Shenzhen the Tech Hub
Located across the bay from Hong Kong in southern China, Shenzhen is a city from the future. Young ambitious people flock to Shenzhen chase their dreams in a modern day gold-rush. With innovation burst at the seams, it’s often coined the “Silicon Valley of the East”.
Basics
As a relatively young metropolis, Shenzhen’s main draw is its hustle cultures, especially in high-growth industries. Anchored by mega-giant Tencent (as well as other well-known corporate titans) many career-minded young folks flock there to try and strike gold.
Though there is a wide range of affordability, in recent years, cost of living roughly compares with Beijing or Shanghai. Average rental prices for individuals are in the $500-1.5k USD range. Pay scales in tech will be lower at junior levels and comparable at more senior levels vs. Silicon Valley.
Neighborhoods
Shenzhen is longer than it is wide, but everything is accessible within 30 minutes by public transit or Didi. The central business districts are located in Futian and Tian Hai. And younger folks tend to live in the following neighborhoods:
Bao An 宝安
Nan Shan 南山
Things to Do
Bars, cafes, and clubs are aplenty in Shenzhen, with different tiers catering to different social strata. Each neighborhood will have their own set of local bars, cafes and shopping. Unless you’re out for a decadent night at some of the country’s infamous clubs, chances are you won’t need to leave your neighborhood.
There is a burgeoning international fine dining scene but not as developed as Shanghai. In addition to the nightlight, the locals also enjoy scenic natural sights. There are many hills to hike in the city. The government invested in well-maintained bike paths along the bay.
Do not worry for a lack of things to do or people to hang out with. There are many foreigner transitory transplants in Shenzhen, and events are often organized in 500 member WeChat groups (e.g. Shenzhen now, Shenzhen party).
Culture and Lifestyle
The culture is focused more around work than Tier 2 cities. Careers are top of mind and 996 is the norm. In return, Shenzhen has a lot of innovation and development happening at a breakneck China speed. The pace of change (especially around tech) will feel accelerated. If a leisurely life is what you look for then Shenzhen is not for you.
As a very international hub, Shenzhen is very welcoming to transplants. Once you land in Shenzhen, you’re a Shenzhen-er. That said, Shenzhen does not have the same international roots that Shanghai has, but is growing quickly on that front. Asian diaspora will feel right at home. LGBT community is also welcoming.
Dating culture is not too dissimilar from other big Tier 1 cities in China. One should expect similar requirements around material success. In addition, you also layer in a higher volume of transplants.
Acknowledgements
The information on this page was sourced from a April 2021 Clubhouse audio meetup. Many thanks to Vince, Jason, Steven, and Colin for serving on our expert panel.
If you are interested in helping our team source knowledge about life in Asia, please contact our team.