Shenzhen trip - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 08:27:26 am
content: Is there anyone here living in Shenzhen or have been there? I have a business trip to HK, and I think in the meantime I can have a day or two in Shenzhen.Any ideas where to go and what kind of time budget I'm looking for? I'm on a very tight schedule, so saving time is one major concern.So far my plan is to arrive Shenzhen on 26th afternoon, and depart HK on 28th, so I have 26th (Sun) evening and entire 27th (Mon) in Shenzhen, and I need to rush to HK on 28th morning, and catch my flight to Seattle at 11:45.I'm looking for electronics ideas (latest Chinese innovations an clones of latest prototypes that have yet hit market) and trying to find some local open (walk-in) maker community.I'm NOT interested in computer parts, Shanzhai phones, factories or attractions.Any suggestions? Thanks.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 08:52:31 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on November 13, 2017, 08:27:26 amAIUI there aren't any real maker spaces, only fake ones set up for govt. funding.If you've not been, the HQB markets are a must, just to sample the craziness, but I don't recall seeing anything in the way of latest innovations that weren't on Aliexpress, but maybe there are people here with some more insider info.If you are staying in HK, it may be easiest to just do a day trip to avoid sorting out accommodation etc. for whatever's left of the afternoon.If you need to get the port visa, you may have to wait up to an hour at LoWu at the visa office, but time from HK to feet on ground at HQB can be under 2hrs all-in even with a bit of a wait.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 10:04:32 am
content: As Mike Selectricstuff said, if you are only going for a day or two, its probably best to stick to HuaQiang Bei, the area around the HuaQiang Lu metro station. The SEG mall is the part that most westerners stick to, because you can get by with English there. If you speak and read Chinese there are a lot of other electronics activities in the towers near SEG which will be accessible to you.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 03:31:52 pm
content: Try to schedule an in person meeting with Bunnie Huang and/or Naomi Wu. Maybe one of them can even be your tour guide.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 04:41:25 pm
content: AFAIK Bunnie is in Singapore, and I wouldn't try Naomi unless you really want the attention...Useful map:http://www.seeedstudio.com/document/pdf/Shenzhen%20Map%20for%20Makers.pdfThis place, next to the SEG, is worth looking at if you like LEDs and related products:http://www.hq-mart.com/

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 05:00:33 pm
content: I think he has plans to commercialize a design he's working on, in which case a bit of fame goes a long way in marketing. Also take advantage of social networking since I'm sure Naomi knows a lot of other engineers in Shenzhen, at least one was even featured in one of her tour videos.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 07:23:05 pm
content: The rail system there is pretty good for getting around but as you're wanting to have some flexibility I'd suggest you print both these maps and carry them with you.http://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/en/services/routemap.pdfhttps://www.travelchinaguide.com/images/map/guangdong/shenzhen-metro.jpg

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 07:32:29 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on November 13, 2017, 07:11:48 pmMandarin won't always get you very far in HK, but don't bother with Cantonese. Just use English if Mandarin doesn't work.CKS run boats to various places in the Pearl Delta. You don't want those. Just take a HK MTR network train to the border at Lo Wu. They run every couple of minutes. The HK immigration and China immigration desks sit between the Lo Wu station on the HK side, and the Luo Hu metro station on the China side (Its the same station name on both sides. They just differ in the Cantonese vs Mandarin readings of the Hanzi). You walk from the HK station, through the 2 immigration counters, and right outside in an escalator down into the Shenzhen metro. From there take a metro train to Hua Qiang Lu station. Its only a few stops from Luo Hu, and its a couple of minutes walk from there to SEG. SEG is signposted from the station. Most of the other interesting places are less than a block from SEG.

author: Mjolinor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 09:53:33 pm
content: I used the ferry one way and the train back. I was shocked by the amount and severity of the security in the train station. I suppose I didn't see it going from HK because we got the boat at the airport maybe.I didn't find anything interesting in Shenzhen which I suppose was an opportunity wasted. Is it really any different from Beijing. I worked quite a lot there and probably visited everything to do with electronics that they have. I spent all the time I wasn't working wandering round such places.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 09:56:38 pm
content: Quote from: Mjolinor on November 13, 2017, 09:53:33 pmIt depends when you go. Around big international events, and for a few months after a terrorist attack in China, the metro stations x-ray every bag taken into the stations.

