Guangxi-Style BBQ in Shenzhen: Unique Grilled Beef Skewers & Sweet-and-Sour Noodles

Guangxi-Style BBQ in Shenzhen: Unique Grilled Beef Skewers & Sweet-and-Sour Noodles

As someone from Guangdong, I always assumed that BBQ across China was pretty much the same, with the main differences being whether it was spicy and what ingredients were used. But my recent visit to this Guangxi-style BBQ restaurant completely changed my mind and opened my eyes to a whole new world of regional flavors.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Shenzhen Metro Line 11 Sea View Ride: Ocean Scenery From Bao’an Airport to Bihai Bay at Sunset

Shenzhen Metro Line 11 Sea View Ride: Ocean Scenery From Bao’an Airport to Bihai Bay at Sunset

To be honest, I didn’t expect Shenzhen to have a metro line where you can actually see the sea . You really can’t miss it!

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Dongmen Metro Station Shenzhen: New Exits, Lines 1/3/5 & Visitor Guide

Dongmen Metro Station Shenzhen: New Exits, Lines 1/3/5 & Visitor Guide

😇 After five long years of construction, Dongmen Metro Station has finally opened , and it looks amazing!

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Yangang Night Market in Shenzhen Yantian: Stunning Port‑View Street Food Spot

Yangang Night Market in Shenzhen Yantian: Stunning Port‑View Street Food Spot

There are plenty of places to enjoy the night view in Shenzhen, but there aren’t many where you can look out over Yantian Port from such a cinematic perspective. That’s exactly why I have to recommend Yangang Night Market if you’re looking for something a little different.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Shenzhen Xianhu Bougainvillea Flower Sea: A Beautiful Photo Spot in Luohu

Shenzhen Xianhu Bougainvillea Flower Sea: A Beautiful Photo Spot in Luohu

Every year, Shenzhen has many beautiful flower fields that are perfect for taking photos. But for me, many of them are either too far away, have far fewer flowers than the photos suggest, or have a very short blooming period.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
See You Earth: Fresh Fruit Tea, Pine Needle Iced Tea & Specialty Drinks in Shenzhen

See You Earth: Fresh Fruit Tea, Pine Needle Iced Tea & Specialty Drinks in Shenzhen

Recently, See You Earth (再见地球) seems to be getting really popular! This drink shop specializes in fresh fruit juice, lemon tea, Americano coffee, and much more. Its menu is also incredibly extensive — this was actually the first time I had seen a menu that filled two entire pages! Today, I’m trying a few of its signature drinks to see what they’re like.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Tang Xin Tian Pu in Luohu, Shenzhen: A Review of Its New Black Sesame Desserts

Tang Xin Tian Pu in Luohu, Shenzhen: A Review of Its New Black Sesame Desserts

Tang Xin Tian Pu has launched some exciting new desserts! ❗️ I previously reviewed its branch in Huaqiangbei , and this time, its black sesame-themed collection has truly won the hearts of dessert lovers. 💖 A new branch has also just opened in Guomao, Luohu, so I had to stop by today and try several of its new creations.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Guang Tai Men Mille-feuille in Dongmen Shenzhen: A Delicious Childhood Favorite

Guang Tai Men Mille-feuille in Dongmen Shenzhen: A Delicious Childhood Favorite

To be honest, most bakeries in Dongmen don't offer anything particularly distinctive, and many of their products look pretty similar. I wasn't sure what to buy that day, so I decided to give something a try based on recommendations from other customers online. I have never thought that one bite was all it took to win me over! The Mille-feuille at Guangtai Men is seriously delicious!

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Bagua Lemon Tea Shenzhen: Live Music and Black Widow Lemon Tea

Bagua Lemon Tea Shenzhen: Live Music and Black Widow Lemon Tea

To be honest, Bagua Lemon Tea (八卦柠) was a hidden gem I only discovered after living in this area for a year or two. I’d heard that it was one of the signature spots to visit in Bagualing after dark 🌃, and my sister had recommended it to me several times. Today, I finally made it here!

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Tang Palace Dongmen Shenzhen: Traditional Cantonese Dim Sum in Luohu

Tang Palace Dongmen Shenzhen: Traditional Cantonese Dim Sum in Luohu

😇 If you live in Luohu, you've probably heard of Tang Palace (唐宫) , a long-established and well-known traditional Cantonese restaurant famous for dim sum in Dongmen. 💁

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong

About Me

Hi, I’m Cheryl Kong(the picture is my cat, Einstein💖), the creator of okinawawa.com — a personal website dedicated to honest food reviews, lifestyle discoveries, and real experiences from Shenzhen and beyond. I started this site with a simple goal: to share clear, trustworthy, and practical information that helps people explore the city with confidence. I know this is still a new website — the structure is simple, the categories are a bit blurry, and there’s plenty of work ahead. I truly appreciate your understanding as I continue improving it step by step🥹.

Although I have to say, my writing journey actually began on a well‑known platform in China. Over the past two years, the posts I shared there unexpectedly reached 2.2 million views, which still feels surreal to me. But all of that content was written in Chinese. That’s when I realized I needed a space of my own — a website where I could share the same useful information with foreign travelers visiting Shenzhen and expats living here, so they can enjoy the city just as much as I do.

What I Do

I write about the places I personally explore — from cafés and restaurants to scenic spots, day trips, and lifestyle finds. My content is built on firsthand experience, detailed observation, and a genuine love for discovering new things.

Food & Dining

I review restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bars, and local favorites across Shenzhen. I focus on taste, service, environment, and overall experience — the details that actually matter when choosing where to eat.

Lifestyle & Daily Living

I share updates on new store openings, seasonal events, shopping tips, and everyday discoveries that make life in Shenzhen more enjoyable.

Travel & Exploration

I document day trips, cultural destinations, photogenic spots, and weekend itineraries to help readers plan meaningful outings.

Practical Guides

I create easy‑to‑use guides based on real experiences — from what to eat, where to go, how to plan, and what to expect.

My Approach

My philosophy is simple:write clearly, stay honest, and respect the reader’s time.

I believe good content should be:

  • Accurate

  • Easy to read

  • Based on real experiences

  • Free from unnecessary jargon

  • Helpful for everyday decisions

I revisit places when needed, update articles when things change, and correct mistakes transparently. Trust is earned, and I take that seriously.

Why I Built This Site

I created okinawawa.com because I wanted a space where real experiences matter more than algorithms.

This website is my personal project — built with passion, curiosity, and a desire to document the things I genuinely enjoy. Every article reflects my perspective, my taste, and my journey exploring Shenzhen.

My Commitment

I’m committed to keeping this site independent, transparent, and reader‑focused. Any partnerships or sponsored content (if they ever appear) will always be clearly labeled and never influence my opinions.

My long‑term goal is to build a resource that lasts — a place you can rely on for honest recommendations and meaningful insights.

Thank you for being here, and for joining me on this journey.I hope my writing helps you discover something new, delicious, or inspiring.

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