Your guide to Shenzhen
Your complete guide to life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Practical information. Real insights. A more connected Shenzhen.
Same City.
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Find the information that matters to you.
Plan the move, find a home and get set up.
Start your move
Choose a stay and make your first days count.
Plan your visit
Explore jobs, work permissions and business basics.
Explore working life
Schools, family areas and days out together.
Find family guides
Make transport, payments and daily routines easier.
Simplify daily life
Explore nearby escapes and Hong Kong trips.
Find a weekend tripUseful tools. Clear next steps.
A simple step-by-step guide to help you settle in with confidence.
Check before you go. These links open the latest information.
The essentials for a better life in Shenzhen.
Moving to ShenzhenA practical sequence from preparation to settling in.
What life in Shenzhen costsUnderstand the main costs before you set a budget.Find your Shenzhen homeCompare areas, rental listings and the rental process.
Choose the right school routeExplore international, bilingual, public and early-years options.
Understand healthcareFind providers and prepare questions about cover and care.Get around with confidenceMetro, airports, ferries and Hong Kong connections.Preview a neighborhood, then open its full guide.
Selected areas · schematic, not to scale. Shekou is within Nanshan.
Editorial illustration · not a location photograph
A central base for business, city life and transport.
Best for: Central offices and city connections
Keep in mind: Check the commute and rent for the exact neighbourhood.
Explore this areaEditorial illustration · not a location photograph
Technology hubs, bay walks and distinct neighbourhoods.
Best for: Tech workplaces and bay-side life
Keep in mind: It is a large district; choose around your daily route.
Explore this areaEditorial illustration · not a location photograph
A waterfront neighbourhood within Nanshan.
Best for: Waterfront life and an international community
Keep in mind: Check travel time to offices elsewhere in the city.
Explore this area
Editorial illustration · not a location photograph
Established city streets, shopping and border connections.
Best for: Traditional city life and the Luohu crossing
Keep in mind: Building age and condition vary; inspect each property.
Explore this areaEditorial illustration · not a location photograph
Waterfront neighbourhoods and the airport side of the city.
Best for: West-side workplaces and airport access
Keep in mind: Bao’an Centre and the airport are different locations.
Explore this area
Editorial illustration · not a location photograph
Residential areas and connections around Shenzhen North.
Best for: A home base around your northern commute
Keep in mind: Test the full door-to-door trip, not just the metro line.
Explore this area
Editorial illustration · not a location photograph
Coastal neighbourhoods, sea views and outdoor time.
Best for: Coastal living and eastern beaches
Keep in mind: Weigh beach access against the journey to central workplaces.
Explore this areaFind a good base for your Shenzhen trip.
Dates optional. Compare stays first; confirm prices, children and room details with the booking provider.
Luxury staysCompare premium stays and locations.Value-focused staysExplore lower-cost options; rates vary by date.Shekou staysA base near Sea World and the waterfront.
Airport staysPlan around an early flight or late arrival.Family staysCompare room needs, location and transport.
Hong Kong connectionsChoose a base around your crossing route.Airport arrival, a well-placed hotel, and a plan that starts where you are staying.
Complete Visitor GuideMake room for something good.
Make decisions with clear methods and linked sources.
Connect your area, budget and next steps.
Compare your own spending assumptions.
Organise your days and understand the checks.
Explore an estimate with the method shown.
Compare contribution scenarios and assumptions.
Put shortlisted schools side by side.
Filter ideas for the day you want.
Weigh location, daily life and trade-offs.
Resources for your career, business and daily admin.
Organised roles with original application links.
Understand the employer-led route and documents.
Prepare your setup, location and local support.
Check your activity, invitation and entry route.
Understand the questions to take to an adviser.
Account-access checks and source-linked stock research.
Source-backed dates. Confirm details before booking.
Shenzhen Concert Hall · 5F Theatre · Futian
7 Oct · 19:30
Gerda Arendt · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Casals Forum, Germany, 14 May 2023. Not the Shenzhen performers. Cropped, resized and converted to WebP; image remains CC BY-SA 4.0.
Shenzhen Concert Hall · 2F Symphony Hall · Futian
9 Oct · 20:00
© Jorge Royan · Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0
Konzerthaus Berlin, Germany, 2007. Not the Shenzhen venue. Resized and converted to WebP, with responsive cropping; image remains CC BY-SA 3.0.
Shenzhen Concert Hall · 2F Symphony Hall · Futian
11 Oct · 20:00
Adam Klejnowski (Mad screwdriver) · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sonus Innumerabiles choir, Poland, 6 January 2020. Not Laizhiyin Gexing Choir. Resized and converted to WebP, with responsive cropping; image remains CC BY-SA 4.0.
Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center · Bao'an
20 Oct – 23 Oct · 09:00–17:30 · closes 16:30 on 23 October
Dinkun Chen · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Bao'an venue on 1 June 2026, not the autumn Gifts & Home fair. Cropped, resized and converted to WebP; image remains CC BY-SA 4.0.
Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center · Futian
21 Oct – 23 Oct
FlechKann · Photo source · CC0 1.0
Madras fabric rolls in Paris, 29 June 2023. Not a confirmed exhibitor or product range. Cropped, resized and converted to WebP.
Shenzhen Concert Hall · 2F Symphony Hall · Futian
23 Oct · 20:00
Kathygartner · Photo source · CC BY 4.0
Singapore Symphony's season opening, 16 July 2022, with Han-Na Chang and Churen Li. Not Hannu Lintu, Chloe Chua or this Shenzhen performance. Resized and converted to WebP, with responsive cropping.
Shenzhen Concert Hall · 2F Symphony Hall · Futian
28 Oct · 19:30
Eren Yagmuroglu · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Fazıl Say recording in Salzburg, 29 October 2019. Not this Shenzhen recital. Cropped, resized and converted to WebP; image remains CC BY-SA 4.0.
Shenzhen Art Museum · exhibition hall 3, level 1 · Longhua
29 May – 31 Oct
Shenzhen Library North · exhibition hall, level 5 · Longhua
11 Aug – 30 Nov
More dates are being checked. Browse the events guide for planning ideas and official booking links.
Practical reads for your next step.
Some images are editorial illustrations, not photographs of named venues or events. Check each guide and event listing for details and official sources.
Sports & fitnessCourts, pools, gyms and outdoor exercise.
Food & drinkFind a neighbourhood and something good to eat.
City attractionsFind places for a first visit or a fresh look.