Forming connections in a new city
September 8, 2023
Futian District is the commercial heart of Shenzhen, with plenty of shopping, dining and recreation options.
In July 2024, I spent half a day in Shenzhen, China. I visited a major shopping mall in the commercial district of Futian, enjoyed a therapeutic massage and surprise ear treatment, absorbed the night time atmosphere of this skyscraper-dotted city, and dined at two restaurants.
If you’d like more information about Hong Kong or Shenzhen, message me on Instagram. Alternatively, we can book a meeting.
Information guide: Link CentralWalk in Futian CBD Shenzhen
Travelling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen
The ease with which you can travel to Shenzhen from Hong Kong is similar to that of moving between countries in Europe. The border which Hong Kong shares with mainland China is crossed by people frequently for everyday activities. They might be coming to and from work, a family enjoying a day trip in Shenzhen, or someone who wants to enjoy cheaper food and recreation facilities.
Going into Shenzhen in the morning and returning to Hong Kong at night is a routine for many.
There are 3 popular ways to visit Shenzhen from Hong Kong.
Via Louhu Port
Get on the Hong Kong MTR East Rail Line and alight at Lo Wu Station. Follow the signage to reach the customs zone. Get through customs, cross the border (you’ll know when your mobile phone signal changes) and you’ll be in Shenzhen.
Via Futian Port
Get on the Hong Kong MTR East Rail Line and alight at Lok Ma Chau Station. Follow the signage to Futian Port. Go through customs and cross the border.
Via Huanggang Port
Huangang Port can be reached by catching a bus from Hong Kong.
Shenzhen Metro System
The metro system is one of the most popular methods of transport in Shenzhen. It is friendly to foreigners who communicate in English as each station has an English name. In total, there are 8 metro lines. Line 1 (Luobao Line) is the busiest, carrying passengers between downtown Shenzhen and Bao’an International Airport.
Many of the metro stations are connected to shopping malls. As a travelling passenger, this makes it convenient if you are feeling hungry and want to get something to eat quickly.
To arrive at Link CentralWalk shopping mall, you can take Line 1 or Line 4. You can also take the high-speed rail to Futian China Railway station. The mall is right next door.
Link CentralWalk shopping mall in Futian CBD
Established in March 1979, Shenzhen is one of the youngest cities in China. Over the past 40 years, it has grown in its embrace of technology and innovation to become known as the “Silicon Valley of China”. Today, it is a bit of a migrant city, with workers coming in from around the country to serve in large company buildings.
Did you know that Shenzhen was once a region of fishing villages? From being designated as a Special Economic Zone during China’s reform and “opening up” era in the 1980s, Shenzhen underwent rapid development in investment and economic expansion. Today, companies like Tencent, BYD, DJI and Huawei have their headquarters in the city.
Link CentralWalk is a shopping mall in Futian, the commercial and financial area of Shenzhen. Futian is where multinational companies are headquartered and where Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre is.
I liked the modern design of Link CentralWalk and its innovative amenities. Targeted to young consumers and families, dynamic entertainment, shopping and dining experiences fill its multiple levels. Local Chinese brands offer their fashion styles, and there is also a UNIQLO.
I saw a pet shop, immersive karaoke rooms, a cinema, a giant ball pit for kids, and shops selling clothing and technology products. There was a robot moving around advertising Pokemon figures. From walking around in this shopping centre, you can feel the city’s embrace of innovation and technology.
Restaurant recommendation: Seafood at Link CentralWalk
码头见 (see their location on OpenRice here) is unique! Grab a basket and browse the different ingredients available. There are different sections of the gallery with different categories of food. Place the tags which correspond with the food items you want into your basket. Give it to the cashier at the end.
Like how it is in many restaurants in China, you can expect an efficient experience. Remember that WeChat Pay is the primary method of payment. Many shops actually don’t accept cash, and you should check if they accept international payment rails like VISA, Mastercard, or American Express.
I enjoyed the food and dining experience at 码头见. Their table seating was comfortable and the service was polite. We ordered a lot of seafood. I cannot read Chinese well, so my family chose the dishes. The presentation and flavour was on point!
JING'E massage centre in Link CentralWalk
There is a section of Link CentralWalk where multiple massage health centres offer therapeutic services. After the usual price comparison discussion, we chose JING’E. Hilariously, I did not know that treatment of my ears was included in the package that my relatives chose. It included earwax removal, which was a first for me.
Night time vibe and city walk
Leaving Link CentralWalk shopping mall, we were on our way to dinner. Night time gleamed with the polished lighting of sleek buildings. Futian District is home to Ping’an International Financial Centre, which is the second tallest building in China.
Futian District has lively urban infrastructure and nightlife activities. Shenzhen Central Park is good for walking and cycling. Cocktail bars and dance clubs help to balance busy working lives.
For social activities, Futian COCO Park (268 Fuhua Rd 3, 中心城 Futian District) is a must-add to your itinerary. This large complex is similar to Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong and surrounding commercial area. COCO Park houses many shops, lively bars, an open plaza, and an IMAX cinema.
Restaurant recommendation: Japanese barbecue in Futian CBD
We went to 野岩炙·极炙炭火烧肉 (OpenRice link here) for dinner. They serve Japanese style barbecue, offering premium cuts of Wagyu meat. The presentation was deluxe.
If you need to have a business meeting in Shenzhen, or want a private room for a special celebration, 野岩炙·极炙炭火烧肉 has two. I also admired the sleek decor and elegant interior. This restaurant would be a great spot for a romantic date.
Returning to Hong Kong via Louhu Port
We were conscious of time because once it is past midnight, the land border crossing of Luohu Port closes! After an eventful day in Shenzhen, we returned to Hong Kong.
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