visit near shenzhen

Discover Shenzhen’s Top 25 Must-Do Activities in 2024

“In 1979, during a springtime by the South China Sea, an elderly person drew a circle. This act became symbolic as cities emerged as myths, and golden mountains gathered miraculously.”

In a span of just over 40 years, Shenzhen, a youthful and burgeoning city, has ascended to the ranks of China’s top-tier cities alongside Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

It has been a witness to China’s reform and opening-up, a nurturer of innovative high-tech industries, and an experimental ground for designers and architects. The city is poetically depicted as a park-like landscape intertwined with mountains and seas.

Let’s delve into the heartbeat of this modern marvel and explore the 25 best things to do that define Shenzhen’s allure in 2024.

You might also be interested in: ⭐ 28 Best Things to Do in Guangzhou, China in 2024 ⭐ Chongqing 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to the Top 21 Activities ⭐ Traveling to Beijing, China: Your Ultimate Travel Guide [2023] ⭐ 53 Best Things to Do in Shanghai, China in 2023 ⭐ 11 Best Things to Do in Kunming 2023 (Plus a Food Guide!)

Table of Contents

🌟shenzhen travel planning guide, 🌏 administrative divisions in shenzhen, 👑 25 best things to do in shenzhen, 🛫 how do i travel to shenzhen, 🚖 how to get around shenzhen, ☀️ best time to visit shenzhen, 🏨 where to stay in shenzhen, 🌸final final thoughts: traveling to shenzhen, china travel planning guide&faq.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can learn more about this in my disclosure policy.

Considering a last-minute trip to Shenzhen? 🇨🇳 Top Activities and Tours in Shenzhen: 1. Cruise Excursion Day Trip in Shenzhen: Dongmen Old Street, Dapeng Old City 2. Shenzhen tour guide with car 🏨 Top Hotels in Guangzhou: Raffles Shenzhen (⭐️ 4.8 luxury) Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai (⭐️ 4.8 mid-range) JW Marriott Shenzhen (⭐️ 4.8 mid-range) ICON LAB Hotel Shenzhen Futian (⭐️ 4.6 budget-friendly) Xana Deluxe Hotel (⭐️ 4.7 budget-friendly) 🌐Make sure to install ExpressVPN in advance for unrestricted internet access during your stay in China!

Shenzhen is a narrow strip stretching along the coastline from east to west on the map, forming China’s economic special zone encompassing 10 districts , including Futian, Luohu, Yantian, Nanshan, Bao’an, Longgang, Longhua, Pingshan, Guangming, and Dapeng New District. Every district offers distinctive tourism highlights.

Futian District: Serving as the seat of the municipal government, it stands as the political, economic, and cultural hub of Shenzhen, showcasing its modern and vibrant side with numerous skyscrapers. It also boasts ample green spaces, innovative museums, and the dynamic Huaqiangbei.

Luohu District: Acting as a bridge between mainland China and Hong Kong, Luohu’s modern identity is anchored in Dongmen Old Street. Formerly housing the tallest buildings, Diwang Mansion and KK100, it now features the scenic Wutong Greenway, transforming the old city with lush landscapes and panoramic views from Wutong Mountain, Shenzhen’s highest peak.

Yantian District: With an expansive coastline, Yantian features renowned beaches like Dameisha and Xiaomeisha, the scenic Yantian Seaside Boardwalk, and Shenzhen’s third-highest peak, Meisha Jian. Beyond seaside attractions, one can revel in the festivities at Overseas Chinese Town in the eastern part.

Nanshan District: Branded as China’s “Silicon Valley,” Nanshan is a hub for internet giants and a cradle for talent. It boasts the leisurely Shenzhen Bay Park, the artistic OCT Loft Creative Culture Park, Shekou—the starting point of China’s reform and opening-up—and numerous theme parks popular among the youth.

Bao’an District: Housing Bao’an International Airport, Bao’an offers outdoor options like hiking Fenghuang Mountain and Tiezaishan, as well as shopping at Happy Harbor and Uniwalk. The Xiwan Mangrove Wetland Park is a renowned sunset spot.

Longgang District: Primarily inhabited by Hakka people, the Hakka old towns have become the main highlight, evolving into a cultural heritage and leisure destination. Gankeng Hakka Town, in particular, is a must-visit.

Longhua District: The Mission Hills Resort has perfected the leisure industry, creating a world-class golf and diversified leisure industry cluster. It offers opportunities for upscale holiday experiences, golfing, strolling through the Mission Hills Print Artists Village, and enjoying the countryside.

Pingshan District: Another gathering place for Hakka people, it’s a popular rustic vacation spot for Shenzhen residents. It features authentic Hakka old villages and the Jingui Village with its pristine waterways. The Maluanshan Countryside Park is home to Shenzhen’s largest waterfall group.

Guangming District: Known for the memories associated with Guangming Farm, it has transformed into a technological agricultural sightseeing destination. Visitors can stroll through the farm, flower fields, and countryside, tasting squabs, aromatic milk, and fresh sweet fruits, experiencing the joys of farming and leisurely countryside life.

Dapeng New District: The ecologically rich Dapeng Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides, has become a coastal leisure destination. Explore Dapeng Fortress and Dongshan Temple to delve into history, visit Yangmeikeng for its cliff coastline, or sunbathe on Shenzhen’s longest beach, Xichong Beach.

1. Shekou (蛇口)

Shekou in Shenzhen embraces a leisurely and unhurried way of life, standing in stark contrast to the city’s typical fast-paced tempo. The relaxed ambiance, undeniably alluring, captivates everyone who ventures into Shekou, encouraging them to linger and relish the distinctive atmosphere. A day spent exploring Shekou unfolds a multitude of captivating experiences:

Nanhai Yiku , once an industrial space, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a creative enclave hosting a diverse range of establishments—coffee shops, high-end boutiques, bespoke services, traditional Chinese art studios, handicraft shops, photography schools, and antique stores. This artistic hub radiates an air of sophistication, drawing individuals who naturally exude artistic refinement.

G&G Creative Community , formerly an industrial glass factory, has been reborn as a prominent landmark in Shekou. Container shops now house an assortment of dessert cafes, restaurants, bars, and grocery stores, creating a comfortable and art-infused environment appealing to those who appreciate both culinary delights and aesthetic pleasures.

Shekou Old Street injects a dose of everyday vibrancy with its plethora of street food and an assortment of local eateries offering a rich array of culinary delights. Meandering through the street unveils diverse local flavors, catering to a broad spectrum of tastes.

Shekou Sea World is a dual haven for art and maritime joy in Shenzhen. The open-air district hosts diverse bars with global cuisines, drawing many. At night, the music fountain sparkles under Minghua Cruise Ship; the top deck’s cozy bar is the perfect spot to enjoy the spectacle. The Arts Center consistently exhibits and performs, blending art appreciation with expansive sea views—Shekou’s captivating essence.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to get to the Shekou area.

2. OCT Harbour (欢乐海岸)

OCT Harbour, located at the core of Shenzhen Bay, is the largest and most fashionable mall in Shenzhen. This area is extensive, comprising multiple square zones.

In the Celebration Square Zone, prominent features include pyramid-shaped structures, a musical fountain, tree-shaped sculptures, and the interactive mist wall of the Joy Time and Space. In the Qushuiwan Square Zone, you’ll find low-rise buildings, arched bridges, and vegetation along the water bay.

The dining options here are diverse, including numerous bars and cafes. Almost all the eateries in OCT Harbour are standalone villas, each creating a unique setting, built around the winding river, offering a picturesque ambiance.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station and exit from Exit E.

3. Shenzhen Bay Park (深圳湾公园)

As the sun sets, the captivating view of the golden-orange sea and numerous seagulls forms a splendid spectacle in Shenzhen Bay Park . The Mangrove Seashore Ecological Park annually hosts over 100,000 migratory birds, providing an outstanding opportunity to observe black-faced spoonbills.

The 13-kilometer coastal park greenway is perfect for a weekend stroll or participating in a coastal cycling activity . With 14 thematic landscape areas, the Sunrise Theater stands out among lush landscapes, offering an excellent spot to enjoy the city skyline and sunrise while being a renowned picnic destination.

Throughout the seasons, the Liuhuashan Mountain Park, known as the “Shenzhen version of Provence,” blooms with vibrant flowers, delighting flower enthusiasts.

The connected Shenzhen Bay Coastal Leisure Belt, from the Mangrove Seashore Ecological Park to Shekou Sea World, provides a healing experience during the day amid blue and green hues. In the evening, explore CBD areas like OCT Harbour, Houhai Center, and Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base to embrace the charm of Shenzhen’s nightlife.

📌Tips for Exploring Shenzhen Bay Park

The bird-watching season is from October to April of the next year, with January and December being the prime months.

Birds are most concentrated during feeding times, from 6-8 am and 4-6 pm, making it an optimal time for bird watching.

Cycling restrictions in the park:

• Shenzhen Bay Park East Section: Weekends and statutory holidays from April to October, 09:00-18:30; November to March of the next year, weekends and statutory holidays, 09:00-17:30.
• Shenzhen Bay Coastal Leisure Belt West Section: Weekends and statutory holidays.

🎫Admission ticket: free ⏰Opening hours: 06:00-23:00 🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station and exit from Exit E.

4. Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) Loft (华侨城创意园)

Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) Loft, formerly an industrial area, has transformed its old factory buildings into creative industrial studios, gathering animation studios, art spaces, and many avant-garde design brands. It has become a cultural landmark similar to Beijing’s 798.

It features architecturally intriguing buildings with extensive graffiti and creative decorations. The art spaces frequently host exhibitions, and the shops include European furniture brand Vitra, the Old Heaven Music Bookstore that features a collection of international humanities and arts books and vintage vinyl records, and the official concept store for “Little Thing” magazine.

On weekends, there’s a creative market to explore unique and original items. Additionally, the annual jazz music festival in October is a must-see.

As a distinctive industry in Shenzhen, the cultural and creative sector has become a crucial pillar supporting the city’s economic development.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Qiaocheng East Station (Exit A).

5. Windows of The World (世界之窗)

The Window of the World is an artificial theme park that integrates wonders of the world, historical landmarks, famous sites from ancient to modern times, and folk performances. It is divided into eight major regions: World Square, Asia Zone, Europe Zone, Africa Zone, Americas Zone, and more, offering the feeling of touring the entire world in a day.

The park is extensive, so if you aim to see every building and experience each attraction, careful planning for the entire day is necessary.

Jurassic World is ideal for younger children, while older kids and adults shouldn’t miss the thrilling experiences of “ Fly across the United States ” and “ Amazon Jungle Shuttle .” The Dynamic XD Movie’s “ Top Speed of Mountain Fuji ” is also worth a try.

Architecturally, highlights include a one-third scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, offering views of Shenzhen and Hong Kong from the top; a faithful reproduction of the Arc de Triomphe in a 1:1 scale; a downsized but impressive version of Niagara Falls; and an intricate replica of St. Mark’s Square.

Don’t miss the nightly light show at the Eiffel Tower at 19:15 and 21:20, as well as the fireworks display every Saturday and holiday at 21:00. The best viewing spot for both shows is the Arc de Triomphe, so be sure to secure a good spot in advance!

The park’s internal dining options offer moderate value, but bringing some simple meals is advisable. After finishing your visit, there are large shopping malls and various dining options nearby for the evening.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 220 ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-22:00 🚗How to get there: Take MetroLine 1 or Line 2, and get off at Shijie Zhichuang (Window of the World) Station (Exit J).

6. Happy Valley (欢乐谷)

Across from the Window of the World, Happy Valley is a more suitable amusement park for older kids. While there are areas for younger children, those under 1.2 meters tall might find the Window of the World more appropriate, as Happy Valley might not justify the ticket price for them.

For an adrenaline rush, head straight to the “ Snowy Eagle ” roller coaster and the suspended roller coaster “ Snow Mountain Flying Dragon .” Follow it up with the “ Perfect Storm ” and the “ River Rapids ” for a truly perfect experience. All the attractions inside can be enjoyed multiple times (if you have enough time), but there are also optional, paid games based on voluntary participation.

P.S. The park is divided into nine themed areas, including Spanish Square, Cartoon City, Mt. Adventure, Gold Mine Town, Shangri-la Woods, Sunshine Beach, Typhoon Bay, Playa Maya Water Park, and Happy Times. With nearly 100 thrilling games for both adults and children, there’s something for everyone.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 220 ⏰Opening hours: 10:00-21:00 🚗How to get there: Take MetroLine 1 or Line 2, and get off at Shijie Zhichuang (Window of the World) Station (Exit A).

7. Splendid China Folk Village (锦绣中华民俗村)

The Splendid China Folk Village consists of two parts: Splendid China and Folk Culture Villages . Here, visitors can receive a comprehensive lesson on the 5,000 years of Chinese history and admire miniature landscapes representing various regions of the country in just one day.

Splendid China showcases scaled-down replicas of well-known attractions from all over China , including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Mount Tai, Mount Huangshan, the Terracotta Army, the Longmen Grottoes, West Lake in Hangzhou, and more.

The Folk Culture Village authentically reproduces the distinctive cultural characteristics of various ethnic minorities in China , such as the Zhuang, Dai, Hui, Uyghur, Li, and Naxi ethnic groups, among others. The minority villages are constructed at a 1:1 scale. Additionally, the Folk Culture Village features landscapes like the Stone Forest in Yunnan, coconut forests in Hainan, the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, and the Huizhou archway group.

During the day, Splendid China is suitable for exploration, sightseeing, and photography, while the Folk Culture Village offers various performances performed by local ethnic actors.

The Splendid China Folk Village hosts three large-scale performances, and in terms of entertainment value, some may find it even more impressive than the Windows of The World.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 110 ⏰Opening hours: 10:00-21:30 🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Huaqiaocheng (OCT) Station and exit from Exit D.

8. Nantou Ancient Town (南头古城)

Nantou Ancient Town is a well-known historical site with a history dating back nearly 1700 years. Through the renovation and revitalization of Nantou Ancient Town, a harmonious balance between the old and the new has been achieved.

On one side, the ancient city wall and the historical and cultural development of the ancient town have rejuvenated over time. The ancient town houses significant landmarks such as the Nantou City Gate site, Nantou Ancient Town Archway, Guandi Temple, and Dongguan Assembly Hall, showcasing the Lingnan-style architecture of more than 40 residences built during the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era.

Simultaneously, a blend of diverse elements, including cultural arts, urban living, and industrial offices, seamlessly integrates into the town. The area is now home to a vibrant concentration of eateries, creative boutiques, and art galleries, injecting newfound vitality into the historic town.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 12 to Zhongshan Park Station and exit from Exit D.

9. Go Shopping

Shenzhen boasts numerous large shopping centers in each district, such as Uniwalk in Bao’an District, MixC World and Happy Mall in Nanshan District, MixC World, Jin Guanghua Plaza, and KK Mall in Luohu District, Jiufang Square Shopping Center and Coco Park in Futian District, among others. With a plethora of shopping options, having a specific goal in mind can help narrow down choices.

For luxury shopping, Luohu MixC World is highly recommended, offering a comprehensive selection of luxury brands. Although Shenzhen Bay MixC World is also an option, some brands are still in the planning phase and might not be officially open. If you lean toward fast fashion, Nanshan MixC World is a good choice. For those interested in culinary delights, Happy Mall is a great recommendation, with an added bonus of a fountain light show in the evening.

10. Dongmen Old Street (东门老街)

Dongmen Old Street, dating back to the mid-Ming Dynasty, stands as Shenzhen’s earliest commercial hub with a history of over 400 years. It marks the inception of modern Shenzhen and serves as a witness to the city’s historical development.

As the saying goes, “If you haven’t been to Dongmen Old Street, you haven’t truly been to Shenzhen.” Beyond being a shopping destination, Dongmen Old Street is a paradise for foodies, encapsulating the essence of old Shenzhen.

The street is divided into two squares, creating breathing space for Dongmen Old Street. These squares feature precious flowers like royal palms, hyacinths, lilies, and tulips, along with fountains, sculptures, and leisure pavilions, forming a unique and vibrant scenery for the commercial pedestrian street.

Walking along Dongmen Street, you’ll find everything from luxury brands to traditional stores. Various commercial formats thrive, with malls like 1234 Space Shopping Mall, Sun Plaza, and New White Horse Clothes Market making it a shopper’s delight. When tired of shopping, Dongmenting Food Court and Miaojie Food Court offer a variety of local specialties.

Transforming from modest old houses to modern shopping centers and from winding quiet lanes to spacious bustling pedestrian streets, Dongmen Old Street’s corners whisper tales of its transformation. With its arcade buildings, academies, temples, ancient clocks, and century-old trees, every nook tells the silent stories of Dongmen Old Street.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Laojie Station and exit from Exit D.

11. Wutong Mountain (梧桐山)

Wutong Mountain, Shenzhen’s highest peak at an elevation of 944 meters , is one of Shenzhen’s new eight scenic spots. With numerous hiking paths ranging from at least 10 to nearly 20 routes, Wutong Mountain offers various options for climbers.

From the summit of Wutong Mountain, one can enjoy panoramic views of Shenzhen city and gaze across the sea at Dawu Mount in Hong Kong.

The mountain is characterized by lush greenery, deep streams, and abundant plant life, serving as a sanctuary and resource repository for rare flora and fauna in the Pearl River Delta region. The ever-changing clouds and mist add an air of mystery to the surroundings.

Wutong Mountain is predominantly inhabited by the Hakka people of Guangdong. The unique Hakka cultural atmosphere contributes to the distinct Hakka cultural essence of Wutong Mountain, exuding the charm of Hakka culture.

During the ascent, the most challenging section is known as Lingyun Path, featuring a maximum slope of nearly 70 degrees. It stands as Shenzhen’s steepest mountain trail, a segment that rigorously tests one’s perseverance and demands the utmost attention to personal safety.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Wutong Shan South Station and exit from Exit D.

12. Explore Shenzhen Nightlife

Shenzhen’s abundance of bars offers a rich variety of options, evident in the distinctive bar streets like COCO Park Bar Street, Shimudi, Sea World International Bar Street , and the newly emerged HALO Bar Street in Luohu . Choose a night to immerse yourself in the vibrant scene. Here are a few popular recommendations:

Known for its dedicated focus on live jazz performances, LAVO boasts a good reputation for cocktails. The venue undergoes a noticeable transition: before 10 PM, it’s quieter, perfect for a casual drink and chat amidst a stylish ambiance. As the night progresses, after 10 PM, a resident jazz band takes the stage, creating a laid-back atmosphere with jazz tunes complemented by hand-painted murals.

• Price: From CNY 130
• Opening Hours: 19:30-03:00
• Location: T3, Kerry Plaza, No. 1 Zhongxin Fourth Road, Futian District

The Hideaway

Situated on the 31st floor, this bar offers a panoramic view of the night skyline, including the “Shenzhen First Skyscraper,” Ping An International Finance Centre. Beyond the stunning views, the bar’s modern and tech-savvy design, from its unique fingerprint entrance to exquisite barware, leaves a lasting impression.

• Price: From CNY 100
• Opening Hours: 19:00-02:00
• Location: Building B, No.3 Haitian Road, Futian District

13. Gankeng Hakka Town (甘坑古镇)

Gankeng Hakka Town, with its origins dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, is a Hakka ancient village boasting a rich history. It is recognized as one of the “Top Ten Hakka Ancient Villages in Shenzhen.”

