Trip to Shenzen/Hong Kong - recommendations? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2015, 11:29:45 am
content: I have a job installing in Hong Kong from Nov 7-20. Obviously this would be a good opportunity to experience Shenzen as it's only next door.I'll mostly be working nights in HK , so should have time to explore a lot of Hong Kong during the day - any geek-oriented recommendations other than the normal tourist guide stuff?Any good shops/areas for tools/components/unusual gadgets etc.?Although SZ is only a train ride away, the cheapest visa option is a 5-day single entry SZ area one, so probably worth trying to get a solid day or few there rather than a few hours on a few different days.At the moment I don't know how much time I'll have available, so not sure its worth getting a multi-entry China visa.I'm not looking to buy anything specific, but will probably end up with a suitcase full of tools & other oddments.Do the electronics markets open 5,6 or 7 days a week? What hours?Any tips & suggestions welcome, including places to stay that are convenient for electronics areas (not budget - 3 star minimum!)

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 31, 2015, 12:14:11 pm
content: Check out Jon Oxers guide:http://www.freetronics.com.au/pages/the-ultimate-electronics-hobbyists-guide-to-shenzhen#.VjSwX34rKM8

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2015, 12:45:22 pm
content: There's also this:http://www.bunniestudios.com/blog/?p=3526I'd say theSEGis the most popular place to visit. General info on it here:http://www.electronicsshenzhen.com/fqa/

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2015, 01:34:35 pm
content: In Hong Kong, walk down the whole Apliu street and visit WELC, on the first floor:Hotline: (852) 3182 0888 Fax: (852) 3182 0808 Email: cs@wecl.com.hkSHOP: G/F & 1/F, Ming Chu Building, 201 Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong(Opening Hours : 10:30 am-8:00 pm Monday - Saturday, 12:30 pm-8:00 pm Sunday and Public Holiday)http://www.weclonline.com/eng/index.asp

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2015, 01:48:43 pm
content: Convenient hotel is the Harbour Plaza Metropolis:http://www.harbour-plaza.com/metropolis/Accommodations-Deluxe-Harbourview-Suite-en.htmNext to Hung Hom railway station.https://www.google.com/maps/place/Harbour+Plaza+Metropolis/@22.302631,114.183649,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x5a662f088d56b0e7Nice big and modern shopping mall next to Kowloon Tong tube station (Festival Walk), where I usually meet up with Franky.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2015, 05:37:01 pm
content: Just recovering from a day trip to Shenzen that I managed to sneak in before the HK install - a few quick tips in addition to what's already online :If you have a passport that lets you into HK without a visa (which appears to be most countries) , and do NOT hold a US or French passport, you can get a 5-day Shenzen area visa at the Lo Wu station border - for a short trip this may be quicker and cheaper than getting a China visa. Fee varies by country, typically Y170-304 (Y1~=GBP0.1).After passing HK immigration, look for escalator on the left up to "Port Visa", just before China immigration.Although the visa place only takes Yuan, they do now appear to take cards (saw the signs, didn't try myself as I already had currency) . There is also an exchange window. The waiting room was full but it still only took about 30 mins.Take a ticket before filling in the form, so you get ahead of people who do the form first!Watch the ticket number displays like a hawk as they don't always go in sequence and they don't wait long before skipping to the next number if nobody appears to be approaching the window!Although many HK ATMs claim to dispense Yuan, I tried 4 different ones with my UK card and none co-operated, only offering HK$Probably best to pay the visa on card and get Yuan from ATMs in Sz to reduce the effect of ATM fee plus exchange rate to get cash before crossing.Total time by train from Mong Kok to the door of the first electronics place was about 2 hours including 30 mins for the visa - total from HK airport using Airport express train, this would probably be well inside 3 hrs. All transportation is very easy to navigate with English on signage and ticket machines.Minor issue is the ticket machines at Shenzen subway station did not appear to want to take notes over Y5, so make sure you have either one of these or Y1/Y0.50 coins for the Y3 fare.Bags are x-rayed on exit from Lo Wu border station and on entry to Sz subway both ways so leave the weapons at home!You also get scanned by a thermal imager on the way back to HK - guess they're looking for bird flu etc.

author: jwrodgers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2016, 01:14:34 pm
content: I'm just back from a trip to Hong Kong, and I managed to get a day in at Shenzen, I would highly recommend it - if even just for the experience.I can confirm for all those interested that you can still get a 5 day Shenzen area visa at the border (Aug 2016 - I have a UK passport), up the escalator marked "Port Visa" as described by Mike and in other posts.Without reading your post Mike, I wouldn't have gone, but as you described it is quite easy. Visa now costs 304 RMB, about £40.Metros on both sides are very cheap. If you have an Octopus card for the HK metro (MTR) then you can get a first class seat on the line to Lo Wu. Its twice the price, but cost me only around £7, well worth it at busy periods.I can also confirm that Apliu Street in Hong Kong is somewhere you definitely want to check out. This place took me over my 30kg Baggage allowance! Just check you are in the correct end, one end is for electronics type stuff, the other end deals primarily in textiles.

author: bicc1306
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2016, 01:59:53 pm
content: Great!This is one of my favorite place. All the best.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2016, 04:32:58 pm
content: Take throwaway clothes so you've an empty suitcase by the end of your stay

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2016, 04:35:54 pm
content: I should be back in HK in Oct-hopefully should get another chance to sample the Shenzen madness!

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 06:02:21 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 19, 2016, 04:35:54 pmIt's on my bucket list.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 08:20:12 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on August 19, 2016, 04:35:54 pmAnother round of festive lighting?

author: TAMHAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 08:29:07 pm
content: If someone stumbles across a working Iwatsu TS-81000 for a cheap price, well...

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 08:34:58 pm
content: Quote from: TAMHAN on August 20, 2016, 08:29:07 pmI rarely see Iwatsu equipment around China or Hong Kong.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 08:46:01 pm
content: Quote from: coppice on August 20, 2016, 08:20:12 pmre-arranging the snowflake strips into different shapes basically.

author: TAMHAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2016, 10:11:32 pm
content: Quote from: coppice on August 20, 2016, 08:34:58 pmWell, I was just hoping. The TS-81000 is an insane bit of kit...plus, I grew up on my Iwatsu DS-6612, so.Oh man, if you guys knew how often the little fucker already moved with me and what perverted things I did with him. That scope is a keeper for sure!!!!