China, Shenzhen - Pearl River Delta Mega City

Shenzhen is a major industrial and commercial city in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. The city is located in the so-called Pearl River Delta with Hong Kong just south of Shenzhen. This close proximity to Hong Kong has no doubt contributed to Shenzhen's economic success with both the Chinese territories having a symbiotic and integral economic relationship.

I last visited Shenzhen in February 2012 when I was there to attend an Information Technology (IT) Seminar. As my trip was only for 3 days, I didn't have the time to really move around the city to take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

Inside one of the modern shopping malls of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

Shop display, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

Despite the limited time I had during this visit, I still managed to do a little bit of walking, shopping, and eating. I was amazed by the modernity of this city. The orderly way the city was run spoke volumes about the efficiency of its governance. People went about their daily tasks just like in any other big cities of the developed world. The streets were clean, the public transport efficient, the food was great and the people I encountered were all friendly and hospitable.

Delicious and very reasonably priced local food found in the many street side stalls, Shenzhen, China (2012)

Not exactly local food but a bottle of Coca Cola is still a very enjoyable beverage to behold, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

Local food from a cafe; but still reasonably priced, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

Hawkers selling food along a food street , Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

As in all major cities of the world, shopping malls doted the city every other step of the way and if you are here to shop, you won't be disappointed.

Soon, my short trip was over as I headed back to the airport for my flight home to Singapore. As my flight was at 2.30am in the early hours of the morning, all of the duty free shops in the airport were closed. Thus, I missed out on that last minute shopping.

Probably in one of my next trips to Hong Kong, I shall find some time to drop by Shenzhen for another visit. After all, traveling to Shenzhen from Hong Kong is just a short train ride or a bus trip away. But remember to ensure that you fulfill the necessary visa requirements before your visit. I was told that one may apply for a visa on the spot at the border crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. However, do note that this service is not available on a 24-hour basis. Check with the appropriate travel authorities before you board that train or hop on that bus to Shenzhen. :-)

A typical shopping street of Shenzhen bounded on both side by shops, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China  (2012)

A typical shopping street of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

Street view of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

Note the very clean street which is typical in this city, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

Note the very clean street which is typical in this city, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

The Shangri-La Hotel where I stayed during my visit; this hotel is located within walking distance of the railway station which connects the city to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China (2012)

My description of the city and the photos in this article constitute only a very small percentage of what Shenzhen is. To really tour this city, one would definitely need more than a few days and definitely not during a working trip!