Dapeng, with a single flap of its wings, rises with the wind, soaring straight up ninety thousand li. Shenzhen, also known as Pengcheng, is separated from Hong Kong by a body of water. This southern pearl of China is renowned for its astonishing development speed and innovative vitality. In just a few decades, Shenzhen has transformed from a small fishing village into an international metropolis and has become one of the global centers for high-tech development. The charm of this city is not only reflected in its booming tech industry but also in its vibrant art scene, colorful nightlife, diverse international cuisine, and convenient and varied shopping options.
Shenzhen's natural scenery is equally captivating. Behind the modern high-rise buildings lies vast green spaces and rolling mountains, providing residents with a wealth of outdoor activities and opportunities to get close to nature. One hundred and sixty rivers run through the city, surrounded by mountains, which are indispensable natural features of Shenzhen.
Shenzhen has a permanent population of 17.79 million, divided into nine administrative districts. To help everyone better choose a suitable place to live in Shenzhen, we will focus on introducing five of these areas, hoping to provide practical information and suggestions for friends who are renting in Shenzhen for the first time.
Shenzhen's Nanshan District, as an important base for technological innovation and higher education in China, is home to many technology companies and the headquarters of multinational corporations. It gathers tech giants like Tencent and Huawei, as well as the prestigious Shenzhen University, demonstrating the robust strength of Nanshan District in the fields of technology and education.
Nanshan District is also a hot spot for tourism in Shenzhen, with famous attractions such as Window of the World, Splendid China, and China Folk Culture Village, as well as entertainment and leisure venues like Qianhai Performance Park and Sea World Square, providing visitors with a rich and colorful travel experience.
The residential areas in this district are renowned for their superior geographical location and high-quality living amenities. Many apartments not only offer magnificent views overlooking Hong Kong but are also favored by expatriates for their high-end living environment and convenient facilities. Although the rent is relatively high, its unique geographical advantages and international living atmosphere make Nanshan District a preferred place of residence for many foreigners.
Shared Apartment: 2000-3000RMB/M
Single Apartment: 3500-6500RMB/M
Futian District, the heart of Shenzhen, is renowned for its compact area and bustling commerce. Despite its relatively small size, Futian District showcases the vitality and charm of this young city with its modern skyscrapers and efficient underground transportation system.
The district is home to numerous parks, exceptional dining and shopping areas, and is also one of the most convenient borders connected to Hong Kong. The Shenzhen Museum and Litchi Park (which can be considered one of the most beautiful parks in Shenzhen, featuring a botanical garden and a lake) are both located in Futian District. Due to its central location and being one of the newer neighborhoods, this also implies that the rent in this area tends to be relatively high.
Futian District boasts Shenzhen's best underground transportation system, with multiple subway lines intersecting here, making it very convenient to travel to other parts of Shenzhen or neighboring cities. The subway stations are modern in design, with clear signs, making travel easy and fast.
Because Futian District is located in the city center and is a newer neighborhood in Shenzhen, the rent here is relatively high. However, the high rent also means a better living environment and more convenient amenities. Whether for business trips or leisure travel, Futian District can provide a satisfactory experience.
Shared Apartment: 1500-2700RMB/M
Single Apartment: 2800-6000RMB/M
Bao'an District, as an important part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, boasts not only a developed industry and economy but also many attractions worth visiting and a convenient subway transportation network. The subway transportation in Bao'an District is very convenient, with currently operational lines including Line 1, Line 5, and Line 11. Lines 6 and 12 also pass through Bao'an District, and the opening of Line 20 is expected to further enhance the convenience of transportation in Bao'an District, greatly facilitating the travel of residents within the area. Due to the convenient transportation, it is very easy to go from Bao'an to Nanshan District, making it a great choice for those seeking a balance between rent and convenience.
The rental market in Bao'an District is diverse, with different rental levels in different areas. For tenants with a limited budget, they can choose housing along the Circle Line or near the airport's permanent fortifications, where there is a rich atmosphere of life, many housing options, and high cost-effectiveness. For tenants who hope to have a higher quality living environment, whole rental housing in the Bihai Bay/Lingzhi area and the Bao'an Central District is a good choice, with new building age, beautiful community environment, and close proximity to the main workplaces and shopping centers in Bao'an District.
