SHENZHEN (Guangdong Province) -- area code (86-755)

Shenzhen is a new city with vast stretches of it carefully planned around parks, buildings and highways. On the border with Hong Kong, Shenzhen gets mostly day visitors looking for cheap deals, otherwise it's primarily a place to do business. Chinese from elsewhere in the country are allowed to move here (unlike Shanghai or Beijing) and so the population is a mix of many ethnicities, cuisines and subcultures. Shenzhen offers most Chinese a better standard of living, with higher wages and more freedom.

Shenzhen's population is about 8 million (that's about 320,000 Utopians).

• Men in Shenzhen message forum
• Shenzhen Gay Scene Updates message forum

The Utopia Guide to China (2nd Edition) is an expanded and updated guidebook to the gay and lesbian scene in 50 Chinese cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Included are bars, discos, spas, and restaurants. Enjoy hundreds of savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians and travelers. Click here to order

Click here for Shenzhen bars and clubs.

Click here for Shenzhen discos.

Click here for Shenzhen massage and spas for men.

• Phoenix House
  Hua Qiang Bei Rd, on the eastern side of Pavilion Hotel, 8207-6688, 8207-6338. This "tea house" is actually a large, modern restaurant offering a huge range of delicious dim sum type little dishes that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Menu is in Chinese, but just point at any of the food being served around you if you don't have a Chinese-speaking friend in tow. The tri-corner layer flake pastry stuffed with warm papaya and coconut is sensational!

Click here for Shenzhen saunas for men.