Shekou is a unique Chinese city located in the southwest of Guangdong Province, lying on the east bank of the Pearl River in close proximity to Hong Kong. Shekou is easily accessible by high-speed catamaran ferries departing from the airport every half hour.

Here some local insight regarding travel to this area.

Shekou History:
In the late 1970s, the Chinese government began initiating new policies that were to open up the country to the outside world. In 1979, China Merchants was given the task of developing and managing the Shekou free trade zone, in Shenzhen, located just across the channel from Hong Kong. That operation, which became China Merchants' single largest operation, was eventually incorporated as China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Co. Ltd.

In 1983 a vessel named the Ancerville, built in France (1962), was purchased by China. It was renamed the Minghua (Bright) and ten years later it was permanently docked in Shekou. This vessel has become the center of the Sea View Plaza and Shekou Proper. The ship and its surrounding area is becoming a destination akin to Hong Kong's Lan Kwai Fong.

Transportation:
On arrival at Shekou port and having cleared customs and immigration, transportation to anywhere you wish to go is available outside the Entrance Hall.

There are readily available buses to the Shenzhen Airport (No.355 direct to the airport for 8RMB), as well as buses to all local destinations. K204 is the best to Shenzhen and will cost 8RMB. Do not use the 204, as this takes twice as long, is more crowded and not air-conditioned.

Be advised that most of the taxi and bus drivers do not speak English. Prior to visiting, review the Chinese websites and print the character translations to reference.

There is a taxi stand as you exit the terminal. Always insist that the taxi driver use the meter and be aware that you will have to pay for any tolls should you use a taxi to go to the airport via the express highway.

Ferry schedules are available online, at:

www.shenzhenparty.com/comingtoshenzhen/ferry.html

www.mindray.com.cn/chn/news/FERRY%20SCHEDULE-CFT&MFT.pdf

Shopping:

When shopping, be aware that many "independent" places will sell copy goods. If a price looks too good to be true, it usually is. Outside of the chain stores, it is unusual to find a price marked on an item. Prices quoted to westerners are generally higher, so be prepared to bargain. If unsure about prices, watch what locals are paying for things, as well as where they are buying them.

Sites:
Chinese Cultural Village

About thirty minutes away, the Chinese Cultural Village is the first spot in China where you can learn about the folk cultures. In the village, you will see the distinctive architecture of ethnic groups and join in their brilliant festivals. Buying handicrafts or tasting local snacks is another way to experience the China Folk Culture Village.

China is a big and united family made up of 56 ethnic groups. Geographically speaking, they are distributed in different parts of China with the resulting difficulty of experiencing each ethnic group's culture. But, the China Folk Cultural Village, lying at the Overseas Chinese Town, Shenzhen, will help solve this problem.

www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/shenzhen/folk_village.htm

Windows of the World

Shenzhen Window of the World is a fantastic replica park situated at the Overseas Chinese Town. Here, you see vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites.

Within one day, you can visit many reproductions of famous sites from different countries. For example, you can find the Mahamuni Pagoda of Rangoon and the Angkor Wat of Cambodia here. European architectural splendors, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Ancient Athens, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Tower of London will carry you back to the cradle of classical European culture.

www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangdong/shenzhen/window.htm

Hotels:

There are many good hotels in and around the Shekou area. Prices start around USD$50 and go up from there.

Honlux Cruise Inn

Honlux Cruise Inn is a converted sea vessel situated in the center of Sea World Square, only two minutes from the ferry terminal.
The hotel guest rooms are equipped with high-speed fiber network, satellite TV, IDD telephone and a business center.

Address: 6F, Cruise Inn, Sea World, Shekou
Phone number:  86-(0755) 2689-2668, 86-2668-1439

Nan Hai Hotel

Nan Hai Hotel is a premier international five star hotel in Shekou that excels over others in its blend of vessel-like unique architecture with breathtaking sea views. All rooms are fully equipped with a color TV, fridge and mini bar, IDD telephone, electronic safe, Vingcard electronic door lock and an advanced air conditioning unit.

www.nanhai-hotel.com

Address: Shekou Industrial Zone
Shenzhen, 518069, Guangdong, China Tel (0755) 6692888, Fax (0755) 6692888

Holiday Inn Donghua

Holiday Inn Donghua Shenzhen is located in the Nanshan District (the culture and tourism center of Shenzhen) and approximately 15 miles from Shenzhen Bo An Airport. Window of the World, Splendid China, the China Folk Culture Village and Evergreen Resort are less than four miles from the hotel.

Address: NO. 2307 DONGHUA PARK, NANHAI ROAD
NASHAN DISTRICT SHENZHEN, 518054 CHINA
Hotel Reservations: 800 830 8998 Front Desk: 86-755-86193999

Mission Hills Resort & Gold Club

Mission Hills Resort & Golf Club is located approximately 35 miles north of Hong Kong International Airport. Hotel amenities include the 100,000,000-square-foot golf course, six driving ranges, weight training, archery, basketball, badminton, health spa, golf shop, kids' club, Broadway Nightclub, 51 tennis courts and two swimming pools.

Address: Mission Hills Road, Guan LAN Town
Reservations Tel:(8621) 6322 3855 Fax:(8621) 6360 0967 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Shangri-La Hotel

The Shangri-La Hotel Shenzhen is a five-minute walk from the city's railway station, the Lo Wu border crossing into the neighboring Hong Kong SAR, and a 40 minute drive from the airport.

www.shangri-la.com/shenzhen 

Address: East Side, Railway Station 1002 Jianshe Road Shenzhen 518001, China
Tel: (86 755) 8233 0888 F: (86 755) 8233 9878

Restaurants:

Shekou is a city where you can find almost every kind of international and or Chinese food that is available. Some of the foods represented include Brazilian, Thai, French, Italian, Tex-Mex, German, Australia, American, Japanese, Korean and Irish.

Lowenburg Brauerei and Restaurant (German Style)
A unique German microbrewery and restaurant with resident German brew master. Food specialties are homemade sausages and crispy pork knuckle. The restaurant is divided into two sections, indoor lounge and terrace beer garden.

Casablanca Bar & Restaurant (French Style)
The menu in Casablanca has a distinctly French feel. As a chef herself, the owner Michele Leger often prepares the dishes personally. As Christmas approaches, Casablanca presents Christmas Eve dinner for 230 Yuan per person.

McCawley's Irish Bar & Restaurant (Irish style)
The decoration features traditional Irish landscapes, old Irish carriages and antique Irish style bookcases. The tasteful Celtic atmosphere may remind you of the film Braveheart.

Red Rooster's BBQ House (American Style)
Tacos with chicken or beef, fajitas and tex-mex nachos are the specialties of the house. BBQ chicken, tender pork ribs and Country music are what customers remember it for.

For more information on Shekou you can contact our team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it