The town features numerous ancient buildings and meandering alleys. Notable structures include the Nanxiang Building, which has weathered more than 120 years of history, the Zhuangyuan Mansion built during the Qing Dynasty, as well as watchtowers, blockhouses, and stilt houses. These structures, along with century-old Hakka townhouses, create a distinctive landscape of Hakka culture.

Nanxiang Building , standing for over 120 years, was once a study in a prominent Minnan household, showcasing both Minnan style and Hakka cultural elements with its substantial wooden structure.

Zhuangyuan Mansion belonged to a top scholar surnamed Liu during the Qing Dynasty. Transplanted from Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province, in 2013, every wooden structure and carved mural has been meticulously restored. The exterior brick walls bear the marks of time, and the relief carvings at the entrance are exquisite.

The town also houses a museum, preserving historical artifacts of Gankeng Hakka Town . Visitors can explore the museum for free to gain a deeper understanding of the indigenous culture in Shenzhen.

One of the distinctive features of Gankeng Hakka Town is its Hakka culinary culture, with a focus on sweet treats. “艾粄,” also known as green rice ball, is a delicious traditional Hakka snack. During the Qingming Festival, Hakka families would traditionally make this delicacy. Other notable dishes include salt-baked chicken and Hakka yellow wine.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 10 to Gankeng Station and exit from Exit B.

14. Dafen Oil Painting Village (大芬油画村)

Dafen Oil Painting Village, acclaimed as the “First Village of Chinese Oil Painting,” originally a small village, witnessed the introduction of the oil painting industry by a Hong Kong art dealer, evolving into a hub for oil painting.

Reports suggest that in 2008, 70% of oil paintings in the European and American markets originated from China, with 80% coming from Dafen Village, highlighting its significant influence.

Occupying a mere 0.4 square kilometers, Dafen Village is entirely dedicated to oil painting workshops. Visitors can witness the live process of oil painting along the streets. The village offers a variety of oil paintings and artworks for purchase, ranging from masterful replicas to original pieces, and most are reasonably priced.

Beyond buying and observing, Dafen Oil Painting Village hosts numerous oil painting and pottery experiential workshops. Many individuals can be seen painting outdoors along the streets, with painting experiences priced from CNY 30 to CNY 60.

Notably, the village also houses several private coffee shops, compact but serving freshly ground and authentic coffee!

🚗How to get there: Take bus M271, M385 or 306 to Dafen Oil Painting Village Station.

15. Discover Shenzhen Night Market

In places where there are locals from Guangdong, you’ll always find an abundance of delectable cuisine. Shenzhen, influenced by the cultures of Hong Kong and Guangdong, has embraced its culinary essence across various night markets.

Shangmeilin Street

This vibrant street , nestled between towering structures, accommodates both well-known high-end eateries and discreet local treasures, all centered around the shared theme of barbecue. Shangmeilin showcases a trio of foolproof delights: succulent seaside oysters, saucy grilled meat skewers, and crayfish. Accompanied by a few bottles of beer, patrons can relish unhurried dining and conversation within this relaxed ambiance.

Xiangxicun Street

When delving into Shenzhen’s night market fare, the Guangdong tradition of “hotpot” takes center stage , and the epitome of this tradition in Shenzhen lies at Xiangxicun Street . Recognized as the locale with the highest sales of chicken hotpot and pork bone hotpot in Shenzhen, the chicken hotpot features tender and flavorful chicken, while the radish beef brisket pot serves as a heartwarming winter choice. Practically every Shenzhen resident has found comfort in their stomachs at this spot.

Shekou Sea World

As one of the hubs for foreigners in Shenzhen, Shekou Sea World naturally serves as a melting pot of global cuisine . Ranging from American steaks, Italian pizzas, and Japanese sashimi to Australian lamb legs, Thai Tom Yum soup, and even French and Mexican dishes, a stroll through Shekou’s Sea World is tantamount to embarking on a global culinary journey.

Compared to other more straightforward night markets, the gastronomy in Shekou is both sophisticated and refined. Visitors can opt to savor exquisite dishes while enjoying the yacht-filled night scenery.

16. ShaJing (沙井)

ShaJing , situated in the western part of Shenzhen, is so secluded that it remains unexplored by many Shenzhen residents, contributing to their initial perceptions of the area.

As one of Shenzhen’s most extensive and historically rich ancient ruins , ShaJing hosts a diverse community conversing in different dialects, fostering an inclusive and grounded ambiance along its streets.

Preserving numerous historic residences from the late Qing and early Republican periods , as well as archways, ancient wells, relics, and ruins, ShaJing showcases its rich heritage. Examples include the Qing Dynasty’s Longjin Stone Pagoda, the operational Hexagonal Well, and the renowned Longjin Water Pavilion.

ShaJing is also a treasure trove of hidden culinary delights , featuring many lesser-known gems. Locals favor Dian Pin Ji, a dessert shop providing ample servings at budget-friendly prices. A dedicated street for Taiwanese cuisine, featuring chefs and owners from Taiwan, guarantees an authentic taste. Additionally, tucked in the community alleys of ShaJing are niche coffee shops offering a peaceful setting.

A short stroll unveils a shop selling fresh oysters and oyster-based delicacies. Although ShaJing no longer harvests local oysters, it remains a prime destination for those in pursuit of plump and freshly sourced oysters.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Citizen Center Station and exit from Exit B.

17. Shenzhen Museum

When you arrive in a city, you should never miss its museums. Shenzhen’s development has indeed witnessed the progress of the times and economic takeoff. Shenzhen Museum not only serves as a historical witness to the city’s reform and opening-up but also integrates ancient Shenzhen history and an engaging natural animal exhibition area.

Open exhibition halls include the Shenzhen Museum of History and Folk Culture in the Civic Center and the Ancient Art Museum .

The History and Folk Culture comprises five basic displays and two thematic exhibition halls. The basic exhibition halls primarily narrate the historical development of Shenzhen, while the two thematic exhibition halls are mainly utilized for hosting new exhibitions.

The Ancient Art Museum primarily showcases artifacts related to ancient Chinese art, offering insights into the birth and development of pottery civilization, as well as the mystique and weightiness of bronze ware.

🎫Admission ticket: free ⏰Opening hours: 10:00-17:30 (closed on Monday) 🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Citizen Center Station and exit from Exit B.

18. Ping An International Finance Centre

Regardless of the location in the city, a towering skyscraper is visible from every corner. On a clear day in the summer of 2014, as a steel column was installed at 400 meters above ground, Shenzhen’s tallest building changed hands instantly, causing a shift in the global skyscraper rankings.

With construction continuing, the final height of the building settled at 599.1 meters, and this is none other than the Ping An International Finance Centre, still ranking as the fourth tallest building in China and the eighth tallest in the world.

As a landmark in Shenzhen, the FREE SKY observation deck is located on the 116th floor—the highest vantage point in Shenzhen, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city.

The rapid elevator ascends swiftly, covering the distance to the 116th floor at 542 meters in a mere 55 seconds. Encircling electronic screens showcase visual narratives of the landscapes visible at each elevation, creating an experience reminiscent of a scenic lift journey.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 200 (book on Klook ) ⏰Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Coco Park Station and exit from Exit D.

19. Cycling in Shenzhen

An increasing number of Shenzhen residents are embracing cycling as a means to slow down in this fast-paced city.

Whether equipped with a professional bike or opting for a shared bicycle, cycling enthusiasts can savor the joy of riding at any time and place. Cyclists can be seen navigating through city streets, exploring suburban trails, and conquering mountain roads, making cycling the ultimate way to immerse oneself in the Shenzhen experience.

Shenzhen provides a variety of cycling routes, catering to different preferences. Beginners can ease into cycling with shorter routes and gradually progress to more challenging and extended journeys.

Exploring the Shenzhen Bay Greenway , one of the city’s most picturesque seaside routes, allows riders to witness stunning sea sunrises in the morning and revel in the mangrove forest against the evening sun.

For those seeking a serene seaside experience, the Yantian Seaside Plank Road , known as the “Shenzhen Golden Coast,” offers a perfect escape. This coastal plank road connects numerous scenic spots, providing cyclists with the opportunity to enjoy sea breezes and scenic vistas.

For adventurous souls interested in road/mountain biking, Yinhushan Countryside Park presents an excellent choice. With fewer crowds, undulating landscapes, and captivating scenery, this route provides glimpses of Futian’s urban panorama, especially enchanting during the nighttime.

20. Xichong Beach (西涌海滩)

Xichong Beach , connected by mountains and waters, boasts crystal-clear azure waters and stands as Shenzhen’s largest beach. Recognized as one of China’s most beautiful beaches and often referred to as the “Oriental Hawaii,” it offers a picturesque coastal escape.

With a lengthy shoreline, Xichong features four beach entrances, each offering unique scenery. Xichong No.1 Beach and No.3 Beach are suitable for swimming, while No.4 Beach is ideal for surfing. The interconnected beaches provide diverse choices for visitors.

As a relatively developed beach with an entrance fee, Xichong tends to be less crowded compared to free beaches like Dameisha . Its allure is further enhanced by nearby attractions, including the observatory and the seaside boardwalk.

Stretching nearly five kilometers, the beach boasts silver-like fine sand, gentle sea breezes, and sparkling azure waves. From Xichong, one can gaze at Moon Island and Sanmen Island. Amidst the experience of sand, sunshine, waves, and sea breezes, Xichong reveals its pure and authentic beauty.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY 30 🚗How to get there: First take the bus to the Dapeng Center Station, and then transfer to the M231 bus that will take you directly to Xichong No.1 Beach.

21. Dapeng Fortress (大鹏所城)

Some people claim that Shenzhen lacks history. If we start counting from August 1980, Shenzhen seems to have a history of only 43 years, which appears brief compared to cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai, not to mention ancient capitals like Beijing and Nanjing. However, this assertion misunderstands the history of Shenzhen because the city’s origins trace back to the Dapeng Fortress, a city with a cultural heritage spanning centuries.

Dapeng Fortress was a crucial stronghold for Chinese coastal defense during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the starting point of the Opium War, deeply influenced by the maritime defense history of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the coastal Hakka culture.

Within the ancient city, one can still witness the old streets with blue stone slabs and white-walled, blue-tiled houses, along with well-preserved residences and the mansion of a military general from the Qing Dynasty, showcasing the remarkable architectural achievements of Lingnan during the Ming and Qing periods. Strolling here feels like stepping into a historical masterpiece of Ming and Qing coastal defense.

With the rise of tourism, Dapeng Fortress has welcomed numerous atmospheric pubs, restaurants, and unique inns. Roaming on the blue stone slabs, listening to guitar performances in cozy pubs, climbing to rooftops to feel the evening breeze, and savoring tranquility and comfort beyond Shenzhen’s fast-paced lifestyle. Alternatively, one can head to the nearby seaside, walking along the shore, appreciating the harmonious scenery of the coastline and ancient buildings.

🚗How to get there: Take bus M457, or M471 to Dapeng Fortress Station.

22. Judiaosha Beach (桔钓沙)

Judiaosha Beach stands apart from other coastal destinations with its minimal development, offering a unique sense of seclusion. Embraced by verdant hills on three sides, the expansive crescent-shaped beach spans approximately 1000 meters in length and 50 meters in width, boasting exceptionally fine and white sand that has earned it the local moniker “ Silver Beach .”

The water at Judiaosha Beach is clear and placid, transforming its hues gracefully, akin to a skilled magician, as the observer’s gaze shifts. During high tide, the colors intensify: near the shore, the sea adopts a white hue, transitioning to light blue around 50 meters offshore, then deepening into dark blue and culminating in a profound azure farther out.

Adjacent to the beach, a luxuriant grove of tall coast oaks enhances the scenic beauty. Historically sparsely populated, Judiaosha’s charm may owe itself to the lack of human interference.

The Judiaosha Laihua Holiday Hotel is a noteworthy recommendation. Positioned as an eco-friendly five-star establishment, it is nestled amid the mountains and the sea, presenting an infinity pool, unparalleled sea vistas, and over 100,000 square meters of lush Southeast Asian tropical gardens.

🚗How to get there: Take bus M274 to Judiaosha Station.

23. Jiaochangwei (较场尾)

For a unique and luxurious seaside retreat at a boutique guesthouse, Jiaochangwei stands out as the premier choice. This region boasts a diverse selection of charming and artistically designed guesthouses, an abundance of delectable snacks, trendy bars, and distinctive cafes. Moreover, there are numerous delightful small shops, and the beach is conveniently located just a short distance away.

Within a brief three-minute stroll from the guesthouses, you’ll find yourself at the beach, where you can partake in activities such as beach volleyball, soccer, or enjoy leisurely walks along the coastline.

Jiaochangwei Beach is an excellent spot for water sports. The shallow waters, with a depth of approximately 1.5 meters, are especially well-suited for beginners. Water-based activities include banana boat rides, jet skiing, speedboat excursions, and more. The close proximity to Dapeng Fortress adds an additional layer of attraction.

There are also plentiful options for bicycle rentals, whether single or tandem. Renting a bicycle provides the opportunity to savor the scenic views along the way.

🚗How to get there: Take bus M457, or M471 to Jiaochangwei Station.

24. Guanlan Ancient Ruins (观澜古墟)

Guanlan Ancient Ruins , established in the later Qing Dynasty, boast a 200-year history shaped by water. As the most intact surviving Hakka-style historical district in Shenzhen and one of the last “Four Ancient Ruins” in the city , it consists of just five streets, easily explored within half an hour.

The stroll reveals arcades, watchtowers, Hakka residences, Western-style houses, showcasing the unique Hakka architectural style of Lingnan. The iconic “Red Building,” created in 1938, exudes a red hue with a Baroque Western influence, once functioning as a restaurant in the Republican era.

A leisurely exploration offers delightful surprises—houses adorned with “face masks,” ancient-style murals, and strings of goldfish lanterns hanging amid the arcades.

Since its recent reopening, the ancient ruins house a modest number of shops. Weekdays witness afternoon openings, while weekends bring a livelier atmosphere.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 4 to Guanlan Station and exit from Exit B.

25. Guanlan Print Village (观澜版画村)

Guanlan Print Village is a serene ancient Hakka village with a history of over a century. Nestled between mountains and water, the village features historical structures like ancient houses, ancestral halls, ponds, ancient wells, and watchtowers, maintaining the original rural charm.

It is the hometown of the renowned printmaker Chen Yanqiao and has evolved into a printmaking industry hub, housing numerous art studios primarily focused on printmaking. There are also small shops, including bookstores and handmade ceramic stores.

Although the village is not large, divided into two main areas, it covers a relatively small area. A visit to the entire print village takes around 60 minutes. The village no longer shows signs of daily life, presenting a tranquil ambiance when devoid of tourist hustle. This, however, provides an excellent creative environment for artists.

🚗How to get there: Take Metro Line 4 to Niuhu Station and exit from Exit C, then take the bus M285 to the Print Base (Banhua Jidi) Station.

Shenzhen’s sole civilian airport is Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (IATA: SZX), situated 32 kilometers from the city center. It serves over 150 domestic and numerous international routes, connecting Shenzhen to global cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Macau, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo.

Transportation from the airport to the city center is facilitated by subway options, public buses, airport shuttles, or taxis, with subway lines 11 and 20 offering convenient travel.

Shenzhen boasts 13 train stations, with key ones being Shenzhen Railway Station , North Railway Station, Futian Railway Station, and East Railway Station. Serving as a vital transportation hub in southern China, Shenzhen seamlessly links mainland China and Hong Kong. The North Railway Station primarily dispatches high-speed trains to destinations like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Wuhan.

Ferry services from Shekou Port and Fuyong Port of Bao’an Airport connect to destinations such as Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port, Zhuhai Wailingding Island Ferry Terminal, Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal. Fuyong Port, near Bao’an International Airport, offers closed ferry routes to/from the airport, linking with Hong Kong International Airport and Macau.

Shenzhen boasts sixteen operational metro lines, with the initial and final Shenzhen Metro trains departing at 6:30 AM and 11:00 PM, respectively. Line 1, known as Luobao Line, serves as a key subway route , spanning Dongmen commercial and Huaqiangbei business districts, as well as the tourist hub of Overseas Chinese Town (OTC). Line 2, or the Shekou Line, encompasses the Luohu residential area, the Futian center area, the Nanshan high-tech area, and the Shekou Port.

There are 1,300 bus lines running in this city presently. Most routes in the downtown area cost CNY 1 for ordinary buses and CNY 2 for air-conditioned buses. Their operating hours are roughly from 07:00 to 23:00 on weekdays.

Shenzhen blue taxis are primarily electric-powered, covering the entire city. There’s no fuel surcharge. The standardized starting fare is CNY 10 for the first 2 kilometers and CNY 2.6 per kilometer thereafter. From 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, a 30% night surcharge is applied. An additional fee of CNY 0.5 is levied for bulky luggage exceeding 0.2 cubic meters or weighing over 20 kilograms.

⭐The best time to visit Shenzhen, like many other cities in southern China, is during the autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April) months . During these times, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). These seasons offer pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and exploration.

Avoiding the summer months (June to September) is advisable as Shenzhen experiences hot and humid weather , with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, and occasional heavy rainfall. Winters (December to February) are mild, but temperatures can be cooler, ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, be aware of the potential for typhoons during the summer months, which can affect travel plans and local conditions.

For a brief stay, it is suggested to choose a location close to the departure transportation hub. Many visitors opt for accommodations near Shenzhen Station, a significant transportation hub and proximity to the Luohu Port, a popular gateway to Hong Kong. The area also boasts shopping districts like MixC, making it an excellent geographical choice.

The Overseas Chinese Town (华侨城) is another favorable location, featuring major theme parks such as Happy Valley, Splendid China, and Window of the World. With the convenience of Metro Line 1 LuoBao Line passing through, exploring Nantou Ancient City to the west or wandering around Futian CBD to the east is hassle-free. Accommodations are plentiful even for those not interested in visiting large theme parks.

Dongmen Old Street is ideal for enthusiasts of exploration and gastronomy. The area is adorned with numerous shops, traditional goods lining the streets, and intricate, winding alleys. It also showcases a distinctive commercial street with traditional charm, offering a glimpse of Lingnan-style residences, arcade buildings, and stone-paved roads.

For a taste of modern Shenzhen, Futian CBD is a must. Nestled against Lianhua Mountain and with a southern view of the Hong Kong port, Futian remains the true central business district of Shenzhen. Lianhuashan Park, offering the best city views, is complemented by shopping malls like Times Square and Zhuoyue Center, as well as popular nightlife venues like COCO PARK. Opting for a high-rise hotel at night provides a captivating city lights panorama, ensuring a delightful experience.

In conclusion, for those without specific preferences, staying in the Futian district is recommended. The dense subway network facilitates convenient travel to various areas

Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai

Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai, formerly known as Nan Hai Hotel, holds the distinction of being Shenzhen’s inaugural five-star hotel, boasting a history of over three decades. Following an extensive renovation, the hotel has retained its original exterior, characterized by prominent semi-circular balconies, preserving the unique charm of traditional architecture.

Internally, the hotel features a modern Chinese design with elements of “wood” and “stone,” creating a natural ambiance with the use of raw wood tones and shimmering water patterns. The King Deluxe One Bedroom Suite is spacious, featuring two balconies that offer sweeping views of the sea and the distant cityscape.

