Shenzhen

Due to its proximity to Hong Kong, Shenzhen was a logical portal of entry to mainland China. Unfortunately, this city boasts very high crime rates and carries warnings to tourists not to walk around outside at night. But as this city is a perfect launching pad to Shanghai and cheaper flights depart early in the morning from Shenzhen, we decided to brave it out and stay one night there. Plus hotels in Shenzhen are extremely cheap - we are talking a decent room for 25 CND including breakfast!

The moment we stepped off the train we were shocked at the contrast between Shenzhen and Hong Kong - two cities separate by only 30 minutes on the subway. For instance, taxi drivers were now protected in cages, our internet access was very restricted, nearly no English was spoken, traffic was chaotic, and locals were trying to cross 5 lane highways on foot. Despite the fact that our experience in Shenzhen was not our best, it was not our worst either. Bring on Shanghai, we are ready for you!