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[cyndibluebell]

My husband and me are planning to visit Shenzhen, China at the end of this year. We are not sure if its safe to travel on our own? Where to get good cheap hotel, with security and not too far from town? What we should look out for and what to be aware of? How to travel cheap and safe? Please share your experience. Thank you...Cyndibluebell

[shangguan]

China is an extremely safe place to travel. You should have no problems in that department as long as you use common sense. I have a friend in Shenzhen and I emailed her to ask her about good, safe, cheap places to sleep near downtown. I'll let you know when she responds to me. I have no doubt you guys will have a blast. Shenzhen is a fun city.

[happysheep]

Try ctrip or elong for hotels - it also has reviews and ratings. Or go to http://www.hotelfoo.com/ for a comprehensive collection of reviews.

In Shenzhen I've stayed at the Good Time Inn (partly because of the name), along with some others nearer the train station. You can also stay in spas like Queens' Spa.

Shenzhen is quite safe, apart from the areas with brothels, but you have to search these dodgy areas out.

[shangguan]

I'm sorry it took me so long to respond. My friend was very busy.

If you want affordable, the Bamboo Hotel, Shenzhen is a good hotel. It's clean and the desk staff can speak English.

Another good hotel is the Fortune Hotel. It is a bit pricier, but the rooms and ammenities are better.

I don't know if you are interested, but there is a hostel known as the Shenzhen Loft. That is usually where I stay when I'm in Shenzhen. It, of course, does not have the ammenities of the hotels, but it is clean, you can get a private room with bathroom and it is a great way to meet other travelers and get ideas of which sites to visit and how to get to them. The staff can speak English. It is secure and they do have lockers in their office to lock your things in when you are not in your room.

I hope this helps.

[robjstaples]

My husband and me are planning to visit Shenzhen, China at the end of this year. We are not sure if its safe to travel on our own? Where to get good cheap hotel, with security and not too far from town? What we should look out for and what to be aware of? How to travel cheap and safe? Please share your experience. Thank you...Cyndibluebell

A good value favourite of mine is the OCT Loft Hostel. It is advertised as a Hostel but many of the rooms are clean, bright doubles with en-suite bathroom. It's located 5 mins from the subway.