New Saizeriya Dishes to Try in Shenzhen: Affordable Baked Abalone, Mussels & Garlic Clam Pasta

New Saizeriya Dishes to Try in Shenzhen: Affordable Baked Abalone, Mussels & Garlic Clam Pasta

Saizeriya has launched new dishes, and I’m always excited whenever they release something new because the value for money is consistently amazing.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Affordable and Delicious Sandwiches at Zhulahu: Must‑Try Pineapple Chicken Thick‑Egg Sandwich in Shenzhen

Affordable and Delicious Sandwiches at Zhulahu: Must‑Try Pineapple Chicken Thick‑Egg Sandwich in Shenzhen

I have to say, Zhulahu’s sandwiches are incredible. The value is unbeatable, and honestly, I’ve already visited three times — every visit brings a new surprise.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Experience Song Dynasty Intangible Heritage: A Refined Tea‑Whisking Ritual(Dian Cha) in a Stunning Tea House

Experience Song Dynasty Intangible Heritage: A Refined Tea‑Whisking Ritual(Dian Cha) in a Stunning Tea House

Who would have imagined experiencing an authentic Song‑dynasty intangible heritage tea‑whisking ritual(Dian Cha 点茶) in such an elegant setting?

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Yuhua Western Restaurant in Shenzhen: A Retro 90s Icon with Steak, Foie Gras, and Classic Cantonese‑Western Fusion

Yuhua Western Restaurant in Shenzhen: A Retro 90s Icon with Steak, Foie Gras, and Classic Cantonese‑Western Fusion

For the older generation in Shenzhen, Yuhua Western Restaurant(雨花西餐厅) is a name full of nostalgia and prestige. When my dad heard I was visiting Yuhua, he excitedly told me stories about discussing business here back in the day.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Blend Coffee at One Avenue Shenzhen: Cozy Outdoor Vibes, Great Lattes, and Perfect Afternoon Meet‑Ups

Blend Coffee at One Avenue Shenzhen: Cozy Outdoor Vibes, Great Lattes, and Perfect Afternoon Meet‑Ups

Today I met up with my friends at Blend Coffee , I've never heard of this place, but it turned out to be such a lovely coffee shop for gathering.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Traditional Local Fast‑Food Spot in Shenzhen: Classic Steamed Buns, Rice Plates, and Affordable Cantonese Comfort Food

Traditional Local Fast‑Food Spot in Shenzhen: Classic Steamed Buns, Rice Plates, and Affordable Cantonese Comfort Food

Today I was taken to try a fast‑food place that only true Shenzhen locals seem to know about — and to my surprise, the food was actually quite good.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
K‑Pop Merchandise Store in Shenzhen UpperHills: Affordable Fan Goods, Banners, Photo Stands, and More

K‑Pop Merchandise Store in Shenzhen UpperHills: Affordable Fan Goods, Banners, Photo Stands, and More

If you love K‑Pop or Chinese idol culture, you’re in luck — there’s now a shop filled with affordable and beautifully designed fan merchandise. The variety is so wide that it’s almost dazzling.

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Marsmart Pet Opens in Shenzhen IN City Mall: Two‑Story Store with Food, Toys, Beds, and Pet Clothing

Marsmart Pet Opens in Shenzhen IN City Mall: Two‑Story Store with Food, Toys, Beds, and Pet Clothing

Shenzhen never stops surprising me. There is now a full pet supermarket in featuring a spacious two‑story storefront with large transparent windows.

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

If you come to Shenzhen, this night market is definately one of the places you can put in your go-to list. Right along the roadside, you can overlook the sparkling lights of Yantian Port. The whole scene feels straight out of a movie 🎬!

Posted on: by Cheryl Kong
Best Lychee Wood Roast Chicken in Bantian? This Popular Local Spot Is Packed Every Night

Best Lychee Wood Roast Chicken in Bantian? This Popular Local Spot Is Packed Every Night

There is a roast chicken restaurant(Shao Nian Kao Ji) that local people in Bantian keep recommending. Let's see if it really lives up to the hype!

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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