Shenzhen has a population that is larger than Hong Kong’s. Located just across the border from Hong Kong, Shenzhen is designated as a special economic zone. The theory behind this is to create a sort of commercial buffer between wealthy and liberal Hong Kong and the mainland.

While Shenzhen does have an aitport, the coastal city is probably best reached from Hong Kong. Buses and taxis can make the trip from Hong Kong International Airport to Shenzhen. Trains run from Hong Kong to Shenzhen regularly. Ferries connecting Hong Kong to Lo Wu, Shenzhen’s busy port, run several times a day. The trip takes u under and hour and is quite convenient for day-trippers looking for a pair of knockoff Nike shoes in Shenzhen’s busy shops.

If Hong Kong seems expensive, Shenzhen will appear refreshingly cheap. Not only are goods cheaper, but services and accommodations as well. Hong Kongers think that this is the case. Many spend a Saturday or Sunday browsing through Shenzhen’s shopping districts, enjoying a large, reasonably priced meal, or taking advantage of cheap massages and beauty salon services.

Mainland Chinese flock to Shenzhen because of its relative wealth. The population has swelled to more than 8 million. Poverty is more widespread here than in Hong Kong. Pickpockets and con artists are everywhere, though violent crime is rare. The weekend crowds at Shenzhen’s shopping streets make it impossible to pick out the shift looking guy watching the bulge in your back pocket. Until it’s too late. Carrying cash in a front pocket or money belt is a suitable counter-measure against such crimes. Leave passports and credit cards at the hotel.

Lo Wu has a huge shopping center, but most of the items are fakes. Dong Men offers cheaper prices, though that elusive pair of authentic Nikes wont be found here, either. There are other department stores, including (sigh) Wal-Mart. In fact, Sam Walton’s evil empire has a strong foothold in Shenzhen. There are a dozen stores in and around the area.

Food is the other attraction that brings visitors to Shenzhen. With cheap prices, it is possible to pull up a chair at most restaurants and order all you can stomach. The seafood is especially nice in Shenzhen, as are local specialties like barbecued mutton and sweet and spicy noodle dishes.

Shenzhen is not typical of the rest of Mainland China. However, if you are visiting Hong Kong and would like a cheap and interesting weekend outside the islands, Shenzhen is the perfect option.