author: Mjolinor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 10:02:44 pm
content: I think it was more the huge, blank concrete walls with razor wire on, they were really high too.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2017, 11:35:35 pm
content: I was in Shenzhen two years ago. I went with my wife and daughter to HK for 1 week of holiday (amazing place) and we went one day to Macau and one day to Shenzhen.You go by train and the trip take I guess 1h (?) from HK to Shenzhen. When you arrive, you need to go through border control and purchase a one day visa. This takes a lot of time and is difficult to fully understand if you are a foreigner. Fortunately I had a friend in Shenzhen who toured me. You will definitely need to go in the morning and plan the whole day!Shenzhen is hands down worth the trip, because it feels like being in the future (kind of Blade Runner style, but not dark - rather coloured, instead).The malls are amazing: imagine the Alibaba online shop in real life. You have for instance a huge mall only with electronics components. A WHOLE MALL!!! Then I went to another mall that had basically only second hand test equipment. Like being on eBay, but ready to pay and go. Again, simply amazing.But:- I went with my wife and daughter and though they were sympatethic with my hype, they clearly were not enjoying these malls that much, so I felt in a hurry to move on to different themed malls (imitation, fashion, bags, phones, etc.).- Prices are not amazing, simply because they are not better than eBay prices, which makes sense as the stuff comes from here and China pays for the shipping. Also, eBay sellers don't have to run a physical store, so they will be even cheaper.- Prices are to be discussed. Kind of hard when you don't speak the language and fail to understand their culture. Make sure you have a calculator with you to calculate the price in your currency and to simply enter your offering price. On some items in HK street market I ended up paying less than half the asking price.- Remember that you will have customs to deal with if you purchase expensive or big stuff.In the end, the only really notable purchase I made was in HK: there was a shopping mall which had only cell phone shops (parts, second hand, counterfeit, originals, repairs, ...) in downtown (close to the Lady market, I think that was the name). Here I bought a second hand Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (original) in as new condition for a really low price (about 200 Euro in 2015). Best purchase of the year - I am still using it.Interestingly, I did not buy anything in Shenzhen. To do so, I would have required:- at least one day ALONE (no family, no friend, no guide) to browse all malls and shops- internet to confirm product models/versions and prices- money to spendIf you are into purchasing Test Equipment, make sure you know the differences of China models vs Export models (Uni-T, Siglent, Rigol, etc.).Don't waste time on fake phones (iPhone, Samsung): they all suck and feature fake CPU, screen resolution, etc.There are shopping malls only with amateur radio stuff. Nice, but then you can purchase Baofeng on eBay for less than 30 Euro - the ones I bought online didn't even go through customs plus you get eBay/Paypal protection, which is more than you get in a shop in Shenzhen.Most important advice: just enjoy your stay at Shenzhen and appreciate the dynamic. You really feel you are close to the world's electronic manufacturing site. It is just amazing to see all these small shops with small pick and place machines producing whatever...Regards,Vitor

author: Mjolinor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2017, 07:19:48 am
content: Blade Runner is perfect. I never thought about that but for sure it describes it well.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2017, 05:46:41 pm
content: Also don't miss the dodgy phone-parts areas, on the opposite side of the main road to SEG, hear the station (#40 on the makers map) , and the vendors selling stuff on the streets surrounding this building.Istr they closed quite early so maybe take a look before getting stuck into the main areas.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 03:16:27 am
content: We'd love an update on how your trip went, things you saw and places you'd recommend when/if you get a chance.TIA

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 03:30:01 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on November 13, 2017, 08:52:31 amWell, there is at least one "real maker space" without government funding, ourshttps://lab0x0.comWe're always happy to welcome anyone visiting to Shenzhen, though if you've only got a day and a half it might not be worth it since there's not much to see you wouldn't see in any other makerspace around the world.I also agree you won't see much that you wouldn't see on aliexpress et al, and of course HQB is worth a visit for the overwhelming experience of so many LEDs / phones / power banks / flavour of the month in one place.BTW for anyone doing a short HK / SZ visit, consider getting the dual network SIM at HK airport, it will give you easy access to the non-firewalled Internet while in the mainland at pretty reasonable rates.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 03:46:32 am
content: Take a lot of photos of things you find interesting, and upload the best ones.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 03:48:56 am
content: Quote from: janekm on November 27, 2017, 03:30:01 amYep, very good advice.My Vodafone SIM worked fine in HK but not across the border but a nice Chinese cop dialed the # I needed and let me use his phone.I must have looked really lost.

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 05:23:54 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on November 27, 2017, 03:57:46 amYou’re definitely better prepared than most visitors to the mainland thenRoaming on 4G does usually work without GFW but can get expensive unless one has a good International roaming bundle.Hope you enjoy your stay... I would suggest meeting up for some drinks or something but you’re probably running a bit short on time?

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 05:55:41 am
content: The things you learn, I honestly didn't realise Shenzhen was so close to Honkers until I looked at the map.Should do a few days trip from Aus for a look around.

author: BFX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 12:09:16 pm
content: I'm still in Shanghai (3 weeks, now is last week) and I visited local SEG market at Saturday, and it is more than DigikeyOnly one think what I expected and didn't found is TS100 soldering iron.But it's maybe only because I was not able to find that. And second problem here in Shanghai is that no one speak English and I don't speak Chinese.Third problem was that I got sick and I spent one weekend wasted in hotel bed.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2017, 03:14:25 pm
content: There is an electronics market in Shanghai? Did you take any photos? Would love to see them and have any other info if you did.

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 06:42:42 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on November 27, 2017, 06:39:24 amIt is indeed very different to digikey. What you have is a thousand or more separate small distributors and factory representatives each specialising in different components / ICs. For connectors / switches etc there's a lot of overlap since low-cost electronics have standardised on a small number of common types for these. For ICs it's pretty much pointless to go to the markets yourself since it'll take far too long to find the right distributors, so it makes much more sense to get these from sourcing agents (who will get a better price than you anyway).But it is useful to see what the common, low-cost components are, at least once!

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 09:54:13 am
content: QuoteOne of the first sounds of the area you hear when you emerge from the station is these people repeating "Byao Byao Byao". Then as soon as you enter a building, the sound of parcel tape.The first time I went there was the day before Singles day, so this was extreme - yellow parcel tape and boxes wherever you look.

author: schmitt trigger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2017, 04:34:36 pm
content: I haven't been in HK since the late 80s, it still was a British colony, although the handover to China had already been agreed in principle.The trip's highlight was landing at Kai Tak airport, it was every bit as thrilling as you see in the Youtube videos.But somethings have not changed, namely the huge social disparity and the fact that there are many people wanting to take advantage from tourists.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 01:32:16 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 01, 2017, 07:59:05 amThe announcements in Cantonese come right after the announcements in Mandarin. This might be why you could decipher them. Cantonese is usually really hard for Mandarin speakers. Your inability to follow chat in Cantonese is the real measure of how different the two languages are. Although most of the professional people in Shenzhen have migrated in, and only speak Mandarin, their children typically speak both Cantonese and Mandarin. They use Cantonese as a secret language their parents can't understand.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2017, 02:23:13 am
content: QuoteThanks, that was even worse than i could imagine

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 02:36:15 am
content: Quote from: schmitt trigger on December 01, 2017, 04:34:36 pmAgreedQuoteHardly ever experienced that in my many trips to HK. Imo it's one of the most worry-free places there are for tourists.

author: janekm
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 03:14:35 am
content: Quote from: Maxlor on December 21, 2017, 02:36:15 amI also can hardly walk 10m in Kowloon without getting hassled by a tout for a tailor or fake watch shop. No big deal but the only thing like that in Shenzhen is the taxi touts right next to every border crossing (and some touts in the malls intended for tourists from HK).It surprises people when I tell them that I feel much more safe in SZ than in HK, because as little as 7 years ago SZ had a bit of a ropey reputation...

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 03:27:33 am
content: Quote from: janekm on December 21, 2017, 03:14:35 amIn 25 years living in HK I've only had the occasional offer of a fake watch walking the Tsim Sha Tsui end of Nathan Road, and I've never been offered a suit.The mature cities in China, like GuangZhou, tend to be reasonably safe places. SZ is still a risky place, though, and if you need medical care try to get across that border as fast as you can, and seek treatment in HK.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 04:08:26 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 21, 2017, 04:05:06 amThis is ridiculous. HK is one of the safest places in the world. Until the early 90s the old Walled City was rather iffy, but since that was redeveloped there isn't a place in HK where anyone can't go with impunity.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 04:43:23 am
content: We stayed in a hotel directly above Mong Kok East underground station and I decided to go for a walk one day. Being from the southern hemisphere my natural compass was truely f***ed up and I got lost.I walked for bloody miles in that heat until I eventually hit a main road that I recognised the name of and it put me on the right path back to MK East. Never once did I feel uneasy or feared for my welfare, sure it was daytime but I'd happily go walkabout there again.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 05:01:34 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 21, 2017, 04:16:20 am

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 12:43:11 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on December 21, 2017, 04:16:20 amChongking Mansion has a reputation for selling iffy products, not for putting anyone in physical danger.

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 02:44:21 pm
content: Heh, this one time I was having dinner with a woman in HK (born there, lived there all her life afaik.) I asked her whether there was any place in HK that maybe a tourist better not go to. She hesitated, before mentioning some place, I forgot the name. I was surprised, having expected a "no", so I asked her to elaborate. She thought the place was boring and would be a waste of time to visit.It took several attempts to explain to her that I was really asking about unsafe spots; the concept apparently is so alien to HKers that it takes them a minute or two to wrap their heads around it. It matches my experience so far; even when walking the city at 4am (typically from some bar/club to the hotel), only my aching feet ever gave me reason to feel uncomfortable.As for street hawkers, they might be somewhat annoying, but they're a lot less pushy than in other countries, a shake of the head usually suffices to make them stop bothering you. Of course, if you're gullible, you will eventually find someone to take advantage of you. Or if you're drunk, heh; I realized one day that the taxi ride I took back to the hotel the night before had cost 10 times as much as it usually costs. I didn't notice immediately, because it was still cheaper than it would be in my home town, and I had had a few drinks at the time...

author: HalFET
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2017, 10:55:32 pm
content: Quote from: Maxlor on December 21, 2017, 02:44:21 pmHeh, but that counts for taxi drivers anywhere. The trick to avoid them doing it is usually giving them orders where they should drive along at the start (e.g. turn left here), and after a few streets they think you're paying attention and they won't try to screw you over anymore.That being said, worst place I've run into (in terms of taxi drivers being jerks) was Orlando, with Seoul coming in close second. The latter mostly because of their incredibly selective language skills, if they see a foreigner out past midnight in Nonhyeon or Gangnam they pull over quickly expecting an easy "long distance" job within the city and speak perfect English. But if you then say you want to go somewhere down the street (granted, that can be a 20 minute walk there) or to a neighbouring city they suddenly lose the ability to speak English, and if you then switch to Korean they still act as if they can't understand you. The former they just straight up ripped you off with modified meters and filling up the car with multiple passengers for the same destination and all charging them full price. Luckily found a trustworthy driver there last time, and kept calling that guy again directly. Friendliest taxi drivers would be in Taiwan, you step towards a random taxi and say you want to go for a 1.5 hour drive to a quite far away city, no problem at all. The ones on Jeju aren't too bad either, just be sure to say short or long distance, otherwise it might be an unpleasant surprise. Which reminds me, never ever take a taxi in Bangalore outside of day light hours.