Shenzhen rewards people who get a few basics right early. This guide focuses on the first practical moves that make the city easier to navigate, pay for, and enjoy from day one.
How to Find an Apartment
Finding an apartment in Shenzhen can be done through property agencies, rental platforms, or personal recommendations.
Helpful Tips:
1 - Use Chinese rental apps/websites
These platforms have the most apartment listings.
Popular platforms:
Ziroom (自如) – managed apartments, furnished, more reliable
58.com (58同城) – many listings from landlords (cheaper but more scams)
Anjuke (安居客) – large property database
Wellcee – more expat-friendly listings
Fang.com (房天下) – property marketplace
Tip: Many listings are in Chinese, so using a translator or a Chinese friend helps.
2 - Contact a real estate agent
In China, agents are commonly used for rentals.
Most listings online are posted by agents.
You can send them your WeChat ID, and they will send apartments that match your budget.
Agent fee is usually 50%–100% of one month’s rent.
This is usually the easiest method if you don’t speak Chinese.
3 - Join WeChat housing groups
WeChat is one of the main ways people find housing in China.
Look for:
Shenzhen expat housing groups
Apartment rental groups
Roommate groups
Agents and tenants post available apartments daily.
4 - Walk around the neighborhood
Another common way is to search locally.
Go to the area where you want to live.
Find small real estate offices on the street.
Tell them your budget and requirements.
Agents can usually show you apartments the same day.
Sometimes security guards in residential compounds also know which apartments are available.
5 - Typical apartment prices
Approximate monthly rent in Shenzhen:
1-bedroom apartment: 8,000 – 9,000 RMB
2-bedroom apartment: 8,000 – 14,000 RMB
Large apartments: 12,000 – 25,000 RMB
Cheap “urban village” apartments can be 1,500 – 4,000 RMB, but the quality is usually lower.
6 - Documents needed
Usually you will need:
Passport
Visa or residence permit
Rental contract
After moving in, foreigners must register with the local police within 24 hours.
7 - Avoid common rental scams
Before paying any money:
Visit the apartment in person
Ask for the property ownership certificate (房产证)
Read the contract carefully
Never send money before viewing the apartment.
If you want more information about renting an apartment in Shenzhen, feel free to contact us.