I can relate to how you're feeling about Shenzhen. I live in Hong Kong, and often visit Shenzhen. I personally feel that HK is more of a Chinese city than Shenz

I can relate to how you're feeling about Shenzhen. I live in Hong Kong, and often visit Shenzhen. I personally feel that HK is more of a Chinese city than Shenzhen. Especially Futian is hyper modern with new buildings everywhere, it's generally clean and there are a lot of high-end restaurants and bars. If you venture more outwards, you still get that Chinese city feeling, but the business district doesn't feel like that at all. I first visited 10 years ago, right after the Universiade, lots of people told me they cleaned up the city, just for that event. And ever since then, every time I return, there are new buildings. I know quite a few locals from Shenzhen, but most of my friends come from all over China, and it's great that they all hang out together. In terms of nightlife, even 10 years ago there was plenty, although it was much more local. Now it has turned more towards high-end clubs and bars.