This week in Shenzhen I have been busy at work and have packed my spare time with lots of activities.

At Ugari I am currently finishing off the market research and database of potential clients for the business development projects I have been working on. Additionally, I am also finishing off a report to present to my company at the end of my internship. I may also get the opportunity to make a trip to Macau to do some more market research, which would be fun. After work, I have been trying out different restaurants in Shekou, such as a Xi’an Muslim style restaurant, which uses Halal meat and a variety of spices in their food.

On Wednesday, I attended a speech on ‘The Rule of Law in China’ hosted by CRCC Asia with Yang Qianwu, a senior partner and managing director of Dacheng Law Offices. Having a legal background, I thought it was a valuable and unique opportunity to get a first hand perspective of law in China. Mr Yang presented a fascinating speech on the legal system in China, which focused on many of the myths and preconceptions that are often shown through the media. He presented a number of captivating stories illustrating the importance of working within the existing legal framework in China. He also noted that guanxi (a basic dynamic in personalized networks of influence) plays a vital role in the Chinese legal system.

 On Saturday, I took part in another volunteering day activity, this time with the Futian Volunteer group at Lianhua Mountain Park. The project involved conservation protection, which included litter picking and raising awareness amongst the local population and tourists to keep the park clean. We walked up the famous big hill, where we were met by a great statue of China’s former reformist leader, Deng Xiaoping, as well as the stunning skyline of Shenzhen. The volunteer leaders were very friendly and extremely appreciative of the work we did. Overall, the volunteering activities set up by CRCC Asia have inspired me to get more involved with conservation projects whilst in China to try and make a difference.

On Sunday, I went to Luohu, one of the checkpoints into Hong Kong. The area is famous for its cheap malls, so I had a browse and chatted with some of the Chinese shop owners on their experiences of selling these types of goods. I remember being here three years go and it is incredible to see how prices have rocketed. The idea we have in the West that China is a really cheap place to shop is unfortunately becoming ever increasingly not the case. As wages increase and this country becomes richer, naturally prices for goods will increase. However the quality of the goods are very good, and if you know how to bargain and speak a little Chinese you can get a good price.

After spending the morning browsing the shops and goods at Luohu Commercial city, I had lunch at a very well priced Dim Sum restaurant on the third floor. It was busy on a Sunday, a favourite spot for Chinese families to gather, but I managed to get a table very quickly. Although in the past I have had better Dim Sum in Hong Kong (the Dim Sum fell apart quite easily), it was nonetheless very tasty.

In the afternoon, I decided to go to one of the famous spas in the area to bath in the heated pools, relax in the sauna and have a Hong Kong style oil massage. This is a common part of Chinese culture to relax in the spas and have a massage. The spa I went to was around 200rmb, which included a massage, use of the spa, and as much fruit and ice cream as your stomach could handle. Significantly, I also bought the ticket for this online with the help of a Chinese friend, which if I hadn’t would have cost 300rmb, so it is noteworthy in China to look for deals.

 However, the Shenzhen spas differ from the ones in Tianjin that I am accustomed to, since the ones in Shenzhen spas rely on tips for their staff added on at the end of the bill. The massage and spa experience was fantastic. Although I only spent the afternoon there it is an activity you can do overnight or all day, particularly if you have a stop over in Shenzhen and have time to kill.

It was the perfect ending to a hard working week full of activities. I am now into the final two weeks of my internship, so I am looking to continue making the most of my time both at work and in my free time here in Shenzhen.