In this insightful video, Lizzy offers a comprehensive look at what $50 a night can get you in Shenzhen, China, focusing on apartment living as an alternative to traditional hotels. She meticulously tours a well-equipped apartment, highlighting its vintage charm and practical amenities. The kitchen area is impressively stocked with a rice cooker, cutlery, and even basic cooking ingredients like oil and soy sauce, making it suitable for home-cooked meals. Lizzy notes the efficient kettle and spacious fridge, and even shares that cooking in the apartment didn't lead to any lingering odors, thanks to good ventilation.
The bathroom is presented as a pleasant surprise, featuring quality shampoo and conditioner that Lizzy found to be excellent for her sensitive scalp, a stark contrast to typical hotel offerings. The inclusion of a bathtub, a rarity in many Chinese apartments, is a significant plus. The apartment also provides ample cleaning supplies, toiletries, and fresh towels, contributing to a comfortable and home-like experience.
Moving into the main living space, Lizzy is charmed by the vintage decor, comfortable bed, and the presence of a projector for entertainment. She appreciates the dedicated workspace and the comfortable leather couch. The apartment's pricing is discussed in detail: approximately 360 RMB per night, or 9,000 RMB for a month, which includes all utilities, regular cleaning, and Wi-Fi. This monthly rate is presented as a potentially good deal, especially considering it covers all expenses and offers more living space than a hotel.
Lizzy contrasts this with hotel prices, which can sometimes be cheaper but lack the amenities and living space of an apartment. She advises that hotels might be better for short stays of two to three nights, while apartments are ideal for longer durations, allowing for home-cooked meals and a more immersive living experience. The convenience of cooking one's own food is emphasized as a way to manage costs and cater to dietary preferences when traveling in China.
Further insights into Shenzhen's rental market reveal that while typical apartments might cost around 6,000 RMB per month, they often lack furnishings like TVs and fridges, and utilities are extra. The apartment featured in the video, at 9,000 RMB per month, offers a complete package, with potential for negotiation. The apartment's location is praised for its proximity to Dongman Laia, a major tourist hub, and its excellent connectivity with a subway station just a short walk away. Lizzy also touches upon Shenzhen's identity as a global tech hub, a place for innovation and rapid prototyping.
The video concludes with Lizzy showing the surrounding area, including a convenience store, a small river, and various restaurants, emphasizing the vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere. She highlights the accessibility of public transport, noting the significant cost difference between taxis (DD) and the subway for getting around the city. Ultimately, Lizzy recommends this type of apartment rental for those seeking a more authentic, home-like experience in Shenzhen, especially for longer stays, allowing them to truly feel like they are living in the city rather than just visiting.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the price of the apartment per night and per month?
- A: The apartment was about 360 RMB per night, and the monthly rent was 9,000 RMB, which includes utilities and cleaning.
- Q: Are hotels cheaper than this apartment in Shenzhen?
- A: Hotels can sometimes be cheaper per night, but for longer stays, an apartment offers more space and amenities for a comparable or better value.
- Q: What are the advantages of renting an apartment over a hotel in China?
- A: Apartments offer a more home-like experience, allow you to cook your own meals, and can be more cost-effective for longer stays, with included utilities and cleaning.
- Q: Is the apartment conveniently located?
- A: Yes, it's very conveniently located, just about 500 meters from Dongman Laia, the main tourist spot, and less than 100 meters from the subway station.
- Q: What amenities are included in the apartment?
- A: The apartment includes a full kitchen with appliances and cooking supplies, quality toiletries, a bathtub, a comfortable bed, a projector, and Wi-Fi, with regular cleaning services.
