I talked with a good friend the other day currently working in Shenzhen where she’s been for a couple of years. Before that, she was based in Hong Kong for several years. She’s traveled extensively throughout China and Hong Kong. Her comparative analysis of Shenzhen and Hong Kong followed my question: Which do you prefer?
For starters, she says when business slows down, it is better in Hong kong due to the language barrier. Additionally, Shenzhen has the following pros:
1. New buildings because it is a new city; and
2. More space for your “buck” in all the real estate; and
3. Less people – so it is more spread out, open and you feel like you can breath; and
4. Free zone – so banking is easy, less restrictions; and
5. Close to Hong Kong by efficient train ride; and
6. Very reduced cost of living; restaurants; massages; etc.
7. The Chinese culture is less diluted as in Hong Kong which has become more Westernized; and
8. Shopping is magnificent for the ‘core’ of the deals that ship over to Hong Kong and to the rest of the world; and
9. Economy is booming.
Shenzhen cons:
1. Must speak the language of Mandarin just to get by; and
2. Have to really pay attention to pickpockets; crime; etc. – more than in Hong Kong; and
3. Medical systems are based on Communism country systems – though cheaper, not up to a Westerner’s expectations like changing the sheets in between one sick person to the next; etc.
4. Cannot find much Western Food….for the first 5 or 6 months, it is okay but then, it starts to get to you.
5. Standard manners that we [Westerners] might seemingly already have embedded in our society, and that we sometimes take for granted, are still being taught on television commercials for public health such as do not litter, no hacking, no spitting, wash your hands after going to the restroom, before serving food…
6. Hygiene in restaurants is not what we are used to in the good ole USA.
Hong Kong has the following pros:
1. You can find English almost everywhere, or close to where you are always; and
2. Hopping, restaurants, galleries, etc.
3. Lots to see – lots going on – very electric; and
4. International range of restaurants – so you can always find Italian food; or Indian food; Mexican food; and
5. I have found you can find anything in Hong Kong you can find in USA or Europe; and
6. Economy booming.
Downside of Hong Kong:
1. Too many people in small place. It is just packed; and
2. Cost of living is very high. Higher than NY or UK; and
3. People are typically smaller. Closets; chairs; everything seems to be built for smaller people. It takes work to find a hotel with enough spacing to hang your clothes. They are used to only hanging about 4 items at any given time…even in 5 Star hotels.
4. Very little space to just be still for a minute and breath…people are around you everywhere, 24/7.
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