Life in
Shenzhen
A glimpse into life onboard The Deal.
If you were to join The Deal, you’d be living in one of Asia’s most exciting, forward-facing cities: Shenzhen. A place where innovation, art, nature and nightlife come together.
Shenzhen is a coastal metropolis of more than 13 million people and one of China’s youngest major cities.
This page is designed to give you a flavour of what life here feels like – what it’s like to wake up, rehearse, wander, eat, explore in a city that welcomes people from all over the world.
Our Neighbourhood: Shekou
Most international artists and performers in Shenzhen gravitate toward Shekou and it’s where The Ancerville/Minghua Ship lives as the icon of the area. It’s a lively, cosmopolitan coastal district surrounded by mountains, parks, cafés, markets, and the waterfront.
Shekou is known for being:
- The most international area of Shenzhen
- A safe, easy-to-navigate neighbourhood for newcomers
- Filled with cafés, gyms, bars, bakeries, markets, and creative spaces
- A short walk from Sea World, an open-air plaza of food, fountains, culture, and nightlife – where The Ancerville/ Minghua is
- A transport hub with ferries to Hong Kong and Macau
It has the rare quality of feeling both relaxed and buzzing.
Culture & Art
Shenzhen is one of China’s most forward-thinking creative capitals. You’ll find:
- OCT Loft: a converted industrial art district full of studios, galleries, markets, bookshops, micro-theatres and outdoor music
- Sea World Culture & Arts Center, home to a V&A exhibition
- Contemporary art museums, design hubs, and cinemas
- Experimental theatre, live music, jazz bars, and pop-up performances
Climate & Lifestyle
Shenzhen is a subtropical coastal city, meaning:
- Warm, bright winters
- Hot, humid summers
- Lush greenery
- Outdoor lifestyle all year round
On days off, you can expect: beach days, hiking trails, botanical gardens, sunset walks, café-hopping, harbour-front bars, open-air food courts, karaoke nights, and even weekend trips to Hong Kong.
Food & Drink
The food scene is a huge part of life here.
In Shekou and central Shenzhen you’ll find:
- Excellent local Cantonese food
- Fresh seafood
- Street snacks and night markets
- International restaurants (Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Korean, Middle Eastern, Western cafés)
- Amazing bubble tea, bakeries & coffee shops
- Local supermarkets and Western grocery stores
- Vegan/ vegetarian restaurants
It’s easy to eat affordably, and even easier to eat brilliantly.
Community & Wellbeing
There are people from all over the world in Shenzhen.
- People are friendly, curious, and open
- English is increasingly common in Shekou (if not, translator apps never fail and people are very willing to communicate with you however they can!)
- Public transport is extremely efficient and cheap – there is a brilliant metro system,
- It’s safe to walk around at night
- Gyms, yoga studios, dance classes & martial arts schools are everywhere
- You’re likely to meet fellow people from all over the world
A Gateway to Asia
From Shenzhen you can travel easily to:
- Hong Kong (30 – 60 minutes)
- Macau
- Guangzhou
- Shanghai, Beijing & most major Chinese cities
- Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea (short flights)
It’s an incredible base for performers who love exploring.