Where do expats live in Shenzhen?

Shekou, OCT, and Coco Park (the central business district of Futian) have the highest numbers of foreigners in Shenzhen, although there are also pockets at Honey Lake and Luo Hu. Why are expatriates (expats) flocking to Shekou, OCT, and Coco Park?

Shekou

Out of Skekou's population of 350,000, roughly 10,000 individuals are foreign-born. There are several English-language restaurants, pubs, and clubs in the region, as well as supermarkets, bakeries, and butcher shops run by local Chinese residents. There are international schools, coffee shops (including Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Emily's, and Origos within a two-block radius), and just about everything else a Westerner might want. Shekou has a low crime rate. Gated communities with round-the-clock security make high-end housing complexes ideal for families with young children. There is a Shenzhen Women's International Club (SWIC) with around 450 members, all of whom are either expatriates or are married to foreigners, which organizes a variety of activities (like trips, dinners and other festivities). Shekou is also home to The Snake Pit, Shenzhen's oldest expat club, which was originally situated in Coastal Rose Garden II in 1987 and has since been moved. In a nutshell, an expat may easily live in Shekou without knowing or being literate in Mandarin or other Chinese dialects.

Mangrove Bay is the name of this bay.

Mangrove West Coast, a three-building complex in Mangrove Bay, is the area's biggest residential complex. Building 3 offers fantastic facilities (pool, gym, etc.), however construction on a new Metro station on the road adjacent to the building goes on from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, which is a bummer for the inhabitants of building 3. The project's completion date has been set for December of 2016. This just affects building 3, but it's a serious problem for those who live there. Kingkey Plaza is the third-largest complex, followed by Mangrove Citic. OCT Bay, home to several dining establishments, movie theaters, a music venue, and other nightlife options, is just a short drive away from Mangrove Bay. The Hongshuwan Metro station on the Shekou line is only a few feet from from the Window of the World and the Luobao line, which is just one stop away. Additionally, the new University of Hong Kong Hospital and the bayside cycling routes that lead to the Shenzhen Bay border crossing are both within walking distance of Mangrove Bay.

The month of October (Overseas China Town)

At a distance of roughly half way between the Shenzhen Airport and the main railway station (Luo Hu), OCT is located on a major east-west Metro line (Luo Bao). It is located across Shenzhen Road's major east/west boulevard (Holiday Yitian Plaza) from Windows of the World, in Shenzhen. Countless Western-style stores, restaurants, and nightclubs can be found around and near OCT. Portofino, located on OCT's northern and western edges, is the region's biggest and most affluent neighborhood. In addition to an upscale retail mall with a theater screening foreign films, the complex also has a number of first-rate eateries. Splendid Garden, located on OCT's eastern side, is OCT's second-largest apartment development (OCT Loft). This is a more peaceful part of OCT, and the Metro station at Qiaocheng East, the next stop east of OCT, is immediately across the street. High-end galleries and coffee shops line the streets of OCT Loft, a redeveloped neighborhood for artists. In the summer, it's the ideal spot for hanging out with friends. Located on the south side of Shennan Road, across the street from Splendid Garden, is the third-largest residential complex in OCT. V Bar and Galleon are two high-end nightclubs in the Venetian and Intercontinental hotels in OCT. OCT is a popular choice for urban professionals who work near a Luobao line station.

It is located in Coco Park

At the center of Coco Park, a major retail mall, lies the Shopping Park Metro station on the Luobao line's Luoyang line. The commercial mall is attached to the biggest housing complex, Galaxy International. Among the younger crowd, this region is a hotbed of nightlife. Coco Park is surrounded by several restaurants, bars, and businesses. In addition to Coco Park's stores, Central Walk, a big retail complex, is only a short walk away. Many office buildings dot the Coco Park region, making it a popular choice for urban workers looking for a place to call home.

Luohu

Shenzhen's main train station is located in Luohu, which also serves as a major border crossing with Hong Kong. It's a great spot to have custom-tailored clothing created just close to the train station, which has a huge retail mall with tailors and a lot of fabric. Park Lane Manor is Luohu's most popular housing complex for expats, followed by KK Mall. There are a lot of office buildings in Luohu, thus individuals who work in Luohu choose to reside in Luohu over Shekou because of the proximity to their workplace. Many unique businesses and eateries can be found in Luohu. A vibrant nightlife scene can be found throughout the city. There are, however, fewer expatriates and fewer locals who speak English in this district than in other parts of the city.

To which neighborhood in Shenzhen should you relocate?

With more international schools within walking distance for youngsters, Shekou tends to be more popular with families. The Futian CBD has been a popular choice for single professionals because of its proximity to clubs and restaurants. OCT Loft's Cafe Culture is a great option for those who are looking for a calmer place to relax after a night of partying. As the cost of living in the city continues to grow, more and more professionals may choose to live in Bao'an or Longgang, which are located outside the city's core.