Shenzhen Notes

I spent the last 4 days in the border town of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Shenzhen surprises me, as it is a pretty modern city. Like many cities in China, there has been a significant building boom in the last few decades, and it is clearly evident in this bustling town.

Shenzhen is situated directly across the border from Hong Kong (indeed you can see HK at a distance, if you know what you’re looking at). It is so close, that you can simply take the HK MRT subway into the city. In fact, many do that every day. Thousands of Hong Kong citizens make their home in Shenzhen, and cross the border to go to work. The cost of living in this Chinese border town is significantly lower than it is in Hong Kong. And considering how close it is, its no wonder people commute here every day.

The thing that strikes me as different here in Shenzhen, are the modern high-rise apartment buildings. I was amazed at the visual quality and style that is present. Compared to Hong Kong, the towers here are considerably more modern. Most of the towers look like they were designed recently, to international standards, and to appeal to westerners (of whom there is a very sizable population). Hong Kong towers, on the other hand, all look like they were designed by one person in the 70’s (except maybe some very recent buildings).

Some other notable observations about Shenzhen:

1) There are a LOT of bicycles here. Way more than in Hong Kong. I guess owning a car in China is still a luxury many don’t spend money on. Also, a large amount of the bikes are electric powered. I like that idea.

2) I visited what had to be the largest restaurant I’ve ever seen. It was called “Japan Fusion”, and seemed like it could seat a few thousand people. It was multi layered, beautifully designed, and had a massive (fake) tree and a flowing waterfall running through the middle of the room.

3) When I was in a local pub close to my hotel, a young couple brought their infant in. This club was dark, smoky, and had music so loud you had to yell to be heard a few inches apart. I am not sure why they would bring their baby into a club like this, at 11pm. I suppose to save on babysitting?

4) No one trusts the money. There are money scanners at every register in every store. All notes are run through the scanner to ensure its’ legitimacy. I’ve never encountered any fake money yet, but this common practice assures me I will at some point.

5) Sex sells. Well, that’s true everywhere of course. But it’s clearly evident here. Prostitutes and Money Boys are in abundance in bars, and in unofficial red light areas. Shenzhen is famous for it’s Massages, as well. I am not suggesting that they are inextricably linked, but I think in many cases, they are one and the same.

6) Booze comes in buckets. I was in what was apparently the largest Gay bar in Shenzhen. It was seriously smoky and crowded. When I was there, there was an endless parade of bad karaoke singing, by young guys with an inability to recognize the notes. I give them credit for trying, though. All the music appeared to be from the 80’s and 90’s, and none of it was western, of course.

When drinks were ordered, they typically ordered by table. And the waiters would appear with a large bucket with several bottles and jugs. They would prepare the drinks at the table, and start pouring. Typically, the drinks were Jack Daniels and Coke, and were drunk rapidly. Many of the guys would play a drinking game, using dice. Guess the dice numbers wrong, and you take a drink. I saw one guy proudly wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the glittery words “I’m Hotist”. I understand the sentiment, but not the spelling. And no, he was not Hot.

I will be in Shanghai for a few weeks now. I hope I will be able to find some hint of work in this city. I anticipate that the business climate will be much better in this busy town.