Beijing manager Hong Yuanshuo rang the changes after losing to South Korea's Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the Asian Champions League in midweek with Wang Ke, Wang Xiaolong, Ryan Griffiths and Zhang Xinxin all coming into the side.

But Hleb put the visitors in front after 11 minutes, powering a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area past goalkeeper Yang Zhi after Lang Zheng upended Tiago Jorge Honorio.

Griffiths wasted several good chances before half-time, but made amends shortly after the restart by heading home Yan Xiangchuang's inviting cross past goalkeeper Cheng Yuelei.

But just three minutes after the hour mark Hleb poked home at the far post from Yuan Lin's cross following a flowing attacking move from the visitors.

Shenzhen were dealt a blow two minutes later when Huang Long was sent-off after picking up a second yellow card.

But the visiting side endured Beijing's onslaught in the final 20 minutes with goalkeeper Cheng making a series of crucial saves to protect the slender lead as Shenzhen picked up a first win of the season.

"Our keeper was the hero," said Shenzhen coach Gao Geqi.

"We were a bit lucky to win the three points in an away clash against the defending champions."

After drawing their opening match of the season last week, Shenzhen are now among the six sides sharing the early lead with four points from two games alongside Shandong Luneng, Changsha Ginde, Henan Jianye, Changchun Yatai and Liaoning.

Beijing are a point further adrift after a first defeat of the campaign.

"My players lost patience after we conceded the second goal," said Beijing manager Hong.

"We had plenty of scoring chances in the last 20 minutes but were unable to convert one."

Liaoning posted a first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Shaanxi Baorong, while Changchun Yatai beat Jiangsu Shuntian by the same scoreline.

After just two games no team has a 100% record after Shandong shared a 1-1 draw with Tianjin Teda, while Henan Jianye played out a goalless draw Dalian Shide.

Finally, Chongqing Lifan also shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw with Qingdao Zhongneng.