SHENZHEN
China's Silicon Valley
Shenzhen is a coastal mega-city in mainland China of 12.53 million people, with a subtropical climate. It borders Hong Kong, which is accessible by metro at Luohu and Futian stations. Shenzhen also offers a ferry to Macau. Most districts in Shenzhen have access to taxis and the always growing metro system, and all are connected by an intricate bus network.
Shenzhen is famous for its skyscrapers and is nicknamed "China's Silicon Valley." In a single day in Shenzhen, you could wake up, haggle for cheap electronics at SEG Electronics Plaza, grab lunch at a street cart, unwind by exploring the Splendid China Cultural Park, and end the night with a pub crawl through Coco Park. If you're missing a bit of home, hop over to Hong Kong for the day and pick up some Western snacks or take a day off and relax on the beach in Yantian district. All of this is easily accessible by a cheap and convenient transit system!
Shenzhen is made up of 4 urban districts (Nanshan, Futian, Luohu, Yantian) and 6 sub-urban districts (Bao'an, Longgang, Guangming, Longhua, Pingshan, Dapeng).
SHENZHEN'S DISTRICTS
Shenzhen is made up of 4 urban districts (Nanshan, Futian, Luohu, Yantian)Â and 6 sub-urban districts (Bao'an, Longgang, Guangming, Longhua, Pingshan, Dapeng).
FUTIAN & LUOHU
For those who need to be in the centre of things, Futian and Luohu Districts are right in the downtown core. Easily accessible by multiple metro lines and bordering Hong Kong, the trendy area’s shopping malls and restaurants are a favourite hangout.
NANSHAN & LONGGANG
Nanshan and Longgang districts are both rapidly growing with Longgang being the second most populous district in Shenzhen and also a bustling transportation hub. Nanshan residents can also enjoy the beaches and trendy Sea World area famous for its nightlife scene.
YANTIAN & DAPENG
Who doesn’t love the beach? These two districts are very popular and many teachers chose to stay year after year. Dapeng is more rural than Yantian, but express buses can get you into the downtown core easily enough. Perfect for those wanting a laidback experience.
GUANGMING & PINGSHAN
For those looking for a slower pace, Guangming and Pingshan districts have less people so it’s easier to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle. These areas can also offer a more immersive experience as often times teachers here are the only foreign teacher in their school, so you get to know your Chinese co-teachers well.
BAO'AN & LONGHUA
Bao’an is the largest residential district in Shenzhen. Originally Longhua was a part of Bao’an but became it’s own district as the population continues to expand. As a result, the schools in Bao’an and Longhua are pretty large and teachers usually end up working with several other foreign teachers in a team. What better way to meet new people right when you start!
Matt & Merilyn (Public school teachers in Bao'an)
"When we first heard that we would be placed in Bao'an we were reading the same information online. We heard it was the most dangerous area in Shenzhen, it is not a place for foreigners, and it can be boring here. This has been completely untrue. I feel safer here than anywhere I have been in both the USA and Europe. It is very nice here. They have everything you need, (Walmart, grocery stores, electronic stores, huge malls, bars, clubs, restaurants, and whatever else you are interested in.) So far, I honestly like Bao'an more than Futian (where we stayed when we first arrived) as there are less foreigners and the locals are more helpful and kind to help you when needed. It is also MUCH cheaper here than other districts. The other districts had NYC prices and it could have been hard to save money if we lived there."