Business travel to Shenzhen, planned from Pakistan
Shenzhen is the centre of China’s electronics and hardware supply chain, next to Hong Kong. Pakistani companies go there to source electronics, solar equipment, phones and accessories, meet contract manufacturers and visit factories across the Pearl River Delta.
Shenzhen for business travellers from Pakistan
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visa | Pakistani passport holders need a Chinese visa before travel; business visitors normally use the M (business) visa. |
| How to apply | Online on the official China Online Visa Application system, then the passport and originals go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore after the “Online Visa Approved” email. |
| Invitation | The inviting company’s name must match its Chinese business licence exactly. |
| Entries | Crossing from Hong Kong into Shenzhen counts as a new entry to mainland China, so a trip that goes back and forth needs a double- or multiple-entry visa. |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong needs its own visit visa for Pakistani passport holders; a China visa does not cover it. |
| Airport | Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX); many travellers fly into Hong Kong (HKG) instead. |
Electronics sourcing in Shenzhen
Shenzhen’s strength is speed: components, prototypes, moulds and assembly are all close together. Buyers usually start in the Huaqiangbei electronics markets to compare products and suppliers, then visit factories in Bao’an, Longhua and Dongguan to check capacity and quality before ordering.
Bring clear specifications and target prices, ask for samples, and arrange third-party inspection before shipment. Agree payment terms and the Incoterm in writing.
Crossing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
Many trips combine Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The main crossings are Lok Ma Chau/Futian, Luohu, and Shenzhen Bay, and high-speed trains link Hong Kong West Kowloon with Futian. Each crossing into the mainland uses one entry on the China visa, so check the number of entries before you plan a back-and-forth itinerary.
- Hong Kong visit visa: separate application
- China visa: double or multiple entry for return crossings
- Allow time for immigration queues at busy hours
Where business happens
Shenzhen is spread out, so plan days by district:
- Futian for the CBD, the convention centre and the rail link to Hong Kong
- Nanshan for technology headquarters and research parks
- Huaqiangbei for electronics markets
- Bao’an for the airport, the newer exhibition centre and factories
- Longhua and nearby Dongguan for manufacturing
Money, apps and staying connected
Mainland China runs on mobile payments. Most visitors link an international card to one of the two big wallet apps before they fly, and carry some cash as a back-up. Many apps common in Pakistan, including familiar search, maps and messaging services, are usually not reachable on mainland networks, so we agree a contact plan, offline maps and a local messaging app with each traveller before departure.
Download hotel confirmations, invitation letters and the visa approval as files, not just email links, so they are available without a connection.
How Go Global manages a Shenzhen trip
Visa plan
China visa with the right number of entries, plus Hong Kong if needed.
Flights
Into Shenzhen or Hong Kong.
Hotels
Futian or Nanshan, by your meetings.
In Shenzhen
Cars for factory days and crossing times.
After the trip
One invoice and a trip record.
Shenzhen business travel questions
Do I need a double-entry visa for Shenzhen?
If you will cross between Hong Kong and Shenzhen more than once, yes: each crossing into the mainland is a new entry.
Does my China visa cover Hong Kong?
No. Pakistani passport holders need a separate Hong Kong visit visa.
Where should electronics buyers start?
Many start at the Huaqiangbei markets, then visit shortlisted factories.
Should we use a sourcing agent?
Many first-time buyers do. Check their references and agree fees in writing.
Related guides and services
Planning a trip to Shenzhen?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.