Answered by Usher from USA | Apr. 27, 2016 02:23
Hi Christopher! If you apply for it from your country before arriving in China, you can actually apply for a normal entry permit to enter Shenzhen and you can also travel to other places of PRC with it. The required documents include your passport, a copy of it, a filled-out application form affixed with your recent passport-style photo, and a proof of your travel purpose. For example, if you travel for sightseeing, the proof is your round-trip tickets and hotel booking records.
If you refer to the Shenzhen VOA, you just need to prepare your passport, some RMB cash, and an application form.