1. Background

Recently, development of automated buses has been a big topic in Shenzhen. Shenzhen does not have a deep history, but being established in 1979, Shenzhen has become the youngest major city in China. Both its GDP and population have seen extreme growth, and it has also become known as the compass for finance in China. Its residents also have some of the highest salaries in China. But of course, the business atmosphere is highly competitive there, so business owners and those alike must fight for their place.

Shenzhen is adjacent to the new section of Hong Kong. Without a visa, Japanese citizens can reside in China for up to 15 days. Many Japanese tourists will then visit both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, going in and out of the Chinese mainland to extend their visa validity period. Currently, over 5,000 Japanese people live in Shenzhen. Many of them are Japanese business owners/workers, and since they have families, there are also Japanese schools there. The climate and lifestyle make for easy living for Japanese people.

Shenzhen's people have a diverse background. Cantonese was originally the main language, but now the standard Chinese language has gained popularity. That's because many people from mainland China live there, and Cantonese doesn't quite get through to all people.Because of this, Shenzhen is a very open city, and is open-minded in terms of accepting foreign foods and new ideas/products. A few years ago, Japanese food was quite popular in Shenzhen, but now because of differences in flavor preferences, the restaurants Japanese customers enjoy differ from what Chinese customers enjoy. But recently, many Chinese people have begun to enjoy basics Japanese flavors, and it is easy to obtain authentic ingredients from Hong Kong, and now the number of Washoku restaurants in Shenzhen is also increasing.

2. Regional Information

≪Regional Information about Shenzhen≫

Area 1996.8㎢ (about the same size as Tokyo)

Population: 12 million

Climate: There is no winter season, so the weather is warm annually

Language: Cantonese, Chinese (simplified), other

Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Catholicism

Currency: ※1 CNY＝ about 17JPY (4/2018 exchange rate)

Travel Time: 6 hour flight from Tokyo

★It will be easy to travel back and forth between Japan Commodities ☆ Generally cheaper than Japan

≪Food≫

・Local cuisine: 1 day/3 meals = about 70-150CNY

・Japanese/Korean/Western Cuisine:

　about 100-200 CNY per meal

≪Housing≫

・Housing is more expensive in nicer areas

・Ranges from 1,300-3,000CNY

　If you seek convenience or space: 2,000～5,000CNY

・40m2 apartment is abou 2000～2,500CNY

≪Utlities≫

・Electricity: you will need AC in the summer: 200-300CNY/month

　In winter: 200CNY/month

・Water: 50-100CNY/month

・Gas: 100CNY/month

≪Transportation≫

・First 2km by taxi: 11CNY (varies by area)

・Bus and subway are cheaper than Japan: about 4CNY