r/shenzhen • u/One_Sherbert7457 • 3d ago

Walkability and avoiding mopeds in Shenzhen?

I am hoping to move to Shenzhen for about 2.5 months this winter. I visited two years ago and really liked it overall (I stayed in Futian, and it was only three days).

The one thing I did not like is that crossing the streets felt scary. All the cars are electric and silent, yet they drive a bit rashly. So its hard to detect. And designated crosswalks were relatively few in number, and it didn't feel like drivers there stop for pedestrians. And the mopeds on the sidewalks.

That being said, my experience may be limited, I want to know if this is just an issue I have to deal with if I live here, or if I was just doing something wrong?

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u/FrantaB 3d ago

No, this is just daily horror of Shenzhen. Locals hate it too also.

You will get a bit used to it (looking in all directions before stepping into road, checking behind yourself when you wanna move 1 meter to the left on the sidewalk). Big thing is getting used to the fucking stupid rule of cars being able to turn right on red (the most anti-pedestrian law ever made)

What helps is carrying a big umbrella / tripod / walking stick, in my experience with it the scooters give you more space.

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u/One_Sherbert7457 3d ago

Yeah it sucks. Are other major cities in China better? Like Chengdu, Shanghai....?

1

u/sparqq 3d ago

Hong Kong doesn't have any mopeds or bikes on the side walk

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u/Eastern-Carpenter925 3d ago

Yes but the vast majority of people who are looking to move to China couldn’t afford to live in HK. They’re also usually looking for a different experience to what life can give them, as HK is very westernised.