Shekou, akin to a tranquil island within the city, embraces a leisurely pace of life. Surrounded by the sea and overlooking mist-covered green hills, it stands as a serene retreat, offering a respite from the bustling city life.

👉 Read more and check availability on Booking , Agoda , and Trip

Raffles Shenzhen

When the centennial legend “Raffles” meets the premier residence “Shenzhen Bay No.1,” a legendary experience unfolds in Shenzhen. The 350-meter-high rooftop helicopter pad offers a 360-degree view of Shenzhen Bay, allowing for experiences like sky camping and champagne afternoon tea. The 71st-floor public music hall provides an elegant setting for concerts with panoramic views of Nanshan, Shenzhen Bay, Qianhai, and Hong Kong. Yun Jing Restaurant, featuring Cantonese classics and creative dishes, and the specially crafted cocktails at Long Bar elevate the dining experience to new heights.

Designed by the team behind the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the interior design is chic and sophisticated. The spacious rooms start from a minimum of 60 square meters, with the presidential suite reaching an impressive 435 square meters. The walk-in bathtub faces Shenzhen Bay, offering a delightful experience of sipping champagne and enjoying a bubble bath while admiring the night view. For the best panoramic views, rooms with numbers ending in 02, 11, 15, and 23 are recommended.

ICON LAB Hotel Shenzhen Futian

Situated in Futian CBD, ICON LAB maximizes its prime location for an immersive experience. Whether enjoying urban landscapes or vast sea and sky views, guests can indulge in the comfort of their rooms or at the optimal spots for city sunrises and sunsets. Daytime invites relaxation by the window with afternoon tea, observing the sun descend beyond the sea horizon. Evenings offer a serene ambiance as you unwind in a spacious bathtub, admiring the enchanting night scene.

ICON LAB not only integrates nature but also creates a dynamic interior landscape with captivating lighting, evoking Japanese film aesthetics. The Tianji Restaurant, merging a library, tea room, and Cafe Bar, exudes French charm.

👉 Read more and check availability on Trip

JW Marriott Shenzhen

JW Marriott Shenzhen commenced operations in 2009 and underwent a renovation in 2020, creatively incorporating elements of tea art, yoga, family-friendly features, and trendy designs into its various rooms, enhancing the living experience with vibrancy.

The hotel offers 402 rooms, each with a floor area of over 42 square meters. The room design is predominantly minimalist, complemented by heavy-colored wooden furniture. Over half of the rooms provide scenic views of the golf course and Xiangmi Lake. What sets the rooms apart is the placement of bathtubs by the windows, allowing guests to enjoy the outside scenery while bathing, with the added luxury of Portico thyme bath amenities.

Moreover, the hotel’s dining options are exceptional. The Western restaurant serves impressive breakfast and dinner buffets, featuring a sumptuous selection, including fresh seafood and drinks. Surprisingly, there’s also the option of a traditional Dong Lai Shun hot pot. The Chinese restaurant offers classic Cantonese cuisine, with innovative Cantonese dishes that cater to contemporary tastes, proving to be quite popular.

Xana Deluxe Hotel

The Xana Deluxe Hotel is situated in the lively Dongmen Old Street, the bustling heart of Shenzhen. Dongmen Old Street is bustling with crowds always, but exploring it during off-peak times offers a unique experience.

Upon entering the lobby, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant and luxurious “Xana Blue.” The French-style afternoon tea bar serves rejuvenating drinks and sushi.

The room design follows the lobby’s luxurious theme, featuring the clean and elegant color scheme of “Xana Blue”. The meticulously arranged teacups, illuminated makeup mirror, jewelry box, and toiletries all exude sophistication. The oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with automated curtains and a showerhead that plays music when removed add to the upscale experience. Relax with a bath in the spacious bathtub for a delightful night’s sleep.

Xana not only offers comfort but also personalized enjoyment. Among the numerous hotels I’ve stayed in, Xana is undoubtedly the most distinctive.

InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort

Facing the South China Sea and surrounded by Wutong Mountain, InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort features an expansive 2-kilometer beach just a short walk away. The resort’s executive club offers an infinity pool situated a mere 35 meters from the ocean, providing an exclusive swimming experience accompanied by breathtaking views of Meishajian Mountain in the distance.

Sunlight and panoramic sea views fill the lobby, restaurants, and rooms through the generous floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests looking for a leisurely retreat can enjoy a stroll along the seaside promenade, discover the vibrant Binhai Cultural Tourism Art Town, or participate in water activities such as surfing and sailing. Hikers can opt for the Meisha Tsim ladder or explore Wutong Mountain National Park, immersing themselves in the tranquil beauty of the mountains and sea.

To wrap it up, Shenzhen beckons with a diverse tapestry of experiences. Sink your toes into the sandy beaches, savor delectable local delights in Dongmen, delve into the cutting-edge tech scene, unwind in the lush parks, and don’t miss the unique charm of Shekou. With its 25 best activities, Shenzhen caters to every taste – from the thrill-seeker to the foodie, the tech enthusiast to the nature lover. Come explore the blend of modern marvels and timeless charm, and you’re sure to leave with a pocketful of unforgettable memories.

🎫Do I need a visa for China?

Yes. Most visitors to China will need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip, as well as your nationality. If you are a resident of the US, you must apply for a Chinese visa at the Consular Office in the country. On the other hand, inhabitants of countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK can request a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center .

🤔 Why is it necessary to install a VPN in China?

In China, the government has strict regulations on internet access, leading to the blocking of popular websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. To access these sites, a VPN is suggested as a means of bypassing the restrictions. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider and use caution while doing so. ExpressVPN has been historically deemed the most reliable VPN for this purpose, despite being heavily targeted by China’s censors. Nevertheless, it is still a widely preferred option owing to its ease of installation and user-friendliness.

📲 Is it necessary to have a Chinese SIM card while in China?

Yes. It is crucial to acknowledge that accessing the internet in China may pose limitations due to certain websites being prohibited or filtered. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity while staying in China, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable. For optimum results, acquiring SIM cards from either China Unicom or China Mobile is recommended. While China Mobile has the most comprehensive coverage in China and is a market leader, China Unicom is more compatible with foreign phones, enabling 3G and 4G services. Or you can purchase a SIM card online .

🔮 Should I buy China travel insurance?

Yes. Although China is generally a safe country for travel, it is still possible to encounter accidents or other unexpected occurrences. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance can provide a sense of security and financial protection. In my research, I have found that World Nomads is a reputable travel insurance provider that covers a wide range of activities and is recommended for the average traveler. Nevertheless, I advise you to compare insurance quotes from various providers before making a decision.

🚙 Can you rent a car in China?

Unfeasible . Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license to rent a car and self-drive may seem like an option, but it is not a practical choice for most foreigners. Therefore, many prefer to opt for a driver or public transportation when navigating China, as it proves to be more convenient.

✈️ What’s the best site to purchase flight tickets for China?

I suggest using Trip for affordable flights to China. As a China-based company, they often offer lower prices compared to foreign companies. Additionally, they offer English-speaking phone support in case of any issues.

🏡 What is the best way to book hotels in China?

Not only does Trip offer a wider range of flight options, but it also provides a greater selection of hotels to choose from. Moreover, Agoda is a reliable resource for hotels throughout Asia.

🎒What do I pack for China?

Travel adapter and converter: China uses a different electrical system than many other countries, so it’s important to bring a travel adapter and converter if you plan to use electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops.   Sunscreen: The UV index in China can be high, particularly during the summer months, and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Deodorant: It should be noted that finding deodorant in China may not be a simple task.

📚 Can a guidebook for traveling to China be useful?

Yes . If you’re planning to travel to China for the first time, a travel guidebook can be a valuable resource, and Lonely Planet is one of the most reputable guides available globally. Its comprehensive itineraries and recommendations take into account your personal preferences and can save you both time and money. The insider tips are also extremely helpful in navigating China’s unique cultural landscape like a local.

Enjoy these related articles

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

20 Best Things to Do in Shenzhen, China

Nearly 50 years ago, Shenzhen was little more than a market town, but it has evolved into a city of more than 12 million people and one of China's top retail destinations. Many visitors arrive in Shenzhen to take advantage of its multitudes of shopping centers and stores that sell just about anything you can imagine. It's a great city to buy hand-tailored clothing, art replicas, and high-tech toys.

The city connects Hong Kong to China's mainland and is one of the largest and most popular cities in southeast China. It is best known for shopping and entertainment, thanks to its large malls and many family-friendly amusement parks. Whether you're passing through or plan to spend a few days in Shenzhen, there is much more to see beyond the shops. Whether you take some time to enjoy recreational gardens and golf courses or go on a gastronomic adventure through the city's many street food zones, Shenzhen has a lot to offer.

Stroll Through Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Paul Starosta / Getty Images

The Fairy Lake Botanical Garden sits alongside the city's man-made reservoir and is home to over 8,000 plant species. The public garden functions as a site for science and botanical research, but is also open for visitors. Within the park, there are many themed gardens dedicated to bamboo, magnolias, rare trees, and more. There is also a Butterfly House, where visitors can appreciate these fluttering insects while admiring rare and unique orchid varieties like the Dancing Lady.

In addition to the educational museums and exhibitions located throughout the garden, there are also many beautiful sites such as the pagodas and bridges that adorn the lake and an active Buddhist temple. There are nearly 20 hiking trails in the park that weave through the gardens and also connect to the city's greenway and Mount Wutong Shan.

Visit a Hakka Village

ZZ3701 / Getty Images

In the southern provinces of China, Hakka villages were once a common building style in which villages were built with large defensive walls. Many Hakka structures fell into disrepair or were demolished to make way for urbanization, but there are still places you can visit to see original Hakka buildings. If you don't have a lot of time to explore villages in Guangdong and other nearby provinces, you can check out the Longgang Museum of Hakka Culture where you can see examples of Hakka-style buildings.

Taste the Street Food

Zhen Xue / Getty Images

Shenzhen is rich in elaborately decorated dim sum restaurants like the Shang Palace in the Shangri-La Hotel, but you can also get an authentic taste of the local culture by exploring the traditional dishes and snacks being cooked up by the city's street food vendors. There are many tours available that can guide you through the city's best eats, but the major street food spots to go on your own are the Dongmen Street Food Market, Baishizhou, and Shiuwei, where you'll find one of the city's best stands for roujiamo, which is a bun stuffed with succulent pork belly.

Stalls and restaurants represent all regions of China and sell a huge variety of tasty treats, from barbecued meat skewers to Jian Bing pancakes and candy-coated fruit. These are typical finds for any street food market in China, but in Shenzhen, you should go out of your way to try the oysters. They are locally shucked and farmed in nearby bays.

Victor Fraile Rodriguez / Getty Images

Shenzhen is home to some of China's best golf courses, including the world's largest. Mission Hills Golf Course has 216 holes among its 12 championship courses, each of which was designed by world champion golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sörenstam. The Mission Hills complex also has the largest tennis court in Asia, with 51 courts, and its own development with hotels, apartments, parks, and shopping complexes. The golf course is located about an hour outside of the city center, but if you can't get a tee time at Mission Hills, you have many other options in Shenzhen such as the Wind Valley Golf Club in OCT East that has two 18-hole courses.

Watch Art in Action at Da Fen Oil Painting Village

Palani Mohan / Getty Images

Most major Chinese cities now host artist's villages, where thousands of artists live and create replicas of the world's best paintings. Da Fen , which became an artist's hub in the 1980s, stands out for its impressive past—it once produced more than 60 percent of the world's oil paintings. Just don't expect a quaint artist's retreat—the over 5,000 artists in Da Fen often produce the paintings in factory conditions, turning them out like cars on a production line.

There are also hundreds of individual artists who will paint a replica of Rembrandt or Monet in just a few hours with paintings costing as little as $40. Even if you don't plan on buying a piece of art, it's a fascinating cultural phenomenon, and walking through the dusty streets, lined with works by the great masters, is nothing short of surreal.

Explore Window of the World

Zhang Zhenghua / Getty Images

Window of the World is Shenzhen's number one attraction. It is a collection of about 130 replicas of world sights and landmarks, all within the 120-acre theme park. The word "miniature" doesn't really do the recreations justice as in some cases they are two-thirds of the size of the original.

The focus is firmly on Europe, with recreations of London's Houses of Parliament, Paris's Eiffel Tower, and Rome's Colosseum. On top of the replicas, you'll find themed streets and food as well as dance shows. The park also puts on an impressive laser and light show. With its amusement park atmosphere, Window of the World is an excellent way to keep the kids entertained all day long.

Enjoy Theme Parks at OCT East

 Sitriel / Getty Images 

Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) is a massive complex consisting of nature parks, theme parks, and cultural villages. In OCT East there are two main theme parks: Knight Valley and Tea Stream Valley. Knight Valley has a water park, a tropical forest, and a skywalk made of glass, while Tea Stream Valley is the more meditative park where you can enjoy the natural setting of the Wetland Garden, take tea in the Sanzhou Tea Garden or the Ancient Tea Town.

Shop for Bargains

Jon Hicks / Getty Images

There are shopping centers for almost anything you want to buy, but you'll save money if you plan and do a little research. Luohu Commercial City is where most  day-trippers from Hong Kong  shop. Featuring over 700 shops spread across five floors, Commercial City is an intense shopping experience with hundreds of salespeople and hustlers all jostling for your attention. It is here that you'll find some knock-offs, but at Commercial City you're going to find that quality corresponds to how much you pay. The best buys here are clothing like tailored suits, but you can also get cut-rate massages.

See the Terracotta Warriors at the Folk Village

China Photos / Getty Images

If you like Window of the World, you should also see the  Splendid China Folk Village , which is the sister site to Window of the World. This attraction focuses on the history, art, architecture, and culture of Mother China. It offers replicas of the country's best sights, such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors.

Take in the View from Diwang Mansion

 Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

You can see all the way to the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border from Diwang Mansion , one of Shenzhen’s tallest buildings. On the 69th floor of the Meridian View Centre, there are telescopes you can use to view the details of the city streets. Some of the city's other marvel-worthy skyscrapers include the Ping An International Finance Center, KK100, and the China Resources Headquarters.

Learn Local History at the Shenzhen Museum

 Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images 

Shenzhen seems like a contemporary city, but at the  Shenzhen Museum , you can get an appreciation for the area's centuries of culture. The museum provides a detailed history and background so visitors can better understand the timeline of events leading up to the current contemporary boom. Permanent exhibitions explore art and calligraphy, as well as different eras of Shenzhen from ancient to modern times.

Hike the Wutong Shan

 Karl Johaentges / Getty Images

Wutong Shan, Shenzhen’s highest mountain, is 3,094 feet (943 meters) in altitude. You can hike the scenic trails or take the stairs for the hike which is a little over 6.2 miles up and back. Most trails begin at Wutong Village and will take almost 4 hours to complete. Once you are at the top, enjoy the views of Shenzhen. The way up is quite steep and could take a while, but you'll be able to get down more quickly.

Have Drinks and Dinner at Sea World

 Virginie Blanquart / Getty Images

This nightlight mecca is not the marine amusement park you're thinking of. It's a western-type entertainment zone where you can find beer gardens and nightclubs that draw an international clientele. There is a real ship that is the centerpiece of the complex, and the area is surrounded by water—thus the name, Sea World .

At night, enjoy the musical water fountains and fine cuisines from across the globe. There are Chinese, Korean, Indian, Mexican, and American steak house restaurants. After dinner and drinks, walk down to the docks and catch the nighttime view of Shekou harbor.

Climb Nanshan Mountain

Top Photo Corporation / Getty Images

The trailhead for the Nanshan Mountain trail is not far from the entrance to Sea World. The path consists of about 700 steps and takes several hours to go up and return down. You'll be able to rest on benches along the way and at the top be rewarded by a spectacular vista of the Nanshan District. There is also a trail on the other side of the mountain which is accessed via a gated entrance on the right side of the gate to the Shanhaiyun Community.

Shop on the Cheap at Dongmen Old Street

 Sebastiaan Kroes / Getty Images 

A crowded, bustling old-fashioned Chinese shopping experience, Dongmen Old Street is several blocks long and has malls, market stalls, winding side streets, and plazas. The vendors sell shirts, food, handbags, shoes, underwear, and more. Be prepared to bargain at the market stalls and look for heavy discounts at the malls.

Visit the Fortress

 Mark Murphy / Getty Images 

Dapeng Fortress , about an hour from Shenzhen, is a Ming Dynasty walled city that once defended the mainland from pirates. In some ways, it's a living historic village as people still reside in the preserved town. You can walk the narrow streets, go shopping, stop for a meal, or stay overnight at a quaint guesthouse. The trip from the city takes about one hour by taxi—which is the recommended means of transport as the public bus will extend the journey to about 2.5 or 3 hours.

Reflect at Tianhou Temple

 Satoshi Kawase / Getty Images 

Tianhou Temple was built as an act of appreciation to the goddess of the ocean for saving Chinese explorer Zheng He after he encountered a devastating storm at sea. The temple is not original—it has been rebuilt several times over the years, but is a classic example of a traditional Chinese temple. There is a museum to visit, rooms to explore and you'll likely see locals coming to pray.

Walk Historic Nantou

 Ivan / Getty Images

Nantou is a 1,700-year-old town. While there are modern buildings, the location has preserved much of its history. If you enter through the town’s South Gate, you will see the original town wall that was built in the 14th century. While there are the expected modern shopping venues, you can still find old shops selling traditional Chinese herbs and household goods tucked in some of the buildings on ancient streets.

Amble Through Lianhuashan Park

 Yinwei Liu / Getty Images 

Located in the heart of Shenzhen, the 370-acre  Lianhuashan Park offers a bit of green space amidst the sprawling concrete city. The park is centered by a 350-foot hill with a bronze statue of politician Deng Xiaoping at the top. From here, you'll find sweeping views of the city as well as places where families enjoy sitting to picnic and fly kites. There is also a large lake where you can rent paddle boats for a small fee. 

Enjoy the Creativity at OCT Loft

Jianqiang Li / Getty Images

Shenzhen is much more than a center for copying the Old Masters. It's becoming China’s creative capital attracting modern designers, inventors, and artists. The up-and-coming artsy community at  OCT Loft is housed in what was once a manufacturing district. There are art galleries, bookstores, coffee shops, bars, and bistros. The Art Terminal is huge and fun to explore.

The Best Places to Shop in Shenzhen

Top 19 Things to Do in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

The 15 Biggest Chinese Cities

12 Best Free Things to Do in Shanghai

Where to Go in 2023: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year

20 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

The 12 Best Day Trips from Beijing

The Best Day Trips to Take From Shanghai, China

14 Best Things to Do in Macao

Beijing Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top 20 Hong Kong Attractions

Your Trip to Shanghai: The Complete Guide

Maps of China's Mainland Provinces

18 Best Things to Do in Kerala, India

Great Activities for Kids Visiting China

20 Best Things to Do in Oregon

The 20 Top Things to See and Do in Shenzhen

Travel to Shenzhen – Index

Getting around shenzhen, when to visit shenzhen, how long to stay in shenzhen, a word on visas, nanshan district, futian district, luohu district, longgang district, pingshan district, longhua district, dapeng penninsula, frequently asked questions, before you begin.

Just across the border from Hong Kong on the Chinese mainland, lies the first tier city of Shenzhen, where around 15 million people live, work and entertain themselves.

