Despite the city's pleasant seashore and climate, its accolades as a UN-designated ''International Garden City'' and winner of the ''Global 500 Environment Award'', and despite the ever growing presence of international cuisine, foreign visitors and expats primarily view Shenzhen as a shopper's paradise and strategic business hub. Designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Shenzhen and its vibrant economy have attracted several Fortune 500 companies and many expats to the region to engage in joint-venture enterprises.

Unlike other cities in China, transportation via taxi is a bit more complicated and much more costly. Depending on the color of the taxi cab and the designated areas in which cabs can drive, fares start at anywhere from RMB7.5 to RMB12.5. Insist on using the meter as some drivers may try to take advantage of newly arrived visitors. A lot of locals prefer to use the bus since it is far more economical than taxis. Bus fare is incremental and you pay according to the number of stops, so it's important to know where you're headed beforehand.

Shenzhen residents enjoy comfortable weather. Shenzhen is the first Special Economic Zone to have clean, unpolluted air, sunny clear skies and few torrential rains during the typhoon season. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 14.3ºC (54.74ºF) and summers seldom exceed 27.4ºC (81ºF). The city is relatively flat with a few rivers and mountains in the distance. At times the intense sun can make it seem much warmer than the temperature suggests. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are useful items during the summer.

Shenzhen's property prices, higher than in most other cities, are considered normal for a boomtown that keeps turning up the heat on its economic index. Owning a comfortable home is something only the very wealthy can afford to do. Consequently, most Chinese and expats choose to rent at more affordable prices. But even for Chinese, these rental prices are higher than in most other Chinese cities.

As far as local cuisine, ''morning tea time'' is an important part of Shenzhen food culture in that it often coincides with dim sum. Locals value this time of day and faithfully flock to one of many dim sum restaurants as part of their morning routines. Lineups are the norm at this time of day. While the Shenzhenese are are quite laid back during this time, often extending morning dim sum through the lunch hour, they are extremely active and productive in the afternoons and early evenings. Dim sum is a way for them to mentally and physically prepare for the day ahead.

Apart from dim sum, and perhaps salted baked chicken, Shenzhen does not offer much in terms of local snacks or foods. Instead, the city is considered ''A window to the world'' in terms of its rich variety of national and international cuisine. The proliferation of restaurants serving scrumptious dishes from Southeast Asia, Europe and America can best be described as decadent.

As far as nightlife and socializing are concerned, Shenzhenese generally prefer the finer things in life. Imported wines, cocktails and liqueurs top the list for discerning drinkers. Many bars and clubs exceed the expectations of western partygoers and several venues have outdoor seating to enjoy the cool evening ocean breeze.

Both domestic and foreign goods abound. Grocery stores and supermarkets offer endless varieties of food items and ingredients. Shopping for apparel, cosmetics and footwear is similar to shopping in Hong Kong, sometimes even better, as Hong Kong residents often come to bargain hunt on weekends.