Shekou, China

Shekou is an area at the tip of Nantou Peninsula in Shenzhen, Guangdong, southern China, south of Nantou and facing Lau Fau Shan of Hong Kong across Deep Bay. Shekou was the named the first Special Economic Zone of china. Shenzhen/Shekou is a border town with Hong Kong, and its close proximity to Hong Kong means that it serves as the major gateway for trade between China and Hong Kong, and hence the rest of the world.

Shekou is divided into three areas: Shekou Industrial Zone, Chiwan Port, and Shekou Town, with China Merchants Holdings in charge of developing the Shekou Industrial Zone (SKIZ). The town is a blend of industrial complexes, office buildings, apartments, shops, residential areas, and hotels—including an attractive pedestrian zone of shops, bars and restaurants complete with a grounded cruise ship.

Shekou is less congested and more laid-back than its nearest neighbors of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou (Canton), and when compared to other cities in China, is definitely more Western and practically devoid of any outward signs of Chinese culture.

Things to See & Do

* Shekou Sea World
* Free Market
* Underwater World
* Mineral Museum
* Shekou plaza

General information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Chinese yuan (CNY)
Language - Mandarin
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT plus hours eight hours
International Country Telephone Code - +86

Travel Links - It is possible to fly into Hong Kong airport and get a ferry direct to Shekou. The customs and immigration process is completed upon disembarking the ferry. Buses go directly from the ferry port to Shenzhen airport.

Important Visa Information
Australian and New Zealand passport holders staying on board or going ashore to visit any Chinese ports are required to obtain a single-entry Chinese visa (3 month validity) prior to travel. We recommend you include a copy of your itinerary with your application and confirm the expiration of the visa at the time of issue to ensure that it is valid for your stay in China. Visas cannot be issued upon the ship's arrival. Please note that any passengers not in possession of a Chinese visa may be denied boarding or incur a fine.