Shenzhen Shopping

Posted by xtreme (1094 days ago)

Can anyone tell me in regards to shopping in Shenzhen, i have friends coming and they keep telling me its great to shop there and a lot cheaper than Hong Kong, does anyone know differently? any help would be great

Posted by Gandalf (1094 days ago)

Depends on your bargaining skills and what you're looking for. Went up there for the first time ever couple of months ago and was not impressed. Cost of getting there plus cost of visa, never mind time/hassle, should be taken into consideration e.g. if you want to buy "designer" bags -- cost about $500 in HK; $250+ in Shenzhen... but once you factor in travel/cost/hassle/time, it is totally not worth it.

Shenzhen good for buying fabrics, tho -- HK$20 per metre for fabric which would cost 4-5x that much in HK. Or if you buy stuff in bulk to amortise the travel/visa/hassle/time factors.

Otherwise... product range is limited (100s of shops all selling identical stuff in varying quality), the big mall near the train stn is crowded, dingy and you will get endlessly hassled by touts. If you're looking to buy bootleg dvds, bear in mind horror stories of ppl being stopped and searched at the border on return journey and being fined up to HK$10,000 per disc. Jewellery... tack, tack, and more tack -- e.g. Tiffany rip-offs look great but are of dreadful quality. Shoes -- again, poor quality.

As far as I'm concerned, Shenzhen ain't worth it. I don't plan on going back there!

However, each to their own. www.shopinshenzhen.com has useful info and shopping tips, but wild overhype in terms of describing how fantastic it is.

Posted by marypoppins (1094 days ago)

Several of my friends have been stopped recently coming back into HK. There is a big crack down on handbags and Dvd's, I guess as long as you dont go overboard and as Gandalf said, take in the cost of travel, visa etc...nevertheless I love it there and take all my visitors.!!

Posted by frizzy (1094 days ago)

In my experience handbags about $60 each, although starting price is much higher.

Posted by aviva (1094 days ago)

There is a great new stall with traditional Chinese wood carvings on the 5th floor, right next to the escalators. Lurrrrrrrrrrve that! And on the 4th there is this artist girl making miniature glass paintings. So far, all my visitors have liked the trip to SZ.

So now there is a crack down on handbags, too?! Just when I was contemplating treating myself to a new one. That's so unfair!

Posted by marypoppins (1094 days ago)

Crackdown on mainly LV and Chanel bags, most others seem to be fine.Balenciaga no problem, just need to be careful and not by too many.

Posted by suze (1094 days ago)

Need a new bag, perhaps you can take me next time M.poppins?

Posted by marypoppins (1094 days ago)

Anytime, Suze, your not a crazy weirdo or anything are you???

Posted by suze (1094 days ago)

Completely!!!