Shared Apartmen: 1000-1800RMB/M
Single Apartment: 1800-3500RMB/M
Luohu is the smallest and oldest district in Shenzhen, but it is also the stronghold of Shenzhen's commercial area. With numerous shopping centers and department stores, such as Dongmen Old Street and King's Glory Plaza, it is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. Dongmen Food Night Market is famous for its rich snacks and authentic Cantonese cuisine, attracting food lovers from all over the place.
Luohu District enjoys a superior geographical location, bordering Hong Kong, and is conveniently accessible to Hong Kong through the Luohu Port, which makes it a choice for many people working in Hong Kong to live in Luohu. Luohu Wutong Mountain is one of the famous mountains in Shenzhen, offering good places for mountain climbing and hiking. The National Natural Park and the surrounding art villages provide tourists with opportunities to get in touch with nature and art. Luohu District also retains some historical buildings and relics, such as Shenzhen's earliest train station, reflecting the development history of Shenzhen. The mature community and convenient facilities in Luohu District provide residents with a comfortable living environment.
Shared Apartmen: 800-1700RMB/M
Single Apartment: 1800-3500RMB/M
Longgang District and Longhua District, as important components of Shenzhen, each have their unique geographical locations, cultural characteristics, and development advantages. Established in 1993, Longgang District is one of the earlier administrative districts of Shenzhen, located in the northeast of the city, with a convenient transportation network connecting the city center and other areas. The Dapeng New District in Longgang is known for its beautiful coastline and natural scenery, and it is one of the filming locations for the movie "The Mermaid." At the same time, the Hakka Culture Museum showcases the rich Hakka culture, and Dafen Oil Painting Village represents the transformation and development of China's artistic creative industry, evolving from an oil painting reproduction factory into an important base for original art. Longgang is conveniently connected to the city center of Shenzhen, with relatively lower rent, attracting many people working in Shenzhen to choose to live here.
Longhua District, established in 2011, is one of the latest developed areas in Shenzhen and is also planned to be the future transportation hub of Shenzhen. In recent years, Longhua District has developed many high-end apartments, providing a high-quality living environment. Residential areas in Longhua District are generally quiet, suitable for family living, and the district's diverse international schools provide residents with high-quality educational resources.
Longgang District has become a vibrant area in Shenzhen with its rich cultural resources and artistic atmosphere, as well as relatively economical living costs. Longhua District, with its modern urban planning and high-end residential development, shows the development potential of Shenzhen's emerging areas. Both districts offer Shenzhen citizens a variety of living and lifestyle choices.
Shared Apartmen: 1200-2000RMB/M
Single Apartment: 2000-3500RMB/M
SOME RENTING TIPS
Having chosen the area and type of accommodation and budget, the next step is to rent. Renting in China is slightly different to renting abroad and can be tricky for anyone unused to the process. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Remember to register your new address with the Chinese police within 24 hours of moving.
An important part of renting is signing the contract, and it is very important that you are able to understand what you are signing. If you sign the contract on wellcee.com the contract will be in English and any queries can be answered.
Unlike some other Chinese cities, it is common in Shenzhen to pay just two months rent as a security deposit when you move in, along with your first month's rent and a realtor fee (If you choose to use a realtor instead of direct renting or sites such as wellcee).
If you go through a realtor you may not have much choice when it comes to landlord or flatmates, but if you choose another route try to meet the landlord or flatmates to get a feel for who they are. - This will help you to avoid people who may not keep your flat maintained or roommates you will not get along with. (If you signed your contract with wellcee you will always get help should any problems occur but in other situations you may find that you have limited resource).
When visiting the flat be sure to ask about problems common to Chinese households such as air-conditioning, mold or plumbing issues to ensure the place meets your standards.
When ending of the contract be sure to get your deposit back, if you have any problems getting this done you may have to seek legal advice if you didn't sign on wellcee where your deposit is secured by the site.
Now that you are ready to move to Shenzhen be sure to immerse yourself in the exciting culture of this city. It truly is a global hub and you can meet people from all over the world who have been drawn to Shenzhen. Find some groups for people who share your interests, discover your local bars or new favourite restaurants and check out the latest events happening around you on pages such as the Shenzhen Lifestyle section.