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Eagerly shakingoff its sweatshop moniker, boomtown Shenzhen looks more like Hong Kong with every trip around the sun. The city’s real estate is some of China’s most sensationally priced as it caters to the Middle Kingdom’s largest community of nouveau riche. Just stand on Shennan Boulevard for five minutes and count the luxury cars that pass you by; the Bicycle Kingdom, China is no more.
Photo Source: e-architect
Understandably when considering the quantity of CEOs running China top tech firms, the legions of stockbrokers employed in the all-new Shenzhen stock exchange building and the bands of big honchos managing factories, there are fine times to be had, for those who can afford it.
Whether you prefer to talk shop aboard a yacht, on the golfing green or face down in a massage parlor, there are more than a few high-end hangouts to impress your clientele. The only task posing you is choosing from the luxurious list.
Golf
Shenzhen has more golf courses than any other Chinese city. But the snake shaped city can be hard to navigate, so it’s important to choose your course based on where you’re lodging. Nanshan has a cluster, but the largest course is in distant Guanlan on the Dongguan border.
Conveniently located near the ultra modern new airport, the Shenzhen Airport Golf Resort is an easy first stop. The course features an 18-hole 72-par championship golf course, with a course length from the back tees at 7,210 yards. The greens are covered with Bermuda Tifdwarf grass, which they say increases the speed of the putting surface. There are bunkers and water hazards a plenty to challenge players as well.
Shenzhen Noble Merchant Golf Club is another easy find, located just a stones throw from top tourist draws like the Happy Valley and Window of the World theme parks. The 18-hole par-72 course totals at an impressive 5968 yards. Bonus features include lights for night golfing and a flashy clubhouse including two restaurants, a fitness center and traditional physical therapy rooms to sooth those aching shoulders.
Also situated in Nanshan District, Xili Golf Club near Xili Lake aspires to be one of the most luxurious golf clubs of its kind in the region. It features 36 challenging holes of golf in four nine-hole courses as well as an American style clubhouse, including 26 suites, a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, two restaurants and a café. However, given the million-plus RMB membership price, you’re unlikely to experience this decadent haunt unless you can find a moneyed friend to invite you.
The crème de la crème of golf courses not just in Shenzhen, nor China but perhaps the world is the Mission Hills Golf Club. In fact, it’s even made the Guinness Book of World Records as the planet’s largest course. The 20-square km golf complex features twelve 18-hole championship courses inspired by famous courses throughout the world. Additionally, the surrounding resort is home to four clubhouses, with all the amenities one might expect, including a luxury hotel, pool, spas, shops, restaurants and function rooms. Indeed, the only downside must be its hard-to-get-to location in the far north of the city.
Yachting
Photo Source: Asia Pacific Boating
The Shenzhen Marina Club on the famous Dameisha beach is not for owners of skinny wallets. Membership at the low end starts at 580,000 yuan. However, you get for what you pay for in life, namely exclusivity and serious opulence. Facilities include a stunning clubhouse building, a gym and spa, restaurants, teahouses, karaoke, a bar and beach BBQ facilities, to name but a few of the perks. No wonder the owner of Huawei telecommunications keeps his boat berthed there.
Massage
While “getting a massage” might be deemed a buzz phrase for some illicit fun, Shenzhen is home to several opulent, clean and family-friendly spas, particularly near the border with Hong Kong.
Queen Spa in Luohu is the biggest parlor in the city with nearly 800 massage rooms operating all day, every day. The masseurs are well trained and offer an extensive range of massages including Chinese, Thai, and aromatherapy.
For serious quality, however, you’d better head to Oriental Palm Spring International in Futian District. A favorite amongst Hongkongers, the spa has an in-house restaurant, fruit and ice cream bar, pool tables, cinema as well as a host of fine back rubs to choose from. Foot massages are conducted with or without your own private TV set, and you can sleep in your cozy seat for the night should you desire.