Restaurants
I notice that the reviews of almost all of the very good restaurants in Shenzhen are from months ago. Is it unusual to write reviews in the Chinese (specifically Shenzhen) area?
In Shenzhen, as in many other Chinese cities, online reviews for restaurants do exist, but there are some cultural and practical differences compared to Western platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews.
Firstly, most local reviews are written on Chinese platforms rather than international ones. The major platforms include Dianping (大众点评), Meituan, and WeChat mini-programs. These platforms are widely used by locals to rate and review restaurants, whereas sites like TripAdvisor or Google are primarily used by foreigners or tourists. As a result, when browsing international review sites, you may see fewer or older reviews.
Secondly, it is not uncommon for reviews to appear months old on international sites. Many locals either do not write reviews in English or prefer using the domestic platforms mentioned above. Therefore, a lack of recent reviews on English-language platforms does not indicate that a restaurant is no longer popular or relevant.
- Most Chinese diners post reviews on Dianping, Meituan, and related apps rather than international review sites.
- Language and platform preference means that English-language reviews can be sparse and may appear outdated.
- Shenzhen is a dynamic city, so restaurants may gain or lose popularity quickly; checking recent Chinese reviews is more reliable than relying on older international ones.
Additional tips:
- If you want the most current feedback, use translation tools to check reviews on Dianping or Meituan; they are updated frequently.
- Social media, including WeChat groups or Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), is another good way to find up-to-date recommendations and new openings.
- As a visitor, also ask locals or hotel staff for current popular spots; word-of-mouth is often more reliable than older online reviews.
In summary, it is normal to see older reviews for Shenzhen restaurants on English-language sites, but this does not reflect the local dining scene accurately. For the most up-to-date information, relying on local Chinese platforms and recommendations is essential.
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