The town of Shenzhen, situated just to the north of Hong Kong, was built in the 1970's as a special economic zone of China, which means economic freedom in an otherwise communist country. Today, with a population of over 10million, Shenzhen is bigger than London! Shenzhen is not only an important business destination, it's also a shoppers heaven, as prices are generally up to 20% cheaper than Hong Kong.
If you are planning on visiting Shenzhen, or indeed China, and you are a British Citizen, you must have a visa before you arrive at the border. You can buy visas from the UK, or if you are in Hong Kong, you can buy one for half the cost, and can be available within 24hours.
If you are in Hong Kong, take the KCR train from Kowloon to the final station Lo Wu, then walk over the border. Ensure that you don't follow the crowds here, as they will be heading through the Hong Kong/Chinese Nationals border control station. You will need the Other Nationalities border control station. You can also purchase your Chinese Yuan (¥) at the border. The border itself is nothing more than a covered walkway, but don't think about taking pictures here, else you will at least lose your camera, perhaps worse, you have been warned!
When you arrive on Chinese soil, you will probably be pestered by the locals trying to take you on shopping trips. Ignore these people, as they are mostly con artists just trying to get you into their shops. The main shopping centre of Shenzhen, Luo Hu Commerical, is right next to the border, so theres no need for an "excursion".
The somewhat impressive border crossing building, taken from the Chinese side of the border.
If you are not a keen shopper, don't worry, there are other things to do. Next to the border is the Shenzhen Metro station. Take the Metro west to the last station (Shi Jie Zhi Chuang - cost ¥5, about 40p). Here is a fascinating theme park called "Window of the World". The park contains impressive models of the worlds famous landmarks (entrance ¥120 - about £8).
The park is divided into the worlds continents, with pretty much every famous monument or landmark can be found here. For example:
Where else can you see London's Big Ben and Paris' Arc de Triomphe in one photo?!
In the Asia Zone, Agra's Taj Mahal.
The Pyramids of Giza, which of course is in the Africa Zone.
The most incredible momument of the theme park is the near life size replica of the Eiffel Tower.
The "Eiffel Tower"
Visitors can also take the lift (¥20) to the top, to witness fine views of the theme park, the city of Shenzhen, and indded on a clear day, Hong Kong.
The view from Shenzhen's Eiffel Tower.
So if you are in Hong Kong, and fancy something different (and you have a visa), then Shenzhen makes a nice day trip.
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