Shenzhen has plenty of delicious culinary options to choose from. If you are just nipping over to Shenzhen for a shopping trip, and do not plan to go much further than the Lo Wu complex then the top floor branch of the Laurel Restaurant (Dan Gui Xuan; tel. 0755/8232-3668; 7am-11:30pm) is a very popular choice. A dim sum favorite with Hong Kong day trippers, head there first and grab a reservation ticket and then head off and do your shopping. Depending on the day of the week, the wait might be as long as 3 hours before you are seated, which makes for plenty of time to do some bargain hunting.

If you are staying longer then you might like to try something a little less standard. For a change of pace from the rather predictable five-star hotels, I would suggest the Shenzhen Number One Production Team, Hong Hui Lu (tel. 0755/8247-6222; metro: Dai Ju Yuan). Step back in time into Maoist revolutionary fervor and sample popular dishes from the time of the Long March such as "Third battalion steamed eggs and pork in an earthenware pot," served by staff in authentic Red Guard uniforms. An equally memorable option would be the Big Gray Wolf (Da Hui Lang Canting), A107, Sheng Tai Guang Chang, Hua Qiao Cun (tel. 0755/2682-5700) an imaginatively designed restaurant resembling the underground lair of a wolf, that specializes in lamb dishes.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.