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Shenzhen Expat Life: Social Credit, Culture & Challenges

This video will change your view of CHINA! (no more lies)

Destination:ChinaCity:Hong KongPopulation: 7.4 million
This video will change your view of CHINA! (no more lies)
Max Chernov53 min

This video will change your view of CHINA!. This was filmed by Max Chernov. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Meet Robert — born and raised in Hong Kong to British parents who moved from Scotland 40 years ago. He’s now been living in Shenzhen, China, for three years, running a manufacturing business. Robert revealed the truth about China’s social credit system, the hidden risks of becoming too wealthy in China, and we kicked off our walk through Shenzhen by testing drone food delivery.

Robert discussed the police presence in China, ranking foreigners in China, and how Chinese people care about the social credit score. He also shared why Chinese people try not to stand out and gave an inside look into a Chinese café and the view of Hong Kong from a window.

Further discussion included misconceptions about China, what freedom feels like in China, China’s diversity, and what the UK can learn from China. The interview also covered an extremely expensive golf club in Shenzhen, who usually moves to China and Hong Kong, and the most difficult thing about settling in China.

Robert also shared his experiences with Shenzhen in the past, making friends in China, the challenges of an “only child society”, things that are hard to get used to in China, and talking about personal life with Chinese people. The interview concluded with a walk through Shenzhen’s streets, how the government changed Shenzhen forever, China's rapid development of EVs, why there are so many young people in Shenzhen, underground streets in China, motorcycles in China, preferences for foreigners in China, and a look at the newest part of Shenzhen.

--- Max Chernov
June 26, 2025, Summer in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Max Chernov visits Shenzhen and talks with Robert, a long-term resident, about the city and life in China. The episode begins with a drone food delivery service, then considers common ideas about China's social credit system and how social expectations shape daily interactions. Robert discusses the differences between regions, the challenges of starting a business, and why Shenzhen's experience should not stand for all of China. The pair also talk about the city's underground infrastructure, electric vehicles, and the changes that have shaped Shenzhen. Their conversation offers a personal view of a diverse country and a fast-changing city.

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This video will change your view of CHINA! (no more lies)

Shenzhen and daily life

Max Chernov's visit to Shenzhen starts with a look at drone food delivery, then turns to a broader conversation about living in China. Robert, who has spent many years in the region, shares his perspective on social expectations and the social credit system. Their discussion pushes back on simple portrayals of the system and considers how ideas such as respect for elders and modesty can shape behavior. The conversation is personal and specific to the people speaking; it does not claim that every person or place in China has the same experience.

The pair discuss how varied China is across regions and why life in a major city such as Shenzhen cannot represent the whole country. They touch on entrepreneurship, the practical difficulties of doing business, and differences between Shenzhen and other cities. Robert describes the city's environment for young companies, including subsidies and relatively inexpensive office space. They also compare the fast-moving atmosphere in Shenzhen with the more relaxed feel they associate with Chengdu. These comparisons come from the conversation and are offered as individual observations.

A changing city

The tour includes views of Shenzhen's streets and underground infrastructure, including underground roads and the streets built above them. The discussion turns to electric vehicles and the pace of their development in China, as well as the city's growth from its earlier years. The episode also visits a café and looks toward Hong Kong from a window, adding everyday urban scenes to the discussion. A golf club and the city's business districts provide other examples of the contrasts the speakers notice.

Max and Robert also talk about settling in China, making friends, and the kinds of adjustments foreigners may face. They discuss what can be difficult to get used to and how people approach personal topics. The conversation raises misconceptions about China and emphasizes its cultural and regional diversity. Rather than presenting a single definitive account, the episode follows one visitor and one resident as they exchange views about Shenzhen, business, social life, and the changes taking place around them.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the social credit system really like?
A: It's not as scary as the media portrays. It's more about social harmony and respect, and it exists in some form in most countries.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about China?
A: That it's one unified country. It's super diverse with different cultures and mindsets in various provinces.
Q: What's the best thing about Shenzhen?
A: It's incredibly efficient, with lots of subsidies for young companies and cheap office spaces. It's a great place to do business.
Q: What's it like to start a business in China as a foreigner?
A: It's difficult. The paperwork is extensive, and they send officers to your house to verify you live there. In Hong Kong, it's much easier.
Q: What's the most surprising thing about Shenzhen?
A: Probably the underground infrastructure. They're building parks on top of eight-lane highways.

Previous travel video:

Shenzhen Expat Life: Social Credit, Culture & Challenges

Meet Robert — born and raised in Hong Kong to British parents who moved from Scotland 40 years ago. He’s now been living in Shenzhen, China, for three years, running a manufacturing business. Robert revealed the truth about China’s social credit system, the hidden risks of becoming too wealthy in...

Shenzhen Exploration: Drone Delivery, Social Credit, & Modern China

Max Chernov interviews Robert, a British expat who has lived in Shenzhen, China for three years. Robert shares insights into life in China, including the social credit system, wealth disparities, and the prevalence of police. He discusses Chinese people's attitudes towards the social credit system and their tendency to avoid standing out. The interview also touches upon misconceptions about China, freedom, diversity, and the country's rapid development in electric vehicles. Robert's experiences offer a nuanced perspective on living and working in China, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.

Attractions in this video: High Tech Park