomly that does not have an English name. The food was indeed flavorful and the price was reasonable. Thanks to our translator and tour guide who ordered the recommended dishes for us. Coming to Shenzhen for the first time was enjoyable.
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