Shenzhen (深圳)
Explore 36 spots discovered from 4 YouTube travel videos.
Based on 4 videos
Popular Spots
Coco Park
Ping An Financial Centre
Lian Hua Shan
Hainan Yeziji (Hainan Coconut Chicken Hot Pot)
Shenzhen City Street and Park Area
One Avenue
Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve
Window of the World
Luohu Commercial City
Cultural Block 1368
Happy Harbour Ferris Wheel
Happy Valley Shenzhen
Practical tips from creators in Shenzhen
Helpful advice mentioned across multiple travel videos
Air Quality in Cities
Air quality in Chinese cities can vary significantly. If you are sensitive to pollution, it's advisable to consider wearing a mask, as many locals, especially in metros, do.
Always Carry Your Passport
Always carry your passport when traveling in China, as it is digitally linked to train tickets and many tourist attraction bookings. Your passport serves as your entry ticket for these services.
China Visa Requirements
Check if you qualify for 15-day visa-free entry (for some European countries and New Zealand) or the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit. Otherwise, apply for a standard visa which typically costs $110-150 and allows stays up to 90 days, a process noted as straightforward and fast.
Chinese Cultural Etiquette
When giving or receiving an object in China, it's customary to do so with both hands as a sign of respect. Tipping is generally not expected in restaurants or other service industries.
Chinese SIM card for local services like bike rental
A Chinese mainland SIM card and phone number are essential for using various local apps and services, such as renting shared bikes. Without one, accessing these services can be difficult.
Digital Payments: Alipay & WeChat Pay
China is largely cashless, so it's crucial to set up digital payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip. These apps allow easy scanning of QR codes for payments, as traditional cash transactions are rare.
Digital metro tickets via Alipay
In Shenzhen, you can use apps like Alipay to scan and pay for metro tickets directly from your phone, eliminating the need to purchase physical tickets.
Escape the Great Firewall with eSIM/VPN
It's essential to install a VPN before arriving in China to access popular apps like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp, which are blocked by the Great Firewall. Alternatively, an eSIM like Holafly, which includes a VPN and unlimited data, is a more reliable and convenient option, connecting immediately upon landing.
Essential Translation Apps
A reliable translator is crucial. Google Translate is highly recommended for its voice, photo, and text translation features. Alipay also includes a built-in translator that works very well.
Filming in China as a Tourist
Contrary to some online rumors, filming in public in China is generally allowed for tourists. The creator experienced no interruptions and felt Chinese people were proud to have their modern country shown to the Western world.
High Safety Levels in China
China is an extremely safe country, largely due to ubiquitous surveillance cameras and an unarmed police force. The creator observed people leaving their belongings unattended in public spaces without any problems, indicating a high level of security.
High-Speed Trains for Long Distances
China boasts the world's largest high-speed train network, offering an impressive and efficient way to travel long distances. These trains are super affordable and significantly reduce travel times (e.g., Beijing to Shanghai in 4 hours). Tickets are linked to your passport when booked online.
How to eat Hainan Coconut Chicken Hot Pot
Enjoy the Hainan Coconut Chicken Hot Pot by cooking Wenchang chicken in 100% coconut water broth, then dipping it in a customized sauce made with ginger, chili, and calamansi lime. The broth is naturally sweet from the coconut and becomes richer with chicken flavor during cooking.
Metro Travel in Chinese Cities
Metro systems in China's big cities are an excellent way to travel, being fast, affordable (typically 2-5 CNY per ride), and convenient with frequent trains. They are highly recommended for urban movement.
Navigation Apps for China
For navigation, Apple Maps works perfectly for public transportation if you have an iPhone. Baidu Maps is the Chinese alternative to Google Maps but is entirely in Chinese. Google Maps works only for walking directions and might have offset pins.
Ordering from a drone food delivery box
To order from a drone food delivery box, scan the QR code via WeChat. The app allows you to select items from various merchants, track the drone's progress, and receive your order with a code.
Rentable Phone Chargers
Portable phone charger stations are widely available across China. You can rent a power bank by scanning a QR code and pay per hour, making it easy to keep your phone charged throughout the day.
Rinsing utensils with tea in dim sum restaurants
In some dim sum restaurants, particularly in China, it's customary to rinse your chopsticks, teacups, bowls, and plates with hot tea or water before use to ensure cleanliness.
Using gloves for messy food
Many restaurants in China provide disposable gloves for eating messy dishes like tacos or nachos, making it easier to enjoy your meal without getting your hands dirty.