Making the most of Shenzhen
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The gleaming new Shenzhen Cruise Center, also called Shenzhen Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Homeport, has replaced the nearby old Shekou Ferry Terminal.
To reach the terminal, take Metro Line 1 from the Airport, then Metro Line 2 (Shekou line) towards Chiwan and leave at Shekou Port station via exit C. Free shuttle buses link the metro stop with the Cruise Terminal every ten minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 in the evening; a taxi or the walk of about 600M provides an alternative.
If your flight lands in Hong Kong, follow the relevant advice and Visa Requirements.
Bring printable maps with you.
Shenzhen is among China's most populous cities. It stands in Guangdong Province beside Hong Kong, approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) south of Guangzhou, China's third-largest city. Shenzhen appears on the UNESCO Creative Cities list.
Although Shenzhen has fewer historical sights than other famous Chinese cities, it has developed several excellent theme parks that entertain while teaching visitors about China and the wider world. Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages presents China's long history and diverse cultures, while Window of the World takes guests around the globe in one day. For an even more luxurious stay, visit Happy Valley, the city's largest attraction of its kind, set on a picturesque coastline. Further attractions include Dameisha Beach, Xiaomeisha Beach, Meridian View Center, Overseas Chinese…
Getting around
Shenzhen Metro is the most convenient and readily understood way to travel around the city.
Important: when buying a guide book for the town you are about to visit, choose the latest edition available. Construction proceeds at an enormous pace, so something present today might have disappeared tomorrow. Ensure its maps use both "English" and "Chinese" characters, allowing you and the cabdriver to communicate by pointing; cabdrivers speak only Chinese.
Food and shopping
Every large tourist town has at least one shopping mall, and often more, aimed at westerners. These may be the only places to find larger clothing sizes. The malls can be enjoyable, but be aware that almost everything is fake and bargaining is tough. The quickest approach is often to show, using bills in your hand, how much you will pay and then walk on. If a seller gestures for you to return, complete the deal, while remaining courteous throughout.
Restaurants often cluster in particular parts of the city and use very colourful decorations to draw customers. Walk past and favour places used by Chinese families themselves. Most menus show pictures of the dishes, while seafood is generally kept alive in large tanks. Eating out in China is a feast, with little etiquette and usually plenty of noise. Enjoy it! Drink only bottled water, including when brushing your teeth, and take normal precautions when eating out.
Money
The currency is the Yuan, also called Renminbi or RMB.
A counterfeit bill may occasionally be handed to you, most often in a small denomination. There is nothing you can do about it, so keep it as a souvenir.
Staying connected
Internet provision is very well developed in China. Almost every modest hotel has WiFi in its rooms, while public areas contain internet stations, often free or available for a very modest fee.
Emergency numbers are China: 110; Hong Kong and Macao: 999.
Opening Hours and
Stores appear to have no set opening hours and seem to remain open for as long as customers are present.
Chinese New Year, lasting about two weeks, is when Chinese people across the country are travelling, and transport can become very hectic.