Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a modern metropolis on the Pearl River Delta, and links Hong Kong to mainland China. Home to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and a number of home-grown multinational companies, it's one of southern China's most prominent financial centres. Its popularity as a holiday spot is on the rise.

Once nothing more than a small Chinese market town on the Kowloon-Canton railway route, things began to change dramatically in 1980, when the Chinese government designated Shenzhen the country's first Special Economic Zone. It has since developed into a thriving urban environment. Shenzhen's cityscape of soaring skyscrapers and bright lights can be overwhelming. That said, visitors shouldn't overlook its historic prominence and critical role in major national events, such as the Ming Dynasty's final stand, and the Opium War.

Dapeng Fort was a prominent defence for the Pearl River during the Opium War and is now a well-preserved relic from the Ming Dynasty. A visit to the Ancient City of Xin'an (Nantou) provides wonderful insight into life during the Ming era.

Shenzhen is one of China's greenest cities, and Fairy Lake Botanical Gardens is testament to this. Encompassing part of Wutong Mountain, these gardens feature miles of rolling foothills, sweeping valleys, and flowing rivers. While Hon Fa Temple is the major drawcard for local pilgrims, visitors will also find peace sitting at one of the teahouses dotted around the garden's lakes.

As Shenzhen is home to over 50 Chinese minorities, visitors will find a good mix of China's regional cuisines. From hole-in-the-wall eateries popular with local workers to opulent fine-dining restaurants frequented by wealthy businessmen and politicians, Shenzhen has something for every budget.