Spent 3 days in Shenzhen, and my views on spending completely changed

After staying in Shenzhen for 3 days, my prejudice about "first-tier cities being expensive" was totally overturned! Here you can find both the sophistication of high-end malls and affordable surprises hidden in alleys—breakfast that fills you up for just 20 yuan, free attractions that are stunningly beautiful, spending money clearly and comfortably, even your wallet feels light~ Here’s a well-organized guide for sisters who want to go, so you can go with confidence👇 Cheap and efficient transportation🚇 ✈️ Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport: Flights cover the globe! Take Metro Line 11 straight to downtown, 45 minutes to Futian, fare 7 yuan, spacious and well air-conditioned cars; taxis are also regulated, about 50 yuan to Nanshan Tech Park, more affordable than you’d expect~ 🚄 Shenzhen Station/Shenzhen North Station: Shenzhen North is a high-speed rail hub, Metro Lines 4 and 5 go directly there, super convenient to Futian and Longhua; Shenzhen Station is close to Luohu Port, a 10-minute walk to Dongmen Old Street, you can show off some snacks right after dragging your luggage~ 🚗 Getting around the city: The metro is the “king of cost performance”! Use the “Shenzhen Metro” app to scan, 3 yuan can cross districts, not crowded even during rush hours; buses cover a wide area, 1 yuan for a half-hour ride, in the evening ride a shared bike along Binhai Avenue, enjoy the sea breeze and sunset, more pleasant than taking a taxi~ Accommodation that’s worth the money and comfortable🏠 • Futian CBD light luxury style📍: The Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen is amazing! Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city skyline, breakfast includes freshly made Cantonese dim sum, 10-minute walk to Civic Center, super convenient for watching the light show at night~ • Nantou Ancient City hidden gem B&B✨: “Alley B&B” is tucked in the old town! Rooms renovated from arcade buildings with small balconies, woken up by the smell of rice rolls in the morning, downstairs is an old-brand dessert shop, about 200+ yuan per person to experience the authentic old Shenzhen vibe~ • Cost-effective choice💰: Chain hotels along Metro Line 1, about 150+ yuan per person! Two stops to Dongmen and Huaqiangbei, breakfast stalls downstairs sell rice rolls with soy milk for 5 yuan, cheap and authentic~ Free attractions that will amaze you🎈 🌊 Shenzhen Bay Park: A must-visit! Cool sea breeze in July, stroll along the coastal boardwalk, watch egrets take off in the mangrove wetlands, in the evening see the “Spring Bamboo Shoot” building’s lights reflecting on the lake at Talent Park, every snap is a masterpiece📸 🏮 Nantou Ancient City: Free to explore all day! Ming and Qing dynasty buildings house creative shops and cafes, around the corner an old lady sells bowl cakes, 3 for 5 yuan, sweet and glutinous but not greasy~ When lanterns light up at night, the ancient street instantly transports you back in time~ 🌿 Lianhua Mountain Park: Climb the hill for panoramic views! The summit plaza overlooks Futian CBD, the view is wide open in front of the Deng Xiaoping statue, many people picnic and fly kites on the lawn, bring your own food and enjoy a whole afternoon, so relaxing you won’t want to leave~ 🎨 Overseas Chinese Town Creative Culture Park: A must for artsy youth! An art district converted from old factories, graffiti walls and sculpture exhibitions are perfect for photos, when tired sit at the outdoor café, order a 20-yuan iced Americano, watch sunlight filter through the leaves, free attractions with a touch of luxury~ Spend little, eat very satisfyingly🍜 🍜 Rice rolls + congee: The “old-brand rice roll shop” on the old street is a must! 10 yuan for egg and lean pork rice rolls, thin skin and full filling with soy sauce, paired with 5 yuan Jidi congee, smooth and flavorful, breakfast that fills you up~ 🦐 Seafood stalls: Go to “Shekou Seafood Market” and pick your own! Fresh shrimp, crab, shellfish, find a nearby restaurant to cook it (10 yuan cooking fee per dish), about 50 yuan per person to eat until you can’t move, half the price of restaurants~ 🍧 Dessert shop: “Zhao Ji Chuan Cheng” ginger milk pudding is amazing! 15 yuan a bowl, silky like pudding, paired with 10 yuan taro balls with grass jelly, cool and refreshing, perfect for summer~ 🌯 Guangming Pigeon: The old-brand “Guangming Guesthouse” is a must order! 35 yuan per pigeon, crispy skin and tender meat, juicy when torn apart, paired with a 20 yuan wolfberry leaf pork offal soup, great value for money~ Small details that healed my spending mindset⚠️ 1️⃣ Don’t just focus on trendy restaurants! “Couple’s small shops” in residential areas are more genuine—Luohu’s “Grandma’s Tea Restaurant,” 25 yuan roast duck rice drenched in sauce, so much meat it can’t cover the rice~ 2️⃣ Spend on attractions based on your needs! East Overseas Chinese Town and Window of the World are great for kids, but if you want to save money, free natural spots like Shenzhen Bay and Yangmeikeng offer just as good an experience~ 3️⃣ Shop at “Dongmen Ding”! Clothes and accessories average 50 yuan, you can bargain and try on, better deal than online shopping, after buying have an 8 yuan lemon tea nearby, so delightful~ 4️⃣ Choose “metro + walking” for transportation! Shenzhen’s attractions are concentrated, for example, it’s a 10-minute walk from Civic Center to Lianhua Mountain, saving money and soaking in the city vibe~ Spending money in Shenzhen is clear and comfortable—there’s refined luxury in the expensive, and delightful surprises in the affordable, even spending feels inclusive and genuine. July in Shenzhen has sea breeze, old streets, and endless affordable delicious food. Follow this guide to play, your wallet and mood will both feel light~ Just go for it! 🚀