Where to stay

Luohu is Shenzhen's border neighborhood, where most commuters and travelers cross to and from Hong Kong. Book a room here for convenience, and also to shop for custom-tailored clothing and suits in its slightly chaotic commercial complex. Futian is the top spot to stay to shop for electronics. The multiple malls that make up the Hua Qiang Bei commercial area here comprise the biggest electronic market in Asia. Shenzhen is sometimes known as the Silicon Valley of hardware; its tech stores and companies are among its biggest attractions. Reserving a hotel near Shekou's landmark modern plaza and promenades is the best choice for higher-end stores-and higher-end hotels.

The oddly named, but upscale Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) neighborhood in Nanshan is the place to stay for some of the city's most popular restaurants, ranging from foreigner-friendly steakhouses to places serving modern versions of traditional Chinese cuisines. Shekou is also a popular neighborhood for expats. Hotels here are a good choice for those who want numerous choices for Western dining and coffee shops located nearby. Book a room in Luohu for some of the best Cantonese food, particularly at the spots along Leyuan Street. The many restaurants near hotels in the Central Business District span almost every international cuisine imaginable.

Shenzen's Central Business District is the best area to stay to be close to an ever-growing number of international businesses. Plenty of global groups have set up offices and well-known hotels among its skyscrapers. Futian is the top choice for anyone wanting to be in the heart of the city's electronics scene. There's an entry point to Hong Kong at Futian Port. That said, those traveling to or arriving from Hong Kong by train may find it most convenient to reserve a room in Luohu, where new budget beds sit alongside super-deluxe hotels.