Shenzhen, China

[genethemachine]

I have an upcoming trip to Shenzhen, China for a week. I'll be traveling by myself for work so I'll only have a limited amount of time outside of work hours to sightsee. Any tips? Must see or must avoid places? I've read that crime (esp, pickpocketing and snatch-and-run) is bad there, but is it any worse than other big cities throughout the world? Will I be inviting trouble if I bring out my DSLR, or does everyone carry a DSLR nowadays?

[Mchu86]

Crime is definitely rather common in Shenzhen, so I would be careful/aware at all times. I can't say if it's any worse than any big cities, but I've heard more theft stories out of that city than Guangzhou. I can't say for any other big city.

But, as always, as long as you are careful/aware at all times, you can prevent yourself from being another horror theft story.

Here's some tips:
1) Don't leave anything in your back pocket. Have everything you need (wallet, keys, phone) in your front two pockets.

2) If you have a bag (backpack, messenger, etc), wear it in front of you so you always have your eye on it. Even keep one hand on the bag for extra precaution.

3) Take the camera out only when you need it. Any other time, keep it stowed away. Try to compose everything in your head before you take the camera out to minimise the time out of the bag.

4) Thieves on motorcycles are very common. They'll follow you, accelerate, snatch your bag, and take off. So keep an open eye/ear.

I don't mean to have scared you, though I'm sure you've already thought of these things. Just be alert, and you should be fine. At the same time, don't act TOO cautious/uneasy or that in itself will attract unwanted attention. Keep your head on a swivel, make eye contact with ppl. If someone is up to no good and you have eye contact, chances are they'll back away. Other than that, I don't suppose there's much more to say. Have a great time!

Cheers,
Michael

[genethemachine]

Thanks for the tips, Michael! As a somewhat related question, are there any recommended places to shop for photo gear? Specifically, I've heard that the Benro pods can be had much cheaper in Asia than in the US.

[Mchu86]

II'm not too sure of the Shenzhen area, so I can't give any recommendations. Generally though, you can find booths scattered around markets/electronic markets that sell tripods. For example, if you go to the HK/China border, there's some shops in that area that I've seen that sell tripods. They are literally booths, so you'd have to do your homework to make sure you're getting what you want. Sorry I can't give any more info, as I don't live in Shenzhen, I can't give much recommendation.

Cheers,
Michael

[philmar]

I found Shenzhen to be safer than any North American cities of same size. Crime is more severley punished there than here. That said, it is a rich city and petty crime is more prevalent there than other cities in China. I did see a thief getting chased in the bus station there. He alluded several people, it was like an episode of Benny Hill - until he ran near me. I leaned my shoulder slightly in to him and he fell easily (I play hockey and am 6 foot tall). I somewhat regretted it later when I saw the crowd then proceed to beat the crap out of him. Then the police/security arrived (which may have saved his life) and pulled him away hair-first instead of using handcuffs.
All in all I'd say East Asia cities are less crime infested (except maybe Manila) that Western cities of the same size. I'll walk down the streets of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Jakarta ANY night of the week after midnight. I'd never do so without precaution/trepidation in Western cities like Kansas City, L.A. Dallas, Miami, Rio deJaneiro or Buenos Airies. You'll be fine in Shenzhen so long as you don't stumble around drunk in a redlight district or walk around in flashy clothes/jewelry and camera equipment. Put the gear away when not using it.