Whether visiting or living in Shenzhen, this article will introduce some of the better scenic spots, historic sites and themed attractions. Shenzhen is a sprawling city covering ten districts, so you’ll need to plan carefully to make the most of your time – places to see are listed by district to make this easier.

Depending on your expectations, you may find some attractions quite touristy and possibly even tacky – but that’s the nature of Chinese entertainment. Take time to look beyond this, and you are likely to have some great experiences and get to sample the unique and wonderful culture that China offers.

The well developed public transport system is both efficient and inexpensive. Choose from taxis, private drivers, buses and the ever-expanding metro. Check out Getting around Shenzhen and Hong Kong Border Crossings , for more detailed information. There are also handy maps on most street corners, that although in Chinese will give you a good sense of your location and direction.

Tip: if you have a VPN , Google Maps shows streets in both English and Chinese. It’s a great resource for showing taxi drivers where you want to go and for finding your way around.

Finally, here you find the reviews of the best hotels in Shenzhen .

Any time of the year is good for a visit to Shenzhen. The climate is the same as subtropical Hong Kong – mild winters and hot and humid summers. Shopping malls and larger restaurants are all air-conditioned, but a mountain hike in 30 degrees might be better attempted in the cooler months.

It rains more in the summer months between May and September, but you’ll also experience days of clear blue skies to make the most of your visit. You certainly won’t experience the pollution of cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but the skies are hazier in the cloudier, winter months.

Plan your visit carefully around the times of Chinese festivals. Whilst many Chinese citizens leave Shenzhen to return to their home towns, you may find travel arrangements difficult. Hong Kong / Shenzhen borders are crowded and can be painfully slow to cross. Public transport is busy and sometimes even unattainable.

For short visits from Hong Kong, a couple of days will certainly give you a taste of the city. If you want to visit two or three different districts then you’ll struggle to see everything in a week.

If you have a full tourist visa, you might be better spending a few days in Shenzhen followed by a trip into the neighboring provinces to see the “real” China. Travel in China is relatively cheap, and high-speed trains, buses, and internal flights can whisk you inland quickly to more rural scenic areas of natural beauty.

You will need a valid visa to enter Shenzhen or be eligible for a five day VOA (visa on arrival) which can be obtained at the border. For more information on visas check out our comprehensive guide here – Chinese Visa Applications

Nanshan is in the southwestern area of Shenzhen and is home to many of the city’s attractions, as well as many of the technology businesses that have made the city famous. You could easily spend two or three days here if you enjoy theme parks, shopping, food, and drink. The most popular attractions are listed below, but other options include the Shenzhen Safari Park, Shenzhen Bay Boulevard and Nantou Ancient Town Museum (currently closed for renovations).

1. Sea World

In the quieter suburb of Shekou, you’ll find Sea World – a popular plaza – not an aquarium as the name suggests. There are a lot of western and European style restaurants, cafes and clubs. It’s also popular for its imported German and Irish beers, and you’ll maybe feel at home in bars like McCawleys, The Tavern and the more upmarket Terrace – all catering for both the Chinese and the large expat community living in this area.

Central to Sea World is The Minghua, originally an ocean-going liner, built by the French in 1962. It’s been remodeled into a hotel, with a large outdoor bar area and restaurants. Each evening at 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm you can watch a short, ten-minute water fountain display, set to music with the ship as a backdrop. There’s an additional display at 9.00 pm on the weekends. It’s a bustling area in the evenings with occasional live music. However, other than food, drink and promenading there isn’t much else to do here.

There’s a lot of development underway and a new luxury shopping mall, an arts center and an iMax cinema are all due for completion by 2016. You can stroll along the seafront facing Hong Kong and there’s access to the newly constructed Hilton Hotel . If your budget is limited, there are a number of smaller Chinese hotels close by. I particularly like No. 6 Crystal Garden – a lovely boutique hotel on a quiet back street between Shekou Port and Sea World.

Getting there

Metro: Shekou Line 2 (Orange) to Sea World – Exit A directly into Sea World Plaza.

2. Nanhai E-Cool

Just a short walk along XingHua Road from Sea World, you’ll find Nanhai E-Cool. This is the old Sanyo factory that has been redeveloped into more than 100 small creative enterprises.

If coffee is your thing then you won’t be disappointed. There are lots of small cafes serving excellent coffee, cakes, and snacks. It’s a great place to lunch, away from the larger western chains in neighboring Sea World. You’ll also find restaurants, wine bars, design shops, clothes, and the occasional creative art installation. It’s beautifully shady too on a hot day as the small streets are lined with leafy trees.

If you enjoy street walking, you’ll have a more authentic experience if you venture just a little further west, past Nanhai E Cool continuing along Xinghua Road, and into Haicheng Street. You’ll find yourself very suddenly in the thriving Chinese community at Shuiwan. There are many small Chinese stores and restaurants serving good seafood, hotpot and Beijing duck. At night this area comes alive with street sellers and you’ll find good street food if you want a cheap “on the go” bite to eat. You can access this area from either Sea World or Shuiwan metro stations.

In my experience, you can wander quite safely here and explore the shops selling cheap trainers, t-shirts and bags. In Shangle Street which runs parallel to Haicheng Street, you can haggle in the small shops and get some good deals. There are also a few smaller Chinese supermarkets if you need to stock up on supplies.

Getting there:

Metro: Shekou Line 2 (Orange) to Sea World Exit A – follow directions for walking above.

Walking from Sea World Entrance – walk east along Xinghua Road, past Starbucks on the corner and turn left by Baking Workers.

3. Tien Hou Temple, Chiwan

Built originally in the Song Dynasty, the Tien Hou Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. But by Shenzhen standards, it appears old and is constructed in a traditional style. It’s not far from Sea World and you can take a taxi, metro or bus.

The temple is still in use and some of the buildings are being renovated to provide a small museum of the temple’s history. For a 15 Yuan entrance fee, you can walk wherever you want, climb three levels of buildings, explore the Drum Tower, take photographs and enjoy the pungent smell of incense. The temple is beautifully decorated, although a little worn at the edges, but it feels authentic and un-touristy.

There’s an incense burning area in front of a central hall where Tian Hou, goddess of the sea, dominates the lesser god of wealth, Caishen and the bodhisattva of compassion, Guanyin.

Find out more about the history of the temple here: The Goddess of Tianhou Temple

Metro – Shekou Line 2 (Orange) to Chiwan Exit C. Turn right – walk approx 10 minutes along the road.

Bus – M371 or 226 from outside Sea World Metro Exit C. Stops directly outside the temple.

4. Nanshan Mountain

Stand in the entrance to Sea World and look inland – you’ll see the lush green hills that makeup Nanshan Mountain. This is a challenging hike, either up and down or on a circular walk. I say challenging, if you aren’t super fit, because it comprises over 700 neatly concreted steps to the top, generating far more of a burn on the calf muscles than a natural climb. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the up and down hike, or twice as long if you take the circular route. Look out for the map of the area on the left as you approach the entrance.

There’s no entry charge and the mountain is open from 6.00 am – 9.00 pm every day, although we’ve never seen it gated outside these hours. There are usually food sellers with fruit and water both on the way to the entrance and at the top of the mountain. There are also squat toilets at the top, but remember to take your own toilet paper!

On the way to the mountain, you’ll pass the International Conference Centre on the left. In the basement of this building is a bowling alley with ping-pong tables. All equipment can be hired. It’s open between 3.00 and 10.30 pm.

By Metro: Shekou Line 2 (Orange) to Sea World Exit D. Turn right out of the metro and walk to Minghua Road. Turn right into Minghua Road and walk ahead to NanHai Blvd. Cross the road and turn left, then immediately right into Yanshan Road. You’ll pass a 7/11 store – cross to the other side of the road, continue past the Convention Centre until the road branches 3 ways. Yanshan Road continues left – follow this shaded road to the start of the walks. There are two routes up – lookout for wooden signage on the way to the entrance that have maps detailing your options.

By Bus: To Haiyang Building (Haiyang Dasha)

From the West, alight from the bus and turn right to the corner of Minghua Road. Follow the instructions above for Metro. From East, alight from the bus and turn left until you reach Yanshan Road. Turn right, follow the instructions above.

5. Window of the World

Window of the World is a large theme park (tacky alert!) providing the chance to stroll around miniature replicas of 130 of some of the most famous sights in the world. All of the continents are represented and you can visit the Sydney Opera House, The Palace of Versailles, Mount Rushmore and even journey by raft through the Grand Canyon.

The park provides plenty of interest if you have kids, although those “well-traveled” might find this a little less exciting than the real thing! As well as the monuments, there’s a cable car, an indoor ski slope, and an archery field. Nighttime entertainment and firework displays take place at the weekends.

Tickets (2015 Prices): Adults 160 Yuan, Children over 1.2m 80 Yuan. Children under 1.2m and seniors over 70 can enter free of charge. Evening performances are extra.

Opening hours: 9.00 am to 22.30 pm

Metro: Take Shekou Line 2 (Orange) to Window of the World station. Take exit J and the ticket office is directly ahead of you.

6. Happy Valley

Next to Window of the World you will find the Happy Valley Theme Park. This park is divided into nine themed areas such as Cartoon City and Gold Mine Town. There’s also a water park that is open in the afternoons between May and October.

The park covers a large area (85 acres) so be prepared for lots of walking. Unfortunately, it seems that some of the rides are closed more often than they are open, and the lines are quite lengthy. This may be because people don’t always realize that the ride opening times are staggered. That said there are a lot of options here so if you enjoy thrill rides and the theme park atmosphere then you’ll probably have a great day.

Check out Travel China’s page here for all the directions, current admission prices, general opening hours and ride opening times. China Travel – Happy Valley

Metro: Take LuoBao Line 1 (Green) to Window of the World station. Take Exit A and walk left to Qiacheng West Street, turn left and walk until you reach the entrance to Happy Valley.

7. Splendid China Folk Village

There are two sections to this park. Splendid China is made up of China’s most important historical sites in miniature (a common theme among Shenzhen’s theme parks). They’ve also replicated some of the more scenic sites. It provides a pleasant walk through the park, but if you’ve visited Window of the World, you might find yourself overdosing on miniatures!

China Folk Culture Village provides more of an interest. You can walk through 26 miniature villages and the 56 ethnic groups that make up China’s heritage. There are live performances, craft exhibitions and also gala parties at popular times of the year. You’ll learn a lot about the different cultures that exist within China and it provides a more educational day out if you have children. Ticket price is 150 Yuan.

Metro: Take LuoBao Line 1 (Green) to OCT station. Take Exit D turn right along Shennan Avenue until you reach Splendid China on this side of the road.

8. OCT Loft & O-CAT (Contemporary Art Terminal)

OCT Loft is located in the old eastern industry park and is a much larger version of Nanhei E-Cool. The International Youth Hostel is located here, as well as many trendy design shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

For a great “cold drip” coffee experience, try GEE Coffee Roasters – they also have art exhibitions at the back of the cafe. La Patisserie is in the northern sector of the Loft area, and provides a beautiful shaded garden for lunch or snacks, transporting you far beyond the city to a peaceful calm oasis.

Check out OCAT, a converted 2-storey warehouse with a large art space used for temporary exhibitions and thematic art installations. Entry is free but it is closed on Mondays.

OCT Loft area is a cool creative space where you can hang out for a morning, afternoon, or even longer if you visit the monthly creative market. This venue is held on the first and third weekends of each month and if you have an interest in art and design you will thoroughly enjoy your time here! It’s one of my favorite places.

Metro: Take LuoBao Line 1 (Green) to Qiaocheng East – Exit A. Turn right and walk along Shennan Avenue to Enping Street. There’s a large petrol station on the corner. Walk along Enping Street for 5 minutes until you reach Jingxiu North Street. OCT Loft is straight ahead of you.

9. HeXiangning Art Gallery

This gallery is named after He Xiangning (1878-1972), a painter and social activist and it displays a permanent collection of his work. It is also a major influence in the support of the contemporary art scene in China. Unfortunately, it is now closed for renovations until 2016, but when it reopens I would definitely recommend a visit. Situated between Window of the World and Splendid China Folk Village, it provides a welcome reprieve from theme parks! Check the website for reopening times.

Metro: Take LuoBao Line 1 (Green) to OCT Station – Exit A.

By bus to HeXiangning Art Gallery Bus Station

Futian is the administrative, business and financial center of Shenzhen’s Special Economic Zone. It connects to Hong Kong via the Huanggang and Futian border crossings.

This is a busy commercial district and a shoppers paradise, so be prepared for more crowded streets. But it’s here amongst many of the city’s five-star hotels, that you’ll find the Exhibition Centre, The Civic Centre, Shenzhen Museum, the Central Book Mall, Library, Concert Hall and Guan Shanyue Art Gallery. You’ll also find green spaces, mangroves, and popular Coco Park which combines upmarket shopping with eating and drinking in some of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants.

10. Huaqiangbei District

This is a much-frequented area of Futian as it houses the largest electronics market in China. From the smallest technological component to computers, cameras, mobile phones, drones, and techno-gadgets – you’ll find them all here. Some will be genuine, many will not. I haven’t yet been able to find a computer that displays in English – and the validity of Apple products depends on whether they have been smuggled across the border from Hong Kong. I did, however, buy a Canon camera that seems to be the genuine article!

The three most popular markets are SEG Electronics, Huaqiang Electronics, and Cyber. There are hundreds of shops and booths, spread across many floors and buildings. I find it useful to memorize some landmarks – these places are like rabbit warrens and once in, it’s sometimes tricky to find your way back to your original entrance.

Shop wisely and use your common sense here. If it’s too good to be true as they say, it probably is! And if it’s a camera or more expensive item, make sure you see it in its original unopened box before handing over your money. They will sometimes try and palm you off with an unpackaged demo product.

Metro – Luobao Line 1 (Green) to Huanqian Road Exit A or Shekou Line 2 (Orange) to Huaqian North.

11. Shenzhen Museum, Fuzhong 3rd Road

No city trip should be without a visit to a free museum! Shenzhen Museum was opened in 1988 and it contains a mix of historical heirlooms, cultural relics and archaeological finds. There are a number of permanent exhibitions showing the history of China and Shenzhen, and a popular children’s room with interactive games. You can easily spend a couple of hours here exploring and as an extension to your visit you could walk to nearby Lianhuashan Park.

Opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00 but it’s closed on Mondays. The Shenzhen Museum Website is available in English so you can check out temporary exhibitions and directions.

Metro: Longhua Line 4 (Red) to Civic Centre Station.

12. Mangrove Seashore Ecology Park

This is China’s smallest national park facing Hong Kong’s Mai Po Marshes – a bird watchers paradise. Throughout the year around 200 different birds migrate to Mai Po and also to the Shenzhen mangroves, some from Siberia. You’ll enjoy this relaxing green area if you’re a nature enthusiast, but it’s a beautiful park in its own right.

There’s access to the Shenzhen Bay area and you can enjoy shaded walks, cycling (there’s talk of bikes for hire but I haven’t seen them yet), or you can just sit and enjoy the views across to Hong Kong. It’s a popular place for Shenzhen families to relax at the weekends.

Taxi is probably easiest as there isn’t a metro close by. Alternatively, catch a bus to Mangrove Forest Bus Station.

13. Coco Park

If your trip to Shenzhen is for shopping, wining, dining and entertainment, then Coco Park is a good choice. In a modern mall, over five floors, you’ll find more than 200 Chinese and international brands, although if you’re traveling from Hong Kong, you’ll experience higher prices. You can eat Chinese and western-style foods in a wide range of restaurants and bars. Coco Park really comes alive at night, when the central plaza heaves with both Westerners and Chinese. There’s also a cinema if you want to catch up on a movie .

If you like things a little more sophisticated then it’s likely you’ll find something to suit you at Coco Park. Just don’t leave your credit card at home!

Metro: Luobao Line 1 (Green) or Longhua Line 3 (Blue) to Shopping Park Station.

Luohu was one of the first areas of Shenzhen to be developed and the streets feel more typically Chinese, reminiscent of some parts of Beijing. It’s a thriving commercial zone more densely populated by shopping malls than other districts in Shenzhen. You’ll find MIXc, KK Mall, King Glory Plaza, and popular Dongmen Commercial Street. If you’re shopping for gold or pearl jewelry, then Suibei and King Living International Jewellery Exchange Centres should be high on your itinerary.

Accessibility is a little more difficult but there is a new metro (line 8) which should be completed by 2016 – making this more scenic area much easier to travel to.

14. Wutong Shan Mountain Area

Opened in 1989 Wutong Mountain overlooks the coast and is a natural area for hiking. If you’re heading to Dameisha Beach or the Dapeng Penninsula, this would be a good overnight stopping point along the way. It’s a popular hiking spot for Shenzhen citizens and has some outstanding views from the top. At 943m it’s the highest accessible point along this stretch of Shenzhen’s coastline.

You’ll never be able to compare Shenzhen’s hiking with the wilderness areas of Europe or the USA, but on a clear day, this does provide a welcome respite from the city. There are rivers, waterfalls, and forests as well as some protected wildlife, such as boas, kites, and pangolins.

There’s an easy paved route or you can take a more nature route to the top. Check out this guide for more information: Every Trail – Wutong Mountain

Depending on the route and your fitness levels you should allow 3-4 hours to get to the top, and 2 hours to get back down. You don’t usually need to carry much, as at weekends and busier times of the year you’ll find food and beverages for sale along the way.

To make the most of this trip, you can stay overnight in Wutongshan Village where you’ll find inexpensive guesthouses and a laid back atmosphere. There are a few shops and some nice restaurants with river views.

Metro & Bus: Metro: Luobao Line 1 (Green) to Luohu Station, then pick up the 211 bus which will take you to the bus terminus at Wutongshan Village.

15. Dameisha & Xiaomeisha Beaches

Dameisha is a fairly large coastal town. There’s a typical Chinese area to the west but if you walk along the beach to the east you can exit into a modern mall and an equally modern marina. Here you’ll find some larger hotels, including a Sheraton resort-style property. There are also many seafood restaurants providing live fish and seafood. You can make your choice from the small aquariums lined up outside the restaurants and have it cooked while you sample the local Tsingtao Chinese beer!

Dameisha Beach is the first long stretch of fine sand that you will find in the Yantian District. It’s often snubbed by the local Chinese because it can be incredibly busy on summer weekends and at festival times. If you avoid these times and visit during the week, it isn’t so bad. This is a free beach and there are a number of activities such as diving, paragliding and we even saw jet skis for hire.

Read about my day out in Dameisha here: A day out at Dameisha Beach

Smaller and less busy Xiaomeisha Beach is a little further along the coast and you will need to pay an entrance fee of 30 Yuan. There’s a hiking/biking trail between the two beaches or you can catch a local bus or get a taxi. This is a popular camping spot and throughout the summer weekends you’ll see many tents (rent or take your own) pitched up, literally side by side, on the sand. You can also visit Xiaomeisha Ocean World, a huge aquarium that is popular with families.

Dameisha – Buses: J1, N21, M207.

You could get the metro to Luohu Train Station and catch the train to Dameisha which takes around 40 minutes.

16. OCT East Park

OCT East is set on the mountainside behind Dameisha town you can easily spend a day wandering around this large scenic theme park. There are six resort hotels, the Dahuaxing Buddhist Temple, two 18-hole golf courses (one for members only), a hot springs spa, a water park, themed rides and a beautiful tea plantation, which for me is one of the highlights. This is a huge country park that is nicely landscaped and away from the bustling city that offers a variety of activities for all the family.

Open daily 09:30 to 17:30 – there are a variety of ticket prices depending on what your stay involves – they start at 160 Yuan.

Taxis from Futian will cost around 100 Yuan each way or bus 239, J1 or Airport No 6 to OCT East Bus Station.

Longgang is located in the North East of the city and as well as the city’s main reservoir, the Qinglingjing Forest Park and the Longgang Public Golf Course, you will also find two of the best-preserved Hakka “enclosed residences” in Shenzhen – Hehu Zinju and Maosheng Shiju.

17. Dafen Oil Painting Village

Dafen Village is one of Shenzhen’s top attractions, and one of the first suggested to me when I arrived to live in the city. It’s the largest producer of oil paintings in the world and home to thousands of artists who paint and sell cheap copies of famous western art pieces. You can take a picture of any piece of art and you will find any number of artists who will transfer it skilfully and inexpensively onto a canvas in whatever size and style you desire.

Dafen is just a short stroll from the main road. It’s impossible to miss as you will quickly encounter a mass of oil paintings hanging floor to ceiling in every shop throughout the alleyways that make up the village. You won’t be overwhelmed by people – instead it is a very pleasant area to wander leisurely whilst browsing. You can bargain for your art, but if you’re not looking for a Mona Lisa replica, you’ll also find modern galleries, calligraphy, sculptures, handicrafts and lots of small boutique cafes to make this a worthwhile visit.

Metro: Longgang Line (blue) to Dafen Metro Station, Exit A1. Walk straight ahead for 5-10 minutes until you reach Walmart. Then follow the crowds to the entrance gate!

By bus to Dafen Village Bus Station.

Pingshan is the major industrial area in the east of Shenzhen city. Still inhabited by many Hakka people, you can learn much about their culture and folk traditions by visiting the enclosed villages in this district. With 156 basketball courts, it is also known locally as the “town of basketball”. The Pinghan River runs through the district and its geographic environment has seen the formation of a number of ecological parks such as Jingui (where you can walk the ancient trade path), Julonghshan, Yanzilinng and Biling.

18. Hakka Villages

There are around twenty or so Hakka walled villages remaining in Shenzhen, and three are available to visit in Pingshan – each worth a visit if you enjoy historical buildings:

a) Longtian Shiju; b) Dawen Shiju; c) Fengtian Shiju.

Longtian Shiju is the best-preserved Hakka village in Pingshan. Built-in the Qing Dynasty, it’s surrounded on three sides by water and on the fourth by a high wall enclosure, making its style a little different to other Hakka villages.

Longtian Shiju by bus to Kengzhi Market Station. Dawen Shiju can be accessed via bus to BYD Maintenance Centre Bus Station, and Fentian Shiju by bus to Lexing Furniture Square Bus Station.

This is one of the newest districts in Shenzhen and it’s the main hub for the high-speed railway connecting the city with Southern China and beyond. The now highly rated Mission Hills Golf Club is located here but the main attraction is Guanian Ancient Town.

19. Guanian Ancient Town

I haven’t yet visited this area but it’s high on my list. The Shenzhen Travel Guide indicates that Guanian Old Street comprises dozens of lanes that provide a living museum of Hakka history. This was originally the transfer station between China and foreign countries and was known as the “The Little Hong Kong”. Now there are fifteen remaining watch towers, as well as folk dwellings and shops.

Guanlan Ancient Town, Xinlan Community: By bus to Guanlan Central Primary School.

Quanlan Watchtower: By bus to Zhangkengjing Shangwei.

Guanlan Guihutang Old Walled Village: By bus to Gangtou Village Bus Station.

Dapeng New District is to the southeast of Shenzhen, surrounded by sea on three sides and facing Hong Kong’s New Territories. It’s mountainous, forested and is trying to reinvent itself as an “ecological tourism resort”.

It’s a stunning coastal area and a proper escape from the city, although difficult to access by public transport.

It’s well worth a visit, and if you have time, stay a few days in Jiaochangwei Village to really explore the coastal landscape. In Dapeng you will also find Xichong Beach, claimed to be one of the eight most beautiful beaches in China!

Keep an eye out for my guide to visiting the Dapeng Penninsula in the coming months!

20. Dapeng Fortress

Dapeng Fortress was built in 1394 to defend the mainland from Japanese pirates and later in the 19th century to ward off the British in the Opium Wars. It’s well preserved and work is underway to restore it further.

Take a wander around the streets, where amazingly you will that find people still live. Along the main street you will find street sellers with jellies of all kinds, but to really experience the history of this fortress, take time to walk off into the many lanes away from the main through road.

Close by is Jiaochangwei Village which was formally home to the local fishermen and farmers. The buildings have now mostly been transformed into trendy boutique guest houses. Many are owned by young affluent Chinese who have a love of culture and art . There are plenty of restaurants in the area to choose from as well.

The more popular guest houses tend to get booked quickly at weekends, but you’ll find rooms available on quieter week days. Some of these properties have started to appear on popular hotel booking sites.

A taxi or private driver is probably the easiest way to get here from Shenzhen, although you’ll find some taxi drivers obviously reluctant to travel this far out of town. You can take bus M362 from Zhu Zi Lin bus station in Futian and get off at the very last stop. From here you can either take a 10 min taxi to Dapeng Fort or take the 928 from Dapeng bus station. The E11 will also take you back to the city from here.

Nowadays, Shenzhen is referred to as “The Silicon Valley of China” and attracts much foreign investment. Shenzhen is also known for its open and welcoming culture as many of the people come from other cities and provinces.

Hopefully, this article gives you some inspiration for experiencing Shenzhen beyond shopping and cafes. Please check buses as these can change from time to time, and if you have any questions I’d be happy to answer you.

Enjoy Shenzhen!

About The Author

Vanessa Anderson

Related posts.

The Stone Forest and the legend of Ashima

From Lijiang to Lugu Lake: Chronicle of a Hectic Trip

Gubeikou: Hiking on the Wild Great Wall

23 thoughts on “the 20 top things to see and do in shenzhen”.

Thank you Vanessa for this useful post. You have helped a lot of people with your insights. Might life bring you many more trips and experiences to share with the world! Thank you!

Am from Malaysia & am planning to visit Shenzhen sometime next year? When is the off peak season? How many days should i plan to stay? Am interested in sightseeing, nature, budget shopping, food, historicial sites but not temples. Can i get a customised day tour?

Hi there, I think you will find most of the answers in the article!

We (family of 5 adults) is planning to visit Shenzhen on Dec. 24-27. Since we actually have 2 whole days to explore the City, could we hire a minivan that could bring us around? How much will it cost per day?

Hello Vincent,

sure, you probably can do so! Not sure how much it will cost. If you want you can try to discuss it with the tour agency we recommend: https://www.saporedicina.com/english/tour-inquiry/

really nicely put together. I’ve used it for a few places.

I am in Guangzhou and have valid visa till 30th July and plan to travel Shenzhen.do I need separate visa for Shenzhen?

I don’t know what visa you have, but usually Chinese visa are for valid for the whole country (excluding some exceptions like Tiber, for which you need special permits)

Warning about Longtian Shiju Hakka village… they are actually not open to visitors and the small circular structure is walled-off and the view is mostly obstructed. I discovered after a 2 hour journey there from shekou with my friends yesterday. Our Chinese friends asked the local information office right nearby, the only building that appeared to be for such not-so-quaint affairs…and they said it’s never open or, that’s what our Chinese friends said they said. So this info on the article is highly problematic and cost us a lot of time.

Hello Daniel,

sorry to hear that. Note that it may be a new policy

Hi all, have just come back from there and would recommend this to everyone, what a wonderful place it was. The museum now appears to have closed down, but the walk past it is worth it to see the Civic Government centre with the armoured vehicle parked out side and the immaculate guards on duty… I did cheat and managed to get one to smile …lol… but this is such a safe place to visit!

Thanks for your comments

Hello Vanessa and all others reading this comment.. can you please suggest some places where I can enjoy traditional Chinese performances like dance or any martial art in Shanzhen, Beijing or Shanghai?

Vanessa,,very kind of you able to share such detail information with non-Chinese travelers…it is certainly helpful for those who wanted to explore Shenzhen on their own. We are coming next month and should be spending a week in Shenzhen. Thank you

I had the same than the others Vanessa! I tried to check info about the city and end up thiking to don’t be there more than a day, until I found this article. Thank you!

wow, i feel shame that as a local i just like to stay at home! But i will try go to tianhou temple …as it;s in nanshan! haha

A really interesting article. I’ve been to Shenzhen quite a few times, (my wife’s family live there), and I’d never heard of some of these places. We are coming back in a few months for a longer visit, so definitely will make a note to visit some of the places you have suggested.

Yes, I’ve had to live here for nearly a year before finding some of these places too. It’s so easy to write Shenzhen off as a commercial centre, when it fact it does have a lot to offer visitors too. Enjoy the “new” Shenzhen when you visit next!

Thanks will do. Really looking forward to it as we are staying for about 6 months this time.

How did you find your way around ? I really struggled with Google maps not working and I still can’t find a map in English. Or have you mastered chinese already?

No learning Mandarin has been tough – I know a few words only :( I wrote this article recently which might help: http://www.saporedicina.com/english/getting-around-shenzhen/ The best thing is to get a VPN and then google maps works fine. http://www.saporedicina.com/english/vpn-how-to-access-facebook-in-china/ We also got a pay as you go China Mobile contract and have Baidu on our phones. It’s all in Chinese, but we can easily pin point a destination to show taxi drivers or to get the bus routes up. A bit of trial and error or a kindly Chinese person to show you, will help! Metro and bus stops all have English names as well as Chinese. Good luck!

What a positively wonderful introduction to Shenzhen! Vanessa Anderson has written and illustrated a guide that makes me want to visit an area that I thought I had no interest in. Shenzhen appear to have a great variety of touristy, cultural, and natural attractions. Thanks Vanessa!

Thanks too for the positive feedback Larry. I think it’s a surprise to many people when they discover the diversity of Shenzhen!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Get 3 Months FREE with EXPRESS VPN

+ Best VPN For China + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee + 24/7 Live China Customer Support + 3 Months Free on 12 Months Package

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

22 amazing things to do in Shenzhen

The hottest spots across the border

No longer a place solely for cheap massages and counterfeit handbags, Shenzhen city boasts creative art spaces like  OCT – Loft  and  OCT Contemporary Art Terminal ,  sprawling shopping malls including  Upperhills  and  Uniwalk   and fantastic restaurants, not to mention everyone’s favourite bubble tea HeyTea , making it a great destination for a quick weekend getaway. If you plan to visit our cool Mainland neighbour , here’s a guide to all the things to see, eat and do while you’re there. By Cara Hung, Sarah Moran and Olivia Lai RECOMMENDED: If you're looking for a break without leaving the 852, head to one of these fabulous day-trip destinations .

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Shenzhen

Ih café & bar.

• Restaurants

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jtashia Young (@jtashia) on Mar 1, 2019 at 12:37pm PST

Social media has been going wild for this Moroccan-inspired café. While there are already four different locations in Shenzhen, the Futian district’s branch remains the most popular of them all. Why? From the Moroccan-style outdoor terrace to the gorgeous blue-and-white patterned tiles on the floor and swimming pool (though it’s empty of water) to the comfy wicker chairs, every corner is a photo shoot waiting to happen. It’s the perfect setting for coffee and conversation.

• Pastelerías

View this post on Instagram A post shared by HKG Foodie• kathy//travel✈️ (@food_stoppp) on Mar 28, 2019 at 9:36pm PDT

Shenzhen may be famous for its local flavours, but there’s a western bakery that’s definitely worth visiting when you’re in town. Delisen’s thick-cut sandwiches are just as iconic as HeyTea’s hand-shaken tea, and each serving is brimming with ingredients – real bang for your buck. The pureed taro with pork floss sandwich and the pureed taro with salted egg option are particularly unique. 

The Haploid

No, we’re not telling you to go visit a convenience store. Hidden behind afully-functional fridge is, in fact, a doorway to a two-storey bar. Prepare to be greeted by a whole different world once you make it to this basement speakeasy, boasting a sleek atmosphere courtesy of the dim lighting and jazz music playing in the background. Have a chat with the resident mixologists to get yourself the perfect drink.  

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

• Things to do

One of the most Instagrammable spots in the whole of Shenzhen, Laps Laps is an Americana-inspired retro diner dressed in bright pops of pinks and blues. After taking a photo with the hot pink convertible out front, indulge your sweet tooth with one of the decidedly OTT milkshakes topped with donuts and candies.

• Cultural centres

Covering more than 60 million square metres of space, OCT – Loft is the largest cultural and creative complex in Shenzhen, bringing together art studios, galleries, bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops and the like. Creative markets are held in the park every first and third weekend of each month, attracting creators from all over the world.

Muji Flagship Store & Hotel

K.Strawberry

Seasons Coconut Chicken

Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition

A visit to the cultural and creative hub of Oct – Loft wouldn’t be complete without spending some time at a local hipster coffee shop. Walking into the idyllic Donkey Bar is like walking into the Japanese fantasy film The Secret World of Arrietty . Luscious green plants and blooming flowers surround the alfresco dining space. When the sun shines down, it’s a beautiful picture of serenity and the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon sipping coffee with friends.

OCT Contemporary Art Terminal

The dull grey exterior of this warehouse may seem ordinary and unappealing, but step inside and you’ll find the exhibition space for OCT Contemporary Art Terminal (Ocat), a non-profit art museum that also has branches in Shanghai, Xian, Beijing and Wuhan. The Shenzhen location frequently hosts events, performances and exhibitions to promote contemporary art.

Human Entheos Research Organization

Nanhai E-Cool

Looking for more getaways?

The best Bangkok street food stalls

Your 24-hour Singapore food tour

The best diving spots in Peninsular Malaysia

The most scenic train journeys in Asia

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Must-see attractions in Shenzhen

By far the best place for strolling or simply hanging out in the city is the breezy OCT-LOFT complex, a warren of repurposed communist-era factories criss…

Dafen Oil Painting Village

This folksy urban village of narrow lanes and alleys is a pleasure to visit in itself, but what makes Dafen simply unmissable is the hundreds of art…

Lianhua Shan Park

It's an easy half-hour amble up to the top of this tropical hill in the heart of Futian District for Shenzhen's best skyline photographs. Appropriately,…

Sunrise Art Center

Built from the vestiges of a century-old Hakka home, this idyllic courtyard gallery was created by Chen Qiuzhi, a contemporary ink artist from Anhui…

Design Society

China's first dedicated museum of design, this architectural landmark opened with media fanfare in 2017 on the Shekou shore with its famous founding…

Window of the World

It's 'Around the World in 80 Minutes' (OK, more like half a day) at this endearingly kitsch theme park set in well-tended gardens. From the Houses of…

Dapeng Fortress

This Ming dynasty walled town was erected 600 years ago to shore up the coastline against marauding Japanese pirates, and later became embroiled in the…

Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition

One of those thrillingly space-age, 'only in China' architectural projects, this gargantuan exhibition space designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au anchors…

Ping An Finance Centre

The fourth-tallest building in the world when it topped out in 2015, the Ping An Finance Centre (599m) rises like a glass pencil above Shenzhen's ever…

OCT Harbour

You could almost be in California at this palm-lined lifestyle complex set around artificial lakes and fountains, offering upmarket dining, nightlife and…

OCT Art & Design Gallery

The interiors of this former warehouse are adorned with the works of Chinese and international graphic designers. Exhibits change frequently. It's a glass…

Guanlan Print Village

Parts of this 300-year-old Hakka village have been preserved and repurposed into workshops and galleries showcasing printmaking artists from China and…

China Folk Culture Village

Operated by CTS, China's major state-owned travel company, this theme park features recreations of minority villages from across China, together with…

Some 20km east of downtown Shenzhen is OCT East, a theme-park-meets-resort set in attractive mountainous surrounds. Think Universal Studios plus Chinese…

Splendid China

Traverse the Middle Kingdom in miniature at this theme park featuring China's famous landmarks rendered on a Lilliputian scale. Included in the admission…

He Xiangning Art Museum

The esoteric permanent collection in this impressive building features Japanese-influenced Chinese water paintings by Hé Xiāngníng (1878–1972). She was a…

Shenzhen Museum

The hulking Shenzhen Museum provides a decent enough introduction to Shenzhen's brief but breakneck march into modernity, both before and after the…

Litchi Park

When big-city fatigue sets in, you can seek refuge in this spacious inner-city park. It may still get busy but here the mood is created by musicians,…

More destinations you need to see

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical…

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Top places to visit in shenzhen — 23+ must-see & best places to visit in shenzhen.

Not only is it one of China’s leading special economic zones since 1979, Shenzhen city is also recognized by UNESCO as one of the leading creative cities and among the “Top 10 cities to visit in 2019” voted by Lonely Planet. Thanks to its rapid economic development, this coastal city has built a leading tourism infrastructure to meet the needs of tourists. Not only owns beautiful theme parks, the city also has countless interesting places to explore. In this article, we will introduce the top Shenzhen prominent places to visit for you refer to before planning a trip to this impressive city.

• Shenzhen blog — The fullest Shenzhen travel guide for first-timers

Guide to Suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to do in Suzhou at night

• Kunming travel blog — The fullest Kunming travel guide for first-timers
• Yunnan travel blog — The fullest Yunnan travel guide for first-timers
• Nanjing itinerary 2 days — What to do & how to spend 2 days in Nanjing perfectly?

So, where to go in Shenzhen and where to visit in Shenzhen? Let’s check out our top rated 23+ top places to visit in Shenzhen, best places to visit in Shenzhen, must see places in Shenzhen and must visit places in Shenzhen as follows!

Overview of Shenzen

Shenzhen is a coastal city located in the south of Guangdong province, known as China’s most prosperous and smart megacity. Not only does it offer a shopping experience, but the following lesser-known Shenzhen tourist attractions from historical landscapes, vibrant live music performances to beautiful beaches promise you a memorial trip!

The Chinese have a saying: “If you want to see a China with thousand years old of history, go to Beijing, if you want to see China of a hundred years old, go to Shanghai and if you want to see the miracles of the past few decades, go to Shenzhen.” This proves that in the minds of Mainland people, Shenzhen city, Guangdong province, is a promised land with miraculous development.

Shenzhen is a bustling commercial city, a rapidly growing metropolis in South China. The city has many beautiful sights to explore. Here, we will introduce you to famous landmarks in Shenzhen, helping you find your own style to explore the modern beauty of this city. You will be impressed by the parks, architectural works, beautiful natural beaches,… and countless other wonderful things.

China Folk Culture Village (# best places to visit in shenzhen)

First, you cannot miss the Splendid China Miniature Park & China Folk Culture Village, located on the shore of Shenzhen Bay, one of China’s famous tourist areas, China Folk Culture Village is the largest miniature, comprehensive park in China reflects the history, culture, art, ancient architecture, and customs of different countries around the world. More than 100 major tourist attractions have been scaled and laid out according to China’s map. The entire park covers an area of 30 hectares, which can be divided into a Scenic Area and a Comprehensive Service Area.

The Splendid China Miniature Park & China Folk Culture Village was formerly two separate attractions by Shenzhen Bay, then merged in 2003. It is the largest and comprehensive miniature theme park worldwide that recreation of nearly 100 famous attractions in China and 25 ethnic villages on a relatively full scale. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about 5,000 years of China’s history in the most intuitive way and see the country’s most beautiful landscapes in one day.

Unlike Window of the World, when coming to Splendid China Folk Village, visitors will be able to travel to each region of China by admiring the typical miniature architectural models in this populous country. These are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Shaolin Temple, etc. Although the size is much more modest than the original, each project is built elaborately, meticulously and delicately.

At the Splendid China Miniature Park & China Folk Culture Village, visitors will have the opportunity to admire 100 miniature models of famous tourist attractions all over China. Most of these models will be scaled to 1:15 scale. Along with that, about 50,000 lively clay human statues are placed around the models, creating emphasis and harmony as well as increasing the realism of the landscape. Besides models of historical sites and famous sights, visitors can also explore traditional folk houses, where performances depict festivals as well as songs and folk dance. Near the park’s entrance gate, visitors will find an area for eating and selling traditional handicraft souvenirs built in an ancient style for visitors.

Visitors can take a tram or subway to see around the park, and visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Three Gorges Dam, Potala Palace and Terracotta Army in one day. The park also hosts several shows depicting various events in Chinese history and Chinese culture. In addition, there are many special programs that will be held on weekends.

After touring the place, travelers will move west to explore the China Folk Culture Village, where you can admire the home architecture, folklore activities, and cuisine of 22 people Minorities are reproduced here at a ratio of 1:1 in 22 villages. Here, you not only have the opportunity to explore the real life of 22 ethnic minorities but also have the opportunity to interact and participate in their interesting festivals.

• Address: China, Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, Nanshan
• Entrance fee: 200 RMB for adults and 100 RMB for children from 1.2 to 1.5 meters.
• Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m

Window of the World (# must see places in shenzhen)

Next is Window of the World – a theme park located in the west of Shenzhen, adjacent to the China Folk Culture Village. In fact, it is another comprehensive miniature park in the city that displays about 130 replicas of some of the most famous tourist attractions worldwide within 48 hectares area, such as the 108-meter Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid and the Taj Mahal, Colosseum… Visitors can also find many international restaurants in this park.

Window of the World will give you the opportunity to travel around the world in just one day. Famous places are perfectly recreated at 1:1, 1:5, 1:15 ratios, making them a great virtual living place for those who love to travel or simply take souvenir photos to show off with friends. Here, you can find Mandalay’s Mahamuni Pagoda and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, or wonderful European architectural works such as the Eiffel Tower, ancient Athens, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Tower of London will show you the wonders of the world. work of world classical architecture. The miniature Roman Colosseum will show you an overview of the cruel scene of the past. You can also enjoy the picturesque scenery when riding a gondola along the miniature Venice canals… along with many famous places around the world.

In particular, if you visit the park during festivals, visitors will have very different experiences depending on the occasion of the year. Here, visitors can participate in some of the main festivals such as: Cherry Blossom Festival, Indian Cultural Week, International Beer Festival, Pop Music Festival and finally the singing and dancing Gala. around the world takes place during the Lunar New Year.

Some of the adventures included in the park tour program are also a very impressive highlight for brave visitors. You can challenge your survival ability by crossing the Colorado River along the Canyon Canal or follow the North American Indians to learn how to hunt or explore the original tropical forest on a cable car… there is so much for you to explore in a day in this miniature world.

Window of the World offers you enjoy Mexican food, see Niagara Falls, then stroll around Angkor Wat. You can even go skiing at ‘Alps Indoor Skiing’. In the evening, you can enjoy ‘Magical Paris Night’ at ‘Caesar’s Palace’. It takes at least half a day to fully explore this place and each day the program will end with fireworks and a very special laser show.

• Address: GXPG+46Q, Shennan Blvd, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
• Entrance fee: 220 RMB, 110 RMB for children from 1.2 to 1.5m
• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m

Futian Mangrove Nature Reserve (# must visit places in shenzhen)

Located northeast of Shenzhen Bay, Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve belongs to the Bird Nature Reserve, covering an area of 368 hectares. This is the only nature reserve located in an urban area and the smallest in China. There are about 189 species and more than 100,000 migratory birds coming here to feed or avoid winter. Besides birds, there are about 55 species of plants belonging to the reserve, considered a green corridor of Shenzhen city, connecting with a series of scenic coastal roads and merging with the coastal ecological park sea. Not only is this a haven for coastal birds and plants, but it is also the perfect place for everyone to enjoy true immersion in nature.

It is quite interesting that the Shenzhen mangrove reserve and Hong Kong’s Mai Po nature reserve are separated by a river and together create a mangrove ecosystem and become the most characteristic landscape of Shenzhen-Hong Kong border area.

Chiwan Old Fort (# top places to visit in shenzhen)

Having only existed for less than half a century, some Shenzhen tourist attractions contain incredibly heroic histories. Chiwan Old Fort is worth exploring for history enthusiasts. Built in 1717 during the Qing Dynasty to protect the Pearl River from the British, what remains today is the “left fortress” complete with a cannon and a statue of the mandarin Lin Zexu.

Xiaomeisha Beach

Located in Yantian district in the east of Shenzhen, Xiaomeisha beach is about 28km from the city center. The charming crescent-shaped beach surrounded by mountains on three sides is also known as ‘Oriental Hawaii’. Here, in addition to enjoying the blue sky and white sand, ocean waves and water sports such as swimming, scuba diving, surfing… visitors also have the opportunity to explore the nearby Xiaomeisha Sea World amusement park with many other interesting activities.

Walking along the beach, visitors will be immersed in the beautiful scenery with green coconut forests, clear water and hills in the distance. Even for those who don’t know how to swim, this beach is a relaxing paradise with poetic scenery. Besides, some interesting sports activities for you to fully experience the feeling of being immersed in the sea include taking a cruise on a jet plane, or experiencing it by motorboat, banana boat and small yacht.

After exploring the sea surface, scuba diving tours with professional guides will help you explore the wonderful underwater world with the opportunity to interact with many different marine animals. Another plus point is that the public freshwater bath here is quite large, can accommodate up to several hundred people at the same time.

At night, you will be welcomed to Shenzhen’s largest barbecue venue, accommodating up to 1000 people. All tools and ingredients are prepared, you just need to have fun and enjoy with your loved ones in the vibrant space by the beach. However, if you don’t like crowds or need to find a quiet place to stroll, the boardwalk at Xiaomeisha beach is waiting for you. The road is built on a cliff near the coast, where you can watch the night sea while enjoying the fresh breeze.

• Ticket price: 30 RMB on weekdays and 50 RMB on holidays

Dafen Oil Painting Village (# where to go in shenzhen)

Located on the outskirts of Shenzhen city, Dafen is known as China’s No. 1 oil painting village. Founded in 1989 by a Hong Kong businessman, Dafen art village has now developed into a prosperous oil painting production and sales establishment.

Since 1998, the government has begun to pay more attention to the oil painting business in Dafen, positioning this place as a unique cultural industry brand, bringing oil paintings to the market with many promotions to promote. Thanks to that, Dafen village has become a unique cultural highlight for the city, gathering about 775 shops selling items related to oil painting and thousands of artists living here. Dafen village is also given priority by the government and artists to use original paintings for copying and artistic processing, along with activities of sculpture, calligraphy, handicrafts, and frame making. paint and a number of other industries support the formation of the business center of Dafen village.

When coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to visit oil painting workshops where local artists copy paintings and create for a living. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try their creativity with paintings or buy paintings as souvenirs. Moving west of Dafen village, visitors will visit the Dafen Museum of Art, to learn more about the oil painting tradition here as well as attend art exhibitions held annually.

• Address: Longgang, Shenzhen, China, 518112

Dapeng Peninsula

Rated as the largest and best-preserved ecological paradise in the Shenzhen metropolitan area, Dapeng Peninsula is a great place for visitors to experience the wonderful natural landscape characterized by mountains ancient fires and impressive coastal roads, with forest coverage up to 76%.

There are many natural and man-made attractions on the Dapeng peninsula that attract visitors every day. Prominent among them are Dapeng Geopark, Dapeng Mountain, and dozens of large and small beaches around. The area inside the peninsula has more than 20 reservoirs and dozens of rivers flowing around it along with historical relics such as the Mother Goddess Temple or the ancient Dapeng fortress.

Down to the south of the peninsula, near the end there are only 6 villages with about 500 people who mainly live by farming and fishing called Dongchong and Xichong. Currently, this area is not yet exploited for tourism, so there are still many wild and idyllic spots with tranquil beauty.

It can be seen that Shenzhen city not only has impressive man-made structures but also pristine natural scenes that attract tourists. This place also especially attracts tourists with its beautiful coastline and countless interesting and irresistible activities.

Xiaomeisha Seaside Resort

Located in the East of Dapeng Bay, about 30 km from Shenzhen city, visit Xiaomeisha Seaside Resort known as ‘Oriental Hawaii’ in Shenzhen. The resort is shaped like a graceful crescent, Xiaomeisha borders the East Sea while surrounded by green mountains behind. This beach, with soft white sand and a long gentle slope, stretches for 1,000 meters and is famous for its gentle blue sea. This place not only has great beaches but also many forms of entertainment, such as skydiving, motorbikes and submarines. Villas, restaurants, department stores, etc. can all be found inside the resort.

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (# where to visit in shenzhen)

If you are a lover of nature, flowers, plants, etc., go to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, this place is praised as a paradise of peace and harmony, because more than 3,000 species of plants have grown here in a classical Chinese garden. The botanical garden built in 1983 is a famous botanical garden and scenic area, and functions as a center for scientific research, education and tourism. There are more than 6,200 plant species preserved in different zones, such as the International Center for Practical Conservation of Cycads, the International Magnolia Garden, the Rare Plant Garden, the Palm Garden, the Succulents Garden, the Garden of Aquatic garden, cryptogamic garden, fruit garden, Bamboo garden, herbal garden, Shady garden, and bonsai garden,…

The entire garden is divided into six major scenic areas, namely Heaven and Earth, Lake Area, Temple Area, Desert Landscape Area, Petrified Forest Area and Conifers and Rhododendrons. And many classical Chinese garden buildings are randomly distributed in these areas, such as Jade Belt Bridge, Liangyi Pavilion, Longzhun Tower and Lansheng Pavilion. Besides, the Archeology Museum is also located inside the garden, displaying all kinds of fossils. Carpeted with lush lawns and various plants, Fairy Lake Botanical Garden offers every visitor a paradise that combines beautiful nature and garden landscape. This is a perfect place for many plants to grow, because the garden is surrounded by mountains and attached to a lake with dense soil and a pleasant climate.

Kingkey 100 Building

Kingkey 100 is a symbol not to be missed when you visit Shenzhen. This building is 441.8 m high and has 100 floors in total. From the rooftop of the building, visitors can easily observe the entire scene of Shenzhen. Any visitor who comes here will be extremely surprised and overwhelmed by the grandeur of the Kingkey 100. The architectural features that are both modern, sophisticated, and show off the luxurious elegance of this place will leave a deep impression and make it difficult for you to take your eyes off.

Shun Hing Building

Shun Hing Building also known as “Di Wang Tower” is a 384 meter high skyscraper. Currently this tower is the 3rd tallest building in Shenzhen, the 15th tallest in China and the 28th tallest in the world.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley is the most famous and modern amusement park in Shenzhen. At the park there are more than 100 interesting rides for both children and adults. Visitors will be filled with a joyful atmosphere here and enjoy special dishes. The park is one of the best Shenzhen tourist attractions for both tourists and local residents.

Shenzhen Museum

Shenzhen Museum is a modern multi-functional museum. This museum has a total area of 37,000 m2, and the construction area is 18,000 m2. The museum was founded in 1981, but it was not opened until 1988.

The museum currently houses more than 20,000 historical and cultural artifacts and is an interesting Shenzhen tourist attraction to learn more about the history, culture and people of Shenzhen in particular, and Chinese people in general.

Shenzhen Book City

Boasting more than 3 million books, Shenzhen Book City is said to be the largest book center in China open 24/7. If you are a lover of literature and like reading books, this tourist place is worth a visit.

This book center has 3 floors: basement parking, mezzanine and ground floor divided into 2 areas: north and south. The roof of this building is covered with green trees, and inside the large campus there is also a large garden that receives natural sunlight. In addition to displaying all kinds of books, Shenzhen Book City also sells all kinds of publications and stationery as well as many convenient cafes and eateries like a shopping center.

Location: Luohu District, Shenzhen City

Huaqiangbei

Huaqiangbei is an industrial development area located in Futian District, Shenzhen. This place is known as “China’s Silicon Valley” because it has large electronics manufacturing centers and a huge component consumption market.

Known as the smartest city in China, your trip must not lack the experience of exploring the cheap electronics center in Huaqiangbei district. SEG Electronics Plaza, a maze-like shopping mall filled with cool electronics like VR goggles and 3D printers at surprisingly low prices you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Nanao village and beach

Among Shenzhen tourist attractions, the most beautiful yet charming beach and offering a unique cultural experience in the Hakka minority village is Na’nao Hakka beach. The small, pristine beach has wonderful scenery, a fresh seafood market, surrounded by green tropical trees. Coming here, in addition to swimming, sightseeing and enjoying seafood, you can also immerse yourself in the life of local people.

Shenzhen Bay Park

Stretching 13km along the city’s southern coast, Shenzhen Bay Park is a popular tourist destination in Shenzhen that lets you experience a more peaceful side, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle for a while. and the bustle of high-rise buildings.

Rent a bicycle to ride around the park grounds to get some fresh air. Nearby, visitors will also find an ecological park and nature reserve, home to many species of birds and endangered mangroves.

Address: GX43+J99, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, 518065

OCT Art & Design Gallery

This is one of the city’s leading art centers, a showcase of extremely unique contemporary art and culture and is also a familiar check-in background for young people. The art complex with a unique appearance is made from granite with many decorative shapes, inside there are galleries with different themes through each period separated by walls of diverse shapes.

Wutong Mountain

Wutong Mountain is located 40 km east of Shenzhen International Airport and about 11 km from the city center. This mountain is considered the “roof of Shenzhen” with beautiful scenery like a miniature paradise.

Next to the mountain, there is also the Shenzhen Art Museum and the beautiful Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, both of which are Shenzhen tourist attractions that those who love beautiful nature cannot miss.

Shekou Industrial Zone

Shekou Industrial Zone is located in the southernmost area of Nanshan, Shenzhen. This industrial park is located by the Shenzhen Bay, from the coast you can see Hong Kong’s Un Long.

Shekou Industrial Zone is one of China’s four free trade zones. This place is a testament to Shenzhen’s miraculous development and is also a famous Shenzhen tourist destination that attracts many tourists.

Nanshan Mountain

The Nanshan Mountain are located south of Shenzhen. This mountain range belongs to the Nanshan district and is adjacent to the western part of the Shekou industrial zone. The highest peak in the Nanshan range is Dananshan with a height of 336 m.

Visiting the Nanshan, hiking to the top of Dananshan, visitors can fully admire Shenzhen Bay. This place is an ideal place to do mountain hiking and enjoy beautiful scenery on the Shenzhen tourist map.

Dongmen Walking Street

Dongmen Street is a commercial area in Louhu district dating back more than 300 years. It is known as the most popular shopping area for visitors and locals of this city. Here, visitors can find all kinds of goods at affordable prices.

Lianhuashan Park

Lianhuashan Park is located in Futian District. This place is a beautiful and lively Shenzhen tourist destination just like this city.

Walking around the park and feeling the peace in the midst of a bustling Shenzhen is a great experience for visitors. Local people also often come to play in the park every weekend. Therefore, this is a great tourist destination for you to understand more about life here.

Shenzhen Safari Park

Shenzhen Safari Park has an area of only about 120 square kilometers. This park possesses a beautiful location with one side being the shore of Xili Lake and the other side being towering mountains, giving the park such a picturesque landscape.

There is a collection of birds in the Safari park. The garden is also uniquely designed, with 3 separate areas including a walking area, a wildlife area, and a vegetarian area.

Ping Chau Island

Ping Chau is an offshore island located in the northeast corner of Hong Kong. The island has an area of 1.16 km² and is located near the coast of Shenzhen. The island is currently quite deserted with just over 3,000 residents and most of them make a living from fishing.

Qiniang Mountain

Mount Qiniang is a mountain in Nan’ao sub-district, Dapeng peninsula. The mountain, 869 meters above sea level, is the second highest mountain in Shenzhen after Wutong Mountain. It is located in Dapeng National Geopark and is an interesting tourist destination for those who love nature.

Mai Po Nature Reserve

Mai Po is a wonderful nature reserve in Hong Kong and is a refuge for more than 90,000 migratory birds in… This area is part of Deep Bay, located on the other side of Shenzhen Bay, if you have the opportunity When traveling to Shenzhen, you should also take some time to visit this Mai Po area.

Ping An International Finance Centre

Ping An IFC has a majestic design with more than 100 floors, equipped with 33 elevators and runs at a super fast speed of 10m/s. When traveling to Shenzhen, visitors will not only see the beautiful city from above but also experience the exciting feeling of visiting this building.

This is a 115-story skyscraper, located in the heart of Shenzhen’s business district. The building was impressively designed by American company Kohn Pedersen Fox and commissioned by Ping An Insurance.

At Ping An IFC, you can shop for many elegant yet luxurious branded items at great prices. Therefore, international tourists love to come here to both stand from the 115th floor and see the entire beautiful city while freely choosing their favorite branded items. Certainly, with the variety of fashion items here, everyone is excited and brings home many luxurious items for themselves.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shenzhen you can refer to

• Tangzaki. Tangquan Life TENZ (Futian Port Store)
• [Shenzhen’s largest ski resort] Karoo Ice and Snow World
• [Limited time offer] Shenzhen Wildlife Park Tickets
• Tickets for Shenzhen Mission Hills Ocean World
• Lollypet Cute Pet Paradise (the cute pets come from Shenzhen Wildlife Park)
• Window of the World Ticket in Guangdong
• Happy Harbor Ferris Wheel
• Shenzhen – Hong Kong Ferry Ticket
• Glass Hammer Brewing Co. in Shenzhen, Guangdong
• Private One Way City Transfers between Shenzhen and Surrounding Areas
• Shenzhen Shekou – Macau Ferry Ticket

Read more Shenzhen travel guide here and China guide here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka, what to do in alishan — 5 top attractions & best things to do in alishan, taiwan, hong kong food culture — hong kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land.

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in Yamanashi

EDITOR PICKS

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &...

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best...

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1452
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 206
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Attractions
• Top 7 Things to Do
• 12 Best Places to Visit
• Transportation

Top 7 Things to Do in Shenzhen

Shenzhen, a coastal destination in China’s south Guangdong Province, is one of four first-tier cities in the country. As an emerging metropolis, it has a reputation as “the City of Creation and Fashion”. You can have fun in modern and cool amusement parks and enjoy the beautiful beach landscape. Let’s see: what are the top 7 things to do in Shenzhen?

Sunbake on Dameisha Beach

Overseas Chinese Town East

Window of the world.

Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages

Have Fun in Happy Valley

 camp on xichong beach.

Mangrove Forest Natural Reserve

The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Shenzhen

Just across the Hong Kong border lies UNESCO-awarded city of design Shenzhen, a southern Chinese metropolis that has exploded in size since it became a Special Economic Zone in 1979. Once a market town of 300,000, it is now the stomping ground of over 10 million citizens across ten districts. While it is home to mainland China’s first stock market and MacDonald’s, the city has a lot more to offer than the window it has provided into the world of capitalism. Read our guide below for tips on how to make the most of Shenzhen’s historical, design, shopping and culinary offerings.

1. meridian view centre.

Those wanting to gawp at the breathtaking views of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border would be advised to head to Diwang Mansion, one of the city’s tallest buildings. Located on the 69th floor at a height of 384 meters, the Meridian View Centre supplies telescopes with which you can view the mega-city in all its sprawling glory. You’ll see strips of green entwined with the glimmering skyscrapers and modern architectural wonders.

5002 Shennan E Rd, CaiWuWei, Luohu Qu, Shenzhen Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, 518001, +86 755 8246 3789

Shenzhen| © HelloRF Zcool / Shutterstock

2. OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

Nanshan mountains

Like it’s hilly neighbor Hong Kong , Shenzhen is much more than cityscapes and shopping malls. Escaping into the countryside is a must. The Nanshan mountains in Shekou prove to be a particularly pleasurable getaway. With beautiful views of the ocean and moderate climbs, its tranquillity and remoteness provide a wonderful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. Sea World

This western-style entertainment zone got a total revamp in 2003 when the government chose to capitalize on the reputation it had garnered as a spot popular for its international scene. With chilled out beer gardens and more raucous clubs, it’s just as good a place to spend a boozy afternoon as it is for going on a heady night out. Sea World is not to be confused with Shenzhen’s marine park in Xiaomeisha.

Shekou, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China, 518067

Dancing Fountains in New Sea World Plaza, one of the landmark of Shenzhen| © outcast85/Shutterstock

Futian Central Business District

The economic heart of the city, Futian CBD is a must-see for those fascinated by modern architecture. Home to a gleaming new city government building alongside a vast library, concert hall and youth palace, the district is emblematic of the Shenzhen story—it’s bold, futuristic, impressive and only started to come into its own after the ’90s. Stretching into the sky is the (as yet) unfinished Ping An Finance Centre, which will be one of the world’s tallest buildings when completed.

4. Shenzhen Museum

Museum, Park

Shenzhen might be famous for its flashy modernity, but this doesn’t mean it’s devoid of history. In fact, records of human habitation in the region stretch back centuries. Shenzhen museum gives a good overview of the area’s history, ranging from prehistoric times to present day. Highlights of the displays found within include replica streets and extensive information on its boom following 1979’s dramatic policy reforms.

Shenzhen Museum, CaiWuWei, Futian Qu, Shenzhen Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, 518040

Shenzhen Splendid China Folk Village theme park | © Maxfromhell/Shutterstock

5. Window of the World

A visit to China would not be complete without a truly kitsch experience. This can be found at Window of the World , a ‘mini-globe’, where you can find replicas of the Eiffel tower, the Niagara falls and the leaning tower of Pisa—all in miniature. Around 130 tributes to global attractions are dotted around the park, which offers a curious glimpse at how entertainment developers portray the outside world in a country that opened up to the global market thirty years ago, after decades of insularity.

9037 Shennan Ave, HuaQiaoCheng, Nanshan Qu, Shenzhen Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, 518053 , +86 755 2660 8000

The exit of the Window of the world Station of Shenzhen Metro | © Dann19L/Shutterstock

Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches

To the east of Shenzhen stretches a coastline that’s 19 kilometers in length. Asides from the beach, Dameisha is abundant in reefs, islands, caves and picturesque cliff sides. With its modern marina alongside traditional seafood restaurants serving live fish plucked from tanks, it’s well furnished, and free, but sometimes gets a bit busy—especially on public holidays. Beach revelers seeking a quieter spot might prefer Xiaomeisha beach, situated further along the coast.

Dafen oil painting village

As the world’s largest producer of replica oil paintings, Dafen proves to be a unique experience, consisting of over 1,200 galleries containing masterpieces from Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans and Klimt’s Embrace . Covering less than half a square kilometer, this fine arts workshop was set up as an artists’ colony in 1989, drawing in painters with its low rental prices. Nowadays, it also serves as a springboard for artists showcasing their original works.

Luohu Commercial City

While we’d like to impress the diversity of experiences on offer beyond shopping in Shenzhen, no list of activities would be complete without mentioning its vast shopping malls. Of these, Luoho might well be its most popular and famous, boasting designer bags going for high street prices alongside businesses offering tailor-made suit services. While you’re there, you might want to go for a soothing and inexpensive massage, as is customary for travelers visiting Shenzhen.

Shenzhen Railway Station Square Road Luohu District, Shenzhen 528000, China +86 755 8233 8178

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible savings.

• Post ID: 1036594
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

7 Best Things To Do in Shenzhen, China [with Suggested Tours]

Are you planning to travel to Shenzhen soon ? Read our tips below on the things to do in Shenzhen and where to stay!

Other articles you can read:

• How to Get a China Tourist Visa in UK for British Citizens
• 6 Exciting Things To Do in China [Plus Extra Tips on How To Use High Speed Trains]
• Traditional Chinese Medicine Experience in Beijing, China
• How to Apply For China Tourist Visa for Filipinos
• How to Teach English in China – English Teaching Salaries in China

Table of Contents

List of Best Things to do in Shenzhen, China

1. china folk culture village.

This park shows, in a very compact way, the history and culture of the many people who live together in China, from Tibet to Mongolia. The most imposing buildings in the country are shown as miniatures, demonstrations round off the picture (Chinese opera, artistic performances, etc.) The park also has some entertainment attractions for children. A visit is definitely worth it.

2. Dafen Oil Painting Village

For everyone who likes arts and wants to bring home a souvenir, this is worth a trip! Especially interesting are the back alleys. There, you can see the painters and their art (or the perfectly copied art of others). Inexpensive brushes and calligraphy equipment are available here. 

3. Shenzhen Lianhuashan Park

Lianhuashan Park is nice for a walk that ends with a great view. You climb a few stairs, it is really not strenuous and flip flops are completely sufficient. However, the park is really crowded on the weekend and it is teeming with mosquitos. If you are prepared, it will be a nice excursion that can be easily combined with the Book Mall and the Civic Center. It’s green and you will forget for a moment that you are in a big city.

4. Shenzhen Window of the World

A great excursion where you can really see the most important sights of the world in one place, in a somewhat smaller form. The sights are well done. You can and should definitely spend half a day. Only the restaurants are rather mediocre to bad. Otherwise a successful trip!

5. Huaqiang North Road Commercial District

For all who are electronics freaks or who want to see where “all” electronic devices in the world come from, a visit to Huaqiang Road is recommended. The more you get into the back streets, the more rustic the experience IT becomes. A visit is a must if you are in Shenzhen.

6. Shenzhen Bay Park

In this beautifully landscaped park right by the sea, you can stroll relax for several kilometers. Shenzhen Bay Park is part of an approx. 40km long beach park along the coastline, which begins in Shekou and extends to Futian. The park is a local recreation area for city dwellers and the many workers in the region. The bay is its own park with a sculpture path and flower gardens and works of art. There are plenty of opportunities to sit down and rest.

7. Wutong Mountain

Wutong Mountain is almost 1000 meters high and the hike is quite strenuous. You can choose the route via Taishanjian for the ascent. This leads beautifully through a forest. However, you have to be aware that the way to the summit on this route consists practically only of steps, and otherwise, as usual in China, a lot of people. You don’t have to worry about provision either, drinks, fruit, and other things you need for the summit are sold everywhere along the way. All in all, it’s quite an exhausting excursion (especially in hot summer) but definitely worth it. The starting point of the hike “Wutong Village” can be reached by bus from Shenzhen.

Where to Stay in Shenzhen, China

Budget hotel.

The Olive Tree Capsule Hostel

The Olive Tree Capsule Hostel features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV in the Futian district of Shenzhen. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. At the hostel, every room comes with a balcony with a city view.

Price: Starts at $14 per night for a Female Dormitory Room , taxes and charges included, and it’s non-refundable.

Luxury Hotel

Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai

Offering an outdoor pool and indoor pool, Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai is located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all public areas. The window of the World and Happy Valley are a 25-minute drive away. Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar. Complete with a refrigerator, the dining area also has an electric kettle. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a bathtub and a hairdryer. The hotel offers a rooftop bar and Chinese restaurants serving authentic Cantonese cuisines.

Price: Starts at $157 per night for a Standard Twin Room – Nanhai Wing , add $26 for taxes and charges, $26 for breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

These are the possible things you can do in Shenzhen. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Shenzhen.

Fun Facts About Shenzhen, China

• Shenzhen has some of China’s tallest buildings.
• The parks and beaches are the most popular tourist attractions of the city.
• You can have the best Cantonese cuisine in Shenzhen.
• It is usually called the official “Gateway to China” as there are millions of people passing back and forth between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

About the Writer

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

How to Find the Best Hotels in New York?

Top california destinations for families to enjoy, scuba diving and snorkeling in the philippines, what are the benefits of booking flight tickets in advance, unforgettable moments: maximizing your monaco vacation, related posts, list of the best hostels in china, 7 awesome things to do in southern cebu, philippines, 10 awesome things to do in macau [with suggested tours], mindanao camping – best camping sites in mindanao [with rates available], previous post, how to apply for schengen netherlands visa for filipinos [netherlands schengen visa guide for filipinos], how to apply for schengen france visa for filipinos [france schengen visa guide for filipinos], subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

• 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

• Beijing Xian Tours
• Shanghai Beijing Tours
• Hong Kong Guilin Tours
• Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
• Kunming Lijiang Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
• Chengdu Tibet Tours
• More Short Stay Tours
• China Tours in January
• China Tours in February
• China Tours in March
• China Tours in April
• China Tours in May
• China Tours in June
• China Tours in July
• China Tours in August
• China Tours in September
• China Tours in October
• China Tours in November
• China Tours in December

• High Speed Trains
• China Yangtze Cruise Tour
• Photography
• Desert Adventure
• Ethnic Villages
• Biking Tours
• Kung Fu Tours
• Heritage Sites Exploration
• China Spring Tours
• China Summer Tours
• China Autumn Tours
• China Winter Tours

• Best-value Yangtze Cruises
• Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
• Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
• Yangtze River Highlights
• Yangtze River Cruise Routes
• Upstream or Downstream?
• Dining & Drinking
• Accommodations
• On-board Activities
• Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

• Inner Mongolia

• Fanjingshan
• How to Plan Your First China Tour
• How to Plan Beijing Tour
• How to Plan Xian Tour
• How to Plan Shanghai Tour
• How to Plan Guilin Tour
• How to Plan Sichuan Tour
• How to Plan Family Tour
• 2024 China Travel Ideas
• Best Time to Visit China
• What to Pack for Your China Journey
• Updated China Travel News
• Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
• Chinese Visa Types
• Chinese Visa Requirements
• Do I Need a Visa for China
• Chinese Visa Application
• Chinese Visa Exemptions
• 144-hour Visa Free
• Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
• Hainan 30-day Visa Free
• Embassies & Consulates
• Invitation Letter
• Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
• Entry Regulations
• Baggage Allowance
• Customs Declaration
• Exit Regulation
• How to Book Train Tickets
• How to Collect Train Tickets
• How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
• How to Read Train Tickets
• China High Speed Train Types
• Seats Class & How to Choose
• Friendly Facilities on the Train
• The Train Station Departure Process
• Available Food and Drinks on the Train
• Western Toilets on the Train
• Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
• Beijing Train Stations
• Shanghai Train Stations
• Guilin Train Stations
• Xian Train Stations
• Chengdu Train Stations
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
• Beijing - Xian
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Shanghai
• Shenzhen - Shanghai
• Chengdu - Xian
• Shanghai - Hangzhou
• Shanghai - Xian
• Chengdu - Chongqing
• Kunming - Lijiang
• Beijing Capital International
• Beijing Daxing International
• Shanghai Pudong International
• Shanghai Hongqiao International
• Guangzhou Baiyun International
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
• Chengdu Tianfu International
• Chengdu Shuangliu International
• Xian Xianyang International
• Shanghai - Beijing
• Hong Kong - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Beijing
• Chengdu - Lhasa
• Shanghai - Guilin
• Shanghai - Sanya
• Travel in Spring Season
• Travel in Summer Season
• Travel in Autumn Season
• Travel in Winter Season
• Weather in January
• Weather in February
• Weather in March
• Weather in April
• Weather in May
• Weather in June
• Weather in July
• Weather in August
• Weather in September
• Weather in October
• Weather in November
• Weather in December
• Top 10 China Destinations
• Top 15 Things to Do
• China World Heritage Sites
• Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
• Top 10 Museums in China
• Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
• Five Great Mountains in China
• Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
• Top 10 Ski Resorts
• Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
• 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
• Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
• Panda Volunteering
• Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
• About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
• Tour Experiences

Destinations

• Travel Guide
• Top 10 Shenzhen Attractions

Although Shenzhen is a young metroplis, it will give you a big suprise when you put your first step on this energetic city.

As a coastal city, Shenzhen is a great place for resort and vacation. It has long, soft and beautiful sand beach, such as the Dameishan and Xiaomeishan . There are not many ancient relics here, but the wise Shenzhen people have built up many modern attractions, such as the famous Window of the World , Splendid China , Happy Valley , etc. These places are suitable for all ranges of people to visit.

The locals also created their own spectacular culture, such as Dragon Dancing Show , Ethnic Arts Show, Lychee Festival, etc.

Shenzhen Travel Map

• Top Attractions
• Featured Activities

No.1: Splendid China Folk Village

Type: Theme Parks, Water & Amusement Parks, Performances

Recommended Lenth of visiting: About 3 Hours

Splendid China Folk Village, a theme park located in Shenzhen, consists of two areas including Splendid China Miniature Park and China Folk Culture Village.

“One step to learn China history, one day to visit all in China”. This is the slogan of the Splendid China Miniature Park, which is the largest miniature park in the world. It houses 82 reproductions of China’s iconic places. These miniatures are divided into three kinds: beautiful scenery, grand architecture, historical sites and traditional dwellings. As there are more than 50,000 small vivid ceramic human or animal figurines, it is also renowned as “Lilliput of Shenzhen”.

In China Folk Culture Village, there are 27 ethnic villages built with the proportion of 1:1. It is the first large cultural tourism zone which combines art, folk culture and architecture of ethnic groups in China. There are daily performances of ethnic folk culture, handcrafts arts. During festivals, China Folk Culture Village becomes the “party world”. Here, travelers can experience the authentic ethnic culture of China comprehensively. Know more about Splendid China Folk Village

>> 3 Days Classic Shenzhen Tour

No.2: Dafen Oil Painting Village

Type: Art Gallery, Painting Stores, Painting Show

Recommended Lenth of visiting: About 1~2 Hours

Located in the Longgang District of Shenzhen Province, Dafen Oil Painting Village is a Chinese “urban village” working on the replicas of world-famous paintings, from Van Gogh's sunflowers to to enormous, gilt-framed scenes of mounted cavalry or galleons at sea rendered in lavish detail. It is reputed as “The World’s Art Factory”. In its heyday, Dafen produced 60 percent of all new oil paintings available worldwide. This is a folksy urban village of narrow lanes and alleys, which gives you pleasure by just visiting itself. The hundreds of art studios and stores producing reproductions of oil paintings by well-known artists are worth visit where you will know how art is produced in an industrial age. There are also more conventional galleries, generally showcasing the work of—and often owned by—a single artist. Surrounding these studios and galleries in Dafen are art supply stores and a handful of whimsical cafes, some of which offer painting classes to visitors. At the village’s eastern edge is the Dafen Museum where you will find more modern and contemporary art from China.

>> 2 Days Shenzhen Short Stay Tour with All Essences

No.3: Shenzhen Museum

Type: Museum, Comprehensive Museum

Recommended Lenth of visiting: About 2 hours

Shenzhen Museum is a comprehensive museum located in the south of Lianhuashan Park, and is in the downtown area of Shenzhen City. This museum has four parts which separately record the ancient times and modern times of Shenzhen, guerrilla warfare in Shenzhen and China’s reform and opening up in Shenzhen. In this museum, you will have a general view about the history of Shenzhen. As Shenzhen is one of the first cities that implement the reform and opening up policy, you will have a vivid understanding of how does a fishing village become a first-tier city within 40 years and it is advised to learn about a modern China from this museum. In addition, there is an exhibition hall of wildlife specimen which was donated by a famous American - Kenneth·E·Behring, in which you could explore a world of wildlife. The museum also host some other exhibitions from time to time.

>> 2 Days Shenzhen Short Stay Tour with All Essences >> 4 Days Guangzhou Shenzhen Explorer Tour by Bullet Train

No.4: Window of the World Shenzhen

Type: Theme Parks, Amusement Parks, Performances

Recommended length of visiting: About 3 hours

Covering an area of 480,000 square meters, Window of the World in Shenzhen is a large-scale theme park designed to show the essence of world's culture. In the park, you will see many replicas of landmarks in the world. It is a Miniature park which combines history relics, nature wonders and culture of the world together. In this park, you have chance to many great world famous attractions, such as the Mahamuni Pagoda of Mandalay, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Eiffel Tower, London Tower, Roman Colosseum, Sydney Opera House, etc. Meanwhile, there are excited amusement projects and splendid performances, which attract many tourists. You can’t miss this sea of joy in Shenzhen! Know more about Window of the World>>

No.5: Ping An Finance Centre

Type: Observation Decks & Towers, Modern Buildings & Landmarks

Ping An International Finance Centre is a 115-storey skyscraper in the center of Futian CBD of Shenzhen, rising like a glass pencil. It was completed in 2017, becoming the tallest building in Shenzhen, the 2nd tallest building in China and the 4th tallest building in the world. It also shares the record (with the Shanghai Tower) of having the highest observation deck in a building at 562 m. The building contains office, hotel and retail spaces, a conference centre and a high-end shopping mall. In a clear day, you will have a suitably jaw-dropping views from the Free Sky Observation Deck. You could also explore a bird’s eye view of the whole city on Diwang Mansion with the height of 384 meters which is cheaper than Ping An Finance Center. The latter one also equipped with telescope to overlook Hong Kong.

>> 3 Days Shenzhen Business Tour (Customizable)

No.6: Lychee Park

Type: Park and Nature

Lychee Park is is nestled in the middle of Shenzhen. It has the name of “Lychee Park” because of over 500 lychee trees in it. In the park, you could not only see natural beauty, but also some beautiful architectures. When big-city fatigue sets in, you can seek refuge in this spacious inner-city park. It may still get busy but here the mood is created by musicians, elderly taichi practitioners, couples crossing faux-ancient bridges and a small lake. It is also very nice to jog, run or walk around.

No.7: OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

Type: Culture Park

OCT Loft Creative Culture Park covers an area of about 150000 square meters, with a construction area of about 200000 square meters, is divided into north and south sides. Filled with exhibition spaces, outdoor installations, design shops, and open-air cafes, this abandoned-factory-turned-cultural space is a great way to get a feel for the city’s emerging artsy tenor. You can see exhibitions of all kinds of art including design work, photography, paintings, and so on. Some famous artists also have their studios in this park. In addition, major festivals take place here throughout the year, including Design Week in April; the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in December; and the Oct-Loft Jazz Festival in October.

No.8: OCT Harbour

Type: Resort, Water & Amusement Parks, Theme Parks

Recommended Lenth of visiting: About 3 hours

OCT Harbour, originally called OCT Bay, is a large retail and entertainment complex in Nanshan District of Shenzhen close to the well-known Window of the World theme park and Splendid China Folk Village. It covers an area of roughly 1.25 square kilometers and features a man-made lake and canals, hotels, restaurants and a shopping mall. This place combines both modern architectures and traditional culture, which gives a new definition to fashion. Here you could watch splendid show of water and light every night. If you go there with your kids, then your kids could experience various careers in the Small Mailu City, or you both could watch those special sea life in the aquarium. It’s very suitable for a family tour.

No.9: Coco Park

Type: Mall, Shopping Center, Dinning, Amusement

Located in the centre of the city, Futian COCO Park is not only a popular shopping mall but also a landmark of the area. The mall has 5 levels, covering 85,000 square meters, with a big outdoor square in the centre. There are five major shopping sections in COCO Park: jeans, sports & digital, undergarment, household, and international fashion brands, and you can buy almost you want here. It is much more than about shopping because there are also a lot of restaurants, bars and entertainment in it. Near the Pingan Finance International Center, Coco Park can be easily found by you.

No.10: Lianhuashan Park

Recommended Lenth of visiting: About 1~3 hours

Lianhuashan Park is located in the downtown area of Shenzhen city, so it’s convenient to arrive at. The Lianhua Mountain is only 100 meters, which can be climbed up easily. After climbing up to the top of the mountain, there is a large square where you could overlook Shenzhen’s central business district. In the square, you could see a big statue of Deng Xiaoping, a Chinese President who started the Reform and Opening Up of China. In the north side of the square, you could learn about the development history of Shenzhen city in the Exhibition Hall of City Planning. If you go there during festivals and holidays, you could see locals flying kites in the park’s grasslands square. The park is a relaxing place to visit for Shenzhen people after a week’s busy works.

More Guide of Shenzhen Visa & Transportation

• Shenzhen 144 Hour TWOV
• Hong Kong to Shenzhen Visa
• Top 10 Shenzhen Checkpoints
• Shenzhen Hong Kong Border Crossing
• Hong Kong to Shenzhen
• Shenzhen to Hong Kong
• Guangzhou to Shenzhen
• Shenzhen to Guangzhou
• Macau to Shenzhen
• Shenzhen to Macau
• Shenzhen to Guilin
• Shenzhen to Beijing
• How to Get to & Around Shenzhen
• Shenzhen Metro

Extension Readings of Shenzhen Travel Guide

• All Popular Shenzhen Tours
• How to Plan a Shenzhen Tour
• Shenzhen Maps 2024
• Where to Stay in Shenzhen
• Luxury Hotels in Shenzhen
• Comfortable Hotels in Shenzhen
• Shenzhen Weather & Seasons
• Activities in Shenzhen
• Splendid China Folk Village
• Window of the World Shenzhen
• All Shenzhen Travel Guide

Recommended Shenzhen Tours

Top 3 Shenzhen tours chosen by most customers to explore Shenzhen in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

2 Days Shenzhen Short Stay Tour with All Essences

3 Days Classic Shenzhen Tour

4 Days Guangzhou Shenzhen Explorer Tour by Bullet Train

Guangzhou / Shenzhen

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

• Affordable and valuable price
• 100% tailor-made packages
• Highly rated customers reviews
• Efficient customer support

China Tours

• Top 10 China Tours
• Classic China Tours
• China Tours from Beijing
• China Tours from Shanghai
• China Tours from Hong Kong
• China Tours from Chengdu
• Short China Trips
• Customize China Tour
• China Panda Tours
• Family Tour with Kids
• High-Speed Train Tour
• Silk Road Travel
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Hiking & Trekking Tours
• Photography Tours
• China Minority Travel
• Beijing Shanghai Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Tours
• Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
• Chengdu Lhasa Tours
• Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
• Guilin & Yangshuo
• Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

• Terms & Condition
• Privacy Policy
• Customer Support

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .

10 Incredible Holiday Getaways from Shenzhen

Golden Week is set to officially begin on October 1! If you’re looking to escape the city for a little well-deserved R&R, then this guide to nearby holiday getaways is for you.

1. Hainan, the Hawaii of China

Only an hour and a half flight from Shenzhen is a beachy escape in Hainan province. October is one of the recommended times to visit as the temperature and humidity drops from the sweltering heat of the summer. If you enjoy the resort lifestyle, Sanya has top-tier hotels lining the coast which come equipped with multiple pools, manicured lawns and private beaches. Travel inland for a couple hours and you can experience boutique hot spring lodges near Wuzhishan. 

How to get there: Fly to either Haikou Meilan International Airport or Sanya Phoenix International Airport, both which take around an hour and a half. Haikou is the capital of Hainan, located north of the island, while Sanya Airport will be closer to most resorts and beaches in the south.

Recommended accommodation: The Sanya Edition , located in Haitang district is perfect for those looking for a luxury resort experience by the beach. For a forest getaway, the Narada Resort & Spa provides a tranquil nature experience. Rooms are equipped with their own private outdoor hot spring tub. 

2. Kaiping Diaolou and Villages

Located west of Shenzhen, the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages are presently the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guangdong Province.

The diaolou – fortified, multi-story residences made of concrete – came into being as a remedy to several societal ills. Kaiping was in times past the victim of floods, rampant banditry and the devastating Punti-Hakka Clan Wars (an enduring conflict occurring at the end of Qing Dynasty between the Cantonese-speaking natives and the migrant Hakka people that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths).

Combating these issues, diaolou served as watchtowers, shelters from flood and blockhouses against raiders.

The diaolou are one-of-a-kind structures, dispersed among paddy fields and flaunting a melange of Chinese, Western and, in some cases, Islamic architecture. From their exteriors you can detect Roman domes, Greek porticos and Gothic windows, while most of the interior design retains southern Chinese flair.

As scattered as they are, there are four major clusters of watchtowers: Zili, Jinjiangli, Sanmenli and Jianglong.

How to get there:  Take a two- to three-hour bus from Shajing Center Coach Terminal, Xixiang Coach Terminal, Bao’an Bus Terminal or the Qiaoshe Terminal in Luohu Station to Kaiping (RMB80-90), then take a taxi (RMB50) or local bus to one of the diaolou clusters (remember to tell the bus driver your destination). Tickets to the villages range from RMB50-80. 

Recommended accommodation: Diaomin Buluo Boutique Guesthouse (碉民部落精品民宿) is a newly opened branch of Diaomin Buluo Inn, a popular hostel situated along the river’s edge in 400-year-old Chikan town, which is currently under renovation. The boutique guesthouse, located about 2 kilometers from Zili village, is a highly recommended accommodation for budget travelers. There is a total of 14 rooms catering to solo travelers, couples and families. The guesthouse also boasts a small cafe and bar, which serves basic Western meals (with a typical Chinese twist) and booze. For reservations, call 0750-261 6229. 

3. Dapeng Fortress

As you approach the fortress you are greeted by a panorama of blue sea and green mountains before finally reaching the fortress’ main gate.

With a history of more than 600 years, one can imagine soldiers entering through the stone-arch entranceway – or famously keeping it shut during a 40-day onslaught by Japanese pirates in 1571.

Instead of garrisoned troops and supply stockpiles, we find a walled-in hamlet that has developed commercially, with alleyways of coffee shops, hostels and restaurants nestled beneath Ming and Qing Dynasty era tiled roofs.

Before noon, the streets are preternaturally quiet. Hearing your own footsteps is a bizarre feeling for anyone who has adjusted to the constant din of the big city, and the near silence lasts until midday, when the first businesses lazily begin opening.

While the genetic heritage may be lost, culinary traditions remain. A trip down a side street leads to an ancient fortress wall, where current residents hang homemade sausages in the sun. Another local specialty: tube-shaped rice dumplings known for their heavy packing of meat.

How to get there:  Take bus E26 which leaves from Lianhe Square and will bring you to central Dapeng New Area. From there, bus B753 runs every 30-60 minutes to the Dapeng Fortress gate (Gucheng Xiaoqu Stop 古城小区). The total trip should cost about RMB16. 

Recommended accommodation: Shenzhen Little Dimple Inn is about as cute as it sounds, with tastefully decorated, spacious rooms. It’s located close to the coast in the fashionable part of Dapeng New District, also less than 10 minutes’ walk away from the fortress. Get a room with a terrace if possible to enjoy the views.

4. Shaoshan, the Childhood Abode of Mao Zedong

For anybody interested in Mao and the history of communism in China, a visit to old Shaoshan is informative and eye-opening – not least because it provides a window into how the PRC wants people to perceive its founder.

Old Shaoshan is a pretty little hamlet with Mao’s childhood home at its heart. This bungalow, made from earth and wood, is easily identified by the long queue of people stretching back from its doors, waiting patiently to trudge through the bare rooms that once enclosed the communist hero. 

Millions flock here every year to see where the Great Helmsman spent his early life. Most of these visitors are Chinese, though the surprisingly accurate English, French and Russian translations that greet visitors at the vehicle drop-off point attest to the government initiatives afoot to encourage foreign travelers.

If you stay the evening, you can also get tickets to a grand production that celebrates Mao’s life several times an evening, or visit a local restaurant to gorge on Mao’s favorite food: hongshao rou (braised pork in sauce).

How to get there:  High-speed trains go from Shenzhen North to Shaoshan South Station. From there, tell anybody you see that you want to go to 毛泽东同志纪念馆 (Mao Zedong Tongzhi Jinian Guan) and they will direct you to the correct local bus or shuttle.

Recommended accommodation: Ideally located within walking distance of Mao Zedong’s former home and Statue Square, the Hualong Hotel Shaoshan offers comfortable, clean rooms at prices that generally fall below RMB500 (although that may not be the case during holidays). The hotel is a good option for a weekend getaway due to its close proximity to tourist sites and scenic areas, as well ‘downtown’ Shaoshan and the train station.

5. Huizhou’s Lakes

Equally well served by transport links from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Huizhou is a much sleepier city than its larger Guangdong brethren. Not unpopular with domestic tourists, Huizhou lays claim to several leisure activities: a sandy bay, a holy mountain, hot springs.

It also possesses a pair of scenic lakes. When the sun is shining, the verdurous vegetation seems to blaze, and even in cloudy weather it’s a pleasant antidote to metropolitan malaise.  

Entering the main gate at Xi Hu, or West Lake, a topiary dragon watches over ponds overflowing with lotuses. If the bridges and paths across the lake are not unique, at least they are aesthetically conceived, blending well with the scenery. The best way to escape weekend or holiday crowds is to hire a pedalo or a motor boat and head out onto the water. If the season is right, you may be treated to the sight of birds nesting on some of the small islands.

Honghua Hu is less frequented. Many come here to enjoy the serene, 18-kilometer cycle along a well-maintained road that winds through verdant greenery. Indeed, this activity is linked so closely with Honghua that numerous bike shops at the foot of the hill leading to the entrance rent velocipedes; more are available in the park itself at the beginning of the trail. 

West Lake and Red Flower Lake, as they are known in English, are within a short drive (or brisk walk) of one another. Both can easily be explored in a single day, and each offers a different type of adventure. 

How to get there: From Shenzhen, buses at the Nanshan, Futian and Luohu coach stations all go to the more central Huizhou terminal for RMB53-55.

Recommended accommodation: This being Huizhou, travelers can choose from more upscale options without breaking the bank. The Huizhou Garden Business Hotel (惠州景园商务酒店) boasts a beautiful glass-walled lobby as well as spacious, tastefully-decorated rooms. With the Red Flower Lake under 3 kilometers away, it also makes for a convenient base for your travels.

6. Shaoguan’s Danxia Mountains

Situated in the northern Guangdong city of Shaoguan, this beguiling range of karst-like mountains boasts steep cliffs, lush trails and fresh, clean air. The stunning splendor of this red-tinged hikers’ paradise is so unique in Guangdong that it constitutes the sole UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in the southern province. 

Though popular with visitors year-round, its massive size and numerous trails mean it’s rarely overwhelmed by crowds. 

Upon arriving at the gate of the scenic area, you’ll likely be approached by scalpers offering discounted tickets for entry. Full-price tickets sell for RMB150 at the ticket office and grant you passage to both of the geopark’s main scenic areas. 

En route to the peak, hikers pass through a Buddhist temple, calligraphic inscriptions etched into massive, multicolored cliffs and can detour to visit a historic Taoist shrine. On your descent, be sure to stop off at the famed Yinyuan Stone, a natural rock formation that bears a striking resemblance to an enormous human vulva. 

Cross a narrow valley on foot or by complimentary bus ride towards the neighboring Yangyuan Stone Scenic Area. The elegant Jin River, which can be toured by boat, winds its way between the two and a tightly clustered village bristles with simple restaurants serving delicious home-style Hakka fare. 

The main draw here is the Yangyuan Stone, a soaring column of phallic rock bearing an indisputable likeness to an erect penis. Ximei Fortress crowns the peak: a crumbling Ming Dynasty redoubt built by a despotic feudal tyrant from a nearby village that serves as an ideal place to admire a rosy sunset and enjoy a well-earned rest. 

How to get there:  Take a fast train at Futian Station (RMB186) or Shenzhen North Railway Station (RMB179) to Shaoguan Railway Station in less than two hours. From there, take a shuttle bus (RMB21) to Danxiashan (丹霞山).

Recommended accommodation: Forget hotels, this natural landscape demands camping! Rough it for a night or two by pitching a tent in the renowned scenic area. Alternatively, there’re plenty of guesthouses in the scenic area. 

7. Zhuhai’s Miaowan Island

Resting to the southeast of Macau, and about 25 nautical miles from Hong Kong, Miaowan Island is a small plot of land in the South China Sea that is renowned for its pristine beaches and azure water. Under the administrative control of Zhuhai (a city rightly known as the ‘city with a hundred islands’), the island has attracted mainlanders over the past decade looking to escape the craziness of urban life for a secluded retreat. Deserved or not, Miaowan’s plentiful natural resources have earned it the moniker ‘China’s Maldives.’ 

There to capitalize on the island’s marine goodies is a small population of Cantonese-speaking fisherman (roughly two dozen households). Small businesses are run by the local population in Maiowan Village, which sits on a rock outcrop that is connected to the main island via a concrete bridge. Amid the barking of dogs and the whistle of seagulls, villagers set up their metal-mesh fish traps, using a mixture of bread, shrimp and fish, on the quay. 

Fishing is allowed on Miaowan Island and the coral reefs off the coast are home to an array of tropical fish species. If you don’t have cooking equipment to cook your catch, restaurants run by hospitable islanders will prepare your seafood for a reasonable price. 

Scuba diving courses are available and are run by a licensed dive instructor who moonlights as a server at a local restaurant. 

Paying RMB100-200 for a meal at one of the island’s eateries may seem steep, but it’s worth noting that some of South China’s freshest and cleanest seafood is served here – and it’s well worth a sample. 

How to get there :  Ferries to Dongao Island, a transfer point en route to Miaowan, are available at Shekou Port in Shenzhen. From there you’ll transfer to a speed boat for the remaining leg of the journey to Miaowan. 

*Book a two-day trip through a private agent (about RMB500) to Miaowan Island in advance on zh-piao.com (0756-860 9991). 

Recommended accommodation:  Camping on the beach! In addition to food, restaurants on the island also rent out tents at RMB150 per night. Hostels with air con-equipped rooms range from RMB200-300, though electricity is only generated at night and a cool, fresh water shower will cost you an additional RMB10. 

8. Mount Luofu in Huizhou

Mount Luofu, located in the northwestern part of Huizhou’s Boluo county, dwarfs the Pearl River Delta region’s other famous peaks. With an elevation of 1,296 meters, Mount Luofu’s crown is 869 meters higher than the top of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, and 950 meters higher than Mount Xiqiao in Foshan. In addition to dizzying heights, the scenic area Mount Luofu is set within claims 980 waterfalls and another 430 peaks. 

While you can utilize a shuttle bus service or cable cars to travel part of the way up Mount Luofu (approximately 600 meters above sea level), the journey to the summit is one that must ultimately be traversed on foot.

The scenery on the lower portion of the mountain has little to write home about, but the upper half of 1,296-meter peak offers intrepid visitors phenomenal views and some unique rock formations to gawk at. It takes around five hours to walk to the top of the mountain, but it’s worth it. If you find yourself exhausted on the walk down, opt for the shuttle service or cable car to shorten the return journey. 

To get the most out of your visit to Mount Luofu National Scenic Area, be sure to arrive early in the morning (8 or 9am) so that you’ll have plenty of time to wander the park and climb the mountain before the last cable car leaves at 5.30pm. We also strongly recommend bringing cash with you for this adventure, as phone reception in the park is nonexistent.

How to get there: Take the train from Shenzhen Railway Station (RMB18.5/hard seat) or Shenzhen East Railway Station to Huizhou Railway Station (RMB16.5/hard seat). From there, take a cab or bus (208, 209, 5, or 11) to Huizhou Coach Terminal, where you can catch a shuttle bus to the scenic area.

Recommended accommodation: Once a mountain retreat that accommodated military officials, Luofu Mountain Yulan Hotel is a lakeside establishment in the scenic area, with classy decor and high-standard facilities. It boasts nine orange jessamine trees, which blossom from June to September and fill the air on the premises with fragrance. 

9. Weizhou Island in Guangxi

To the south of Beihai and east of Vietnam lies the volcanic island of Weizhou. Reputedly the youngest island of its type in China, it boasts a unique volcanic landscape and is home to a diverse collection of bird species. On the island you can visit Eryushan National Geopark, which showcases a beautiful array of volcanic rock, coral and sea creatures, among other exhibits. 

Another popular spot, for both amateur and professional photographers alike, is ‘five color’ beach, which beckons tourists with its aesthetically pleasing rock formations that hug the shoreline. On the west of the island, visitors can catch one of China’s most sublime sunsets. Before leaving, be sure to pay a visit to one of Weizhou’s historic landmarks: Shengtang Catholic Church, which was built by French worshippers in the mid-1800s. 

If you don’t like seafood, Weizhou probably isn’t your dream destination. Here, seafood items, most notably sea cucumbers and giant prawns, are available throughout the year and are a mainstay at restaurants and hotels across the island.  

To get in on the action, we recommend checking out the South Bay seafood market, where you can peruse the daily catch and purchase fish or crustaceans to cook up yourself. Prices vary, and are dependent on the ‘rarity’ of the aquatic item that catches your eye.

If cooking while on vacation isn’t your thing, cheap seafood barbecue joints can be found after dark near the seafood market, or at Shiluokou.

How to get there: Take a fast train from  Shenzhen North Railway Station  to Nanning East Station (RMB243, second class; RMB368, first class). From there, transfer to Beihai Station (RMB52, second class; RMB82, first class). Riding the ferry to the island costs between RMB120-180, while entrance tickets are priced at RMB110. 

Recommended accommodation: For those looking to fully embrace the island vibes, we recommend setting up shop at one of the island’s few hostels. Otherwise, chill out on the mainland at Beihai Aegean Sea Resort Hotel . As with elsewhere in China, be sure that you book in advance if you’re planning on coming during the holidays, as the island is a popular tourist destination during the high season. 

10. Yangjiang 

Like most small cