Shenzhen Side Trip - All tips appreciated

[Pushka]

I travelled into Shenzhen on my own by train. Rather hairy at times especially when I found out the ATM's on that side dished out RMB and I needed HKD to buy my return train ticket. I just scraped enough cash to pay for it. I got my Visa in Hong Kong from the Visa centre off Nathan Road. It took two days and I have to leave my passport.

Some really good buys in the main shopping block but you have to keep asking for the REALLY good buys and they take you to a shop front that is concealed. Just like they do in Hong Kong. The train station is manned by Chinese Army Guards. At one time I wanted to go 'the wrong way' in a one way corridor. Next thing the Chinese guard blew a whistle and everyone stopped in their tracks. And then he pointed at me! Oh my god. Then he pointed in the direction I should have been going so I turned around and slunk away. Mind you, I could never hide. I am tall, blonde and blue eyed and I could be seen over the top of everyone.....

Ah, I probably took too many risks that day. All in the name of a good shop!

 

[nlagalle]

I've just come back yesterday from a day trip there. Was part of a tour. But I can see how easy it was to get a visa at the border.

I didn't buy much in the end though really wasn't much there..

 

[Danger]

I've just come back yesterday from a day trip there. Was part of a tour. But I can see how easy it was to get a visa at the border.

I didn't buy much in the end though really wasn't much there..

Are you able to expand a little? Did you go to this Lo Wu mall or whatever it is?

What were the prices like in general? Is it possible to get genuine products?

 

[yohy?!]

Are you able to expand a little? Did you go to this Lo Wu mall or whatever it is?

What were the prices like in general? Is it possible to get genuine products?

I would not bother with LoWu mall if I were you, it is really a waste of time - the majority of items I have seen there are generic/brandless as they have police around to stop the counterfeit goods. The shops themselves are really akin to market stalls, you are not going to see major brands supplying to them.

 

[nlagalle]

I would not bother with LoWu mall if I were you, it is really a waste of time - the majority of items I have seen there are generic/brandless as they have police around to stop the counterfeit goods. The shops themselves are really akin to market stalls, you are not going to see major brands supplying to them.

Id agree here, it wasnt anything over the top, you'll probably find better copy watches on Nathan road.. And a lot of the clothing was poor in terms of replica..

Silk st market (Beijing) was a lot better.

 

[nlagalle]

Are you able to expand a little? Did you go to this Lo Wu mall or whatever it is?

What were the prices like in general? Is it possible to get genuine products?

Yes I went to Lo Wu mall. Basically 5 levels of little shops selling the same things..

You won't find genuine products at all. Shop in hong kong if you want that.

 

[one9]

Yes I went to Lo Wu mall. Basically 5 levels of little shops selling the same things..

Generally the counterfeit products are somewhat hidden. If you show interest to a tout they will take you to the stores who have hidden back sections or stores who pull things out from under the counter etc. The biggest range of premium counterfeit goods will actually be sold in other buildings (eg. apartments) closeby. There are some apartments that have been set up very beautifully full or high end designer handbags etc.

On a different note: DON'T CATCH THE FERRY TO HONG KONG AIRPORT IF YOU PLAN TO LEAVE THE AIRPORT

I planned to catch the ferry to HK airport in the morning, leave my luggage at the airport luggage storage and take the train to the city to do some last minute shopping. I checked on the net and it suggested the best way to travel from Shenzhen to HK airport is by the Ferry (as the train stops at many many stops - not a direct route). So I took the ferry. When I arrived at the airport you are immediately at a "transfer" area where you need to present your boarding pass and passport to proceed. I did not have a boarding pass as I had not yet checked in. There are also airline transfer desks in this area. I spoke to my airline (Dragonair) and they said that if they printed the boarding pass for me and I proceeded into the Airport I could not leave the airport. I spoke to several people to make sure this was correct and it seemed there was no way I could enter the airport (as I had to leave the airport to give something to someone as well). They explained this transfer method means you don't officially enter Hong Kong, so there is no way Customs can let you back through Customs. Anyway I ended up having to wait for forms to be completed and then let me buy a return ferry ticket back to Shenzhen. Then from Shenzhen I bought a new ferry ticket to Hong Kong City (not Hong Kong airport). I wasted a lot of time!

PS. I should mention that I really like Shenzhen and think anyone spending much time in Hong Kong is crazy if they don't visit. The train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen is really easy.

 

[Pushka]

Like I said above, if you didn't find the real thing in Shenzhen then you didn't keep asking the right questions. None of the real stuff is in the shops. They are all hidden, for the very reasons some of you have described.