Where to Live in Shenzhen: Nanshan vs Futian vs Shekou for Expats
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 3 min read
Nanshan: tech jobs and family living
Nanshan is where most international tenants end up: it covers the Hi-Tech Park, Shenzhen Bay and the university area. Commutes to tech employers are short, international schools cluster here, and compounds like the ones around Window of the World offer gardens, pools and gyms.
A furnished two-bedroom in Nanshan typically rents between ¥9,000 and ¥16,000 per month; a three-bedroom family apartment between ¥14,000 and ¥25,000.
Futian: CBD convenience
Futian puts you next to the Civic Center, the exhibitions and the border crossing to Hong Kong at Futian Checkpoint. Offices are walkable from many compounds, and the dining scene is the most international in the city. You pay for the location: the same budget buys less space than in Nanshan.
Shekou: the historic expat quarter
Shekou in southern Nanshan has the longest expat history in Shenzhen: Sea World, international bars, French and German school campuses and the ferry to Hong Kong and Macau. It is popular with families who want a village feel inside a megacity.
As a real example from our current catalogue: Modern 2-bedroom 2-bathroom apartment at Evergrande Tianjing, Nanyou Nanshan — Modern 2, 2 bedrooms, 83 sqm, ¥11,500/month. Every apartment we list is checked for police-registration eligibility before it goes online.
How to decide
Decide by commute first, lifestyle second. Write down your daily destination, check the metro lines that serve it (Line 1, 2, 9 and 11 cover most expat needs), and only then compare compounds. Our team can shortlist by commute time — it is the fastest way to narrow 130+ listings down to five.
Apartments you might like
¥7,500/monthNanshan Airy Loft Rentals
Nanshan Airy Loft Rentals · nanshan · Line 5 · Liwan
¥8,000/monthNanshan Cozy Two-bed Rentals
Nanshan Cozy Two · nanshan · Line 1 · Daxin
¥8,500/monthNanshan Sunny Two-bed Rentals
Nanshan Sunny Two · nanshan · Line 1 · Daxin
Tous les logements dans le catalogue. Une question ? écrivez-nous.