An up to date travel and hotel guide to getting around

for Business in China

Passport and Visa

A valid passport and visa is required for China. Multi entry business visas are the best giving you 30 days each trip,and unlimited visits to China. A tourist visa with normally two visits is possible for trade shows, or company visits. Recommend that you check your requirements at your countries Chinese Consulate well before your trip,We can arrange letters if required for visas, but only with company’s you will do business with we are not visa agents and only act in an honest manner.

Safety in Shenzhen

Shenzhen is much safer for the business traveller compared with most European and Australian cities,in my option despite what you hear. My only exception to this rule is the Taxi’s not from anything sinister but the need for the driver to drive from A to B at the greatest speed while going the longest way for an extra $2. Adding to this concern is the lack of seatbelts this is why I recommend the subway and buses.

Getting To Shenzhen by Air via Hong Kong International Airport.

Shenzhen is around than one hour from Hong Kong Airport served by most of the worlds major airlines. There is an express train from Hong Kong airport to Hong Kong Central train station the distance is 35 Kms and the journey between the Airport and the city takes around 24 minutes. You can then transfer to the trains for Lo Wu or Lok Mu Cha. The trains to Lo Wu run only from 6.30 to 21.58 so be sure to check the timetable on the link. On Arrival you walk over a bridge to China fill in the form pass immigration and you exit to LoWu train station and Metro. China is famous for touts and the next 5 minutes dodging them are probably the worse china has to offer. Just walk straight pass they will not understand a word you say anyway and never real trouble just a nuisance. The subway is straight on down an escalator. There is a money exchange desk on the customs exit and downstairs in the Metro to grab some cash $200 is ok. Everything is cash and cheap outside major hotels. See our travel by Metro section for more information. Shenzhen city Taxis are red and use meters you will need your hotel name and address written in Chinese they do not read or speak English.

By Ferry from Hong Kong Airport

If you are heading to Shekou there is a ferry that leaves Hong Kong Airport journey time is 60 mins This service saves having to go though Hong Kong immigration and Customs. Note that Customs and Immigration in Hong Kong are pleasant and very efficient and I have never found the Hong Kong a problem. Also if you have checked baggage you should check in an hour before the ferry so I would recommend this only for travel to Shekou area.

Sky Limo Car Service

I personally use the Sky Limos service to Shenzhen Huanggang 07.00 too 24.00 which is in the south of Shenzhen. Pass Hong Kong immigration then collect your bags and exit customs. Turn left and pass the fast food restaurants you will see the Sky limo desk. You buy your tickets and they will guide you down the lift to the waiting car normally a MPV as soon as they have 7 people our off which is about 10 minutes after you leave customs 30 minutes later you exit Hong Kong staying in the car and are delivered to the Chinese immigration hall. Fill in the form on the opposite wall and join the queue for foreigners. Sky limo and others also offer a Hotel service but the times are limited, Chinese customs service is not too slow in Huanggang as you exit the hall you have to cross the bridge and turn left downstairs to the taxis around 200 m all up, or right toward the buses. Taxis are red and use meters you will need your hotel name and address in Chinese they do not speak English avoid unlicensed taxis or touts. You will also have to pay in RMB I don’t remember seeing any exchange at Huanggang so bring some with you.

Huanggang is convenient for the Shenzhen Exhibition Centre

Shenzhen Metro Subway Travel Guide

Shenzhen would have to have one off the newest and cleanest Subway/ Metro systems in the world. Currently being expanded every ware it seems. Tickets are fully automatic so you have to buy a token at the desk or from the vending machines. I would recommend you buy a card from the subway service desk which you can charge for $20 you should be able to travel all week and the same card works on the buses. We have a Goggle earth file with the current Subway/Metro routes showing the exits. I travel by subway whenever I can its the fastest and safest way.

Taxis

If you like being scared Shenzhen Taxis is the cheapest way, although I have only crashed in a Guangzhou taxi. Flag fall is 12 rmb and fares vary on traffic jams and the route taken. The good news is they are still cheap compared to your home city and they are every ware no need to book. They do not speak or read English or know any 5 star hotels so you must have the address written in Chinese were you are going your hotel can help you with this and they only take cash.

Hotels

Try to stay in a Chinese brand Hotel the service and price is so much better than western hotel chains, its almost like they keep the service level and atitudes low so you don't complain next time you stay in the west. Why anyone has to pay 100 rmb a night for internet or 150 rmb for an extra breakfast. This is China service levels in hotels are very high. We have had clients stay in the Shenzhen Airlines Hotel and we are happy to recommend.The airline seats have a space for you legs as well.

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