CHINA
Destination | Shenzhen
Country Code: +86
Currency: Chinese yuan
FROM THE AIRPORT
 Bus: Airport buses run to and from Hualian Hotel on Shennan Middle Road every half hour from 6.30am to 8pm. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs 20 yuan. Tel (0)755 99788
Taxi: A taxi to/from the airport will cost 130-150 yuan. Arrange a taxi from your hotel or hail one from a taxi stand, but avoid the taxi touts who congregate around the railway and bus station.
TABLE TALK
Cheap chic: Xinyidai Seaport Restaurant Situated in a shopping plaza, this restaurant serves excellent, reasonably priced dim sum and a variety of local seafood dishes. 3/F Jianingna Friendship Plaza, Renmin South Road, Luohu, tel (0)755 8236-2888
Mid-range magic: Shenzhen Muslim Hotel Dining Room Enjoy traditional Chinese Muslim food such as savoury mutton stew, grilled onion pancakes and whole cooked lamb. On the eighth floor is a mosque for daily prayers. 2013 Wenjing South Road, Luohu, tel (0)755 8225-9664
Gourmet: Laurel Chinese Restaurant Known for its first-class Cantonese cuisine, this is a beacon for the well-heeled crowd. This is Cantonese food at its finest – don’t miss their superb winter melon soup. Century Plaza Hotel, 1 Chungfeng Road, Luohu, tel (0)755 8232-3888
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour: Brown’s Wine and Cigar House Relax with friends at this intimate wine bar in Shenzhen’s Overseas Chinese Town. Private rooms are available and the lakeside outdoor seating is perfect in the summer. 56-57 Commercial Street, Portofino International Apartments, Xiangshan Street, Overseas Chinese Town, tel (0)755 8608-2379
Late night: Soho Restaurant and Night Club For a fun night on the town, head to this popular dance club in Shekou. Th ere’s a wide range of music to suit every taste and an outdoor patio to cool your heels after an evening on the dance floor. Taizi Road, Shekou, tel (0)755 2669-2148
HOT SPOTS
Luohu Commercial City: Th is five-storey shopping centre is Shenzhen’s number-one destination. Here, you’ll find several small, crowded shops selling everything from luggage, shoes, and fake Gucci to traditional Chinese medicine and pedicures. Next to the Luohu border crossing
Splendid China, Window of the World and Folk Culture Village: To the west of Shenzhen are three theme parks that draw the crowds on weekends and holidays. Splendid China features mini-models of China’s greatest attractions such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Window of the World displays world landmarks in miniature and even has its own replica of the Eiffel Tower. Kids will enjoy the song and dance routines by ethnic minorities at the Folk Culture Village. Tel (0)755 2660-8000, www.szwwco.com
INSIDER TIPS
City guidebook: Though most visitors head to Luohu Commercial City in search of bargains, expert shoppers know that some of the best deals can be found away from the border area. An invaluable shopping guide to Shenzhen is Ellen Mcnally’s Shop in Shenzhen, which covers most of the city’s shopping areas in intricate detail. www.shopinshenzhen.com.
He Xiangning Art Gallery: This strikingly modern art gallery in Overseas Chinese Town showcases both traditional and contemporary Chinese artists in frequently changing exhibitions. Closed on Mondays. 9013 Shennan Avenue, Overseas Chinese Town, tel (0)755 2660-4540
BODY & SOUL
Queen Spa and Dining: Shenzhen’s most luxurious spa offers over 500 comfortable massage rooms, with exquisite treatments ranging from traditional Chinese to Shiatsu. The spa also features overnight sleeping capsules and several reasonably priced restaurants for that aft er-massage meal. B1/F-4/F Folden Metropolis Building, Chunfeng Road, Luohu, tel (0)755 8215-8822
BOUTIQUE BEDS
Shenzhen Landmark Hotel: Th is hotel is a lavish, fully appointed establishment with excellent service, four restaurants to serve a delicious variety, and large, warmly decorated rooms. All suites feature modern plasma TVs, spa-type bathrooms and complimentary broadband internet. 3018 Nanhu Road, Louhu, tel (0)755 8217-2288, www.szlandmark.com
DAY TRIPPING
Minsk World: For an unusual experience, make sure your visit to Shenzhen includes a trip to see the Russian aircraft carrier Minsk, complete with MIG fighter planes, now docked for the amusement of visitors. You can explore the carrier in full and even watch re-enactments of Russian military parades on deck. Pay a visit to Minsk World for a bit of bizarre but enjoyable fun. Shatoujiao, Dapeng Bay, tel (0)755 2525-1415
IN THE KNOW
Shenzhen is notorious for pickpockets, so be very careful in crowded shopping areas and places of interest. Th ieves are known to snatch purses, passports and even cell phones directly out of unwary hands. Always carry your valuables in front of you, avoid wearing expensive watches or jewellery in public, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Compiled by Julie Grundvig (Lonely Planet)
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