Shenzhen is part of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), situated in south-central Guangdong Province and is adjacent to Hong Kong. It is one of China’s wealthiest and fastest-growing cities. Once a fishing village, the city is home to a stock exchange, many banking and financial institutions, and hi-technology manufacturing companies. The city also boasts many tourist attractions, including theme parks and beaches.Plug TypeLanguageMandarin, Cantonese, EnglishPopulation8.46 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage220 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 800/1900Most international travellers entering Mainland China require visas. Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Japan or Singapore, however, can enjoy visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days.
Visas are readily available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most Western and many other countries. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days (less in Hong Kong, for a premium). Visas can also be arranged at certain travel agencies such as China International Travel Service and China Travel Service.
Visa Requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of ChinaThe Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of money itself is called the yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.RMB 1.00 equals:
.14
US Dollar (USD)
.15
Australian Dollar (AUD)
1.00
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
.10
Euro (EUR)
.09
British Pound (GBP)
1.10
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
12.72
Japanese Yen (JPY)
164.35
South Korean Won (KRW)
.20
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
4.58
New Taiwan Dollar (NTD)
A 15 percent surcharge including government tax is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge, and tipping is not expected.Bank HoursMonday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 4pm
ATMs are available 24 hoursOffice HoursMost government offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Commercial offices and businesses are open 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.Shop HoursMajor shopping malls open from 9am to 10pm throughout the week.At some checkpoints, visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before arriving in China.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts recommends that you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Shenzhen. Bottled drinking water is available in every room and is replenished daily.
Lightweight clothing is appropriate for spring and summer months. A sweater or a pullover is recommended during autumn and thicker jacket during winter. A shirt and tie is normal office attire and is appropriate for business, important social, diplomatic or government occasions. Smart casual is the common attire for most commercial offices.Shenzhen has a subtropical climate with long summers and short winters. Frequent rainfall and occasional typhoons occur from June to August. The average annual temperature is 22.4 degrees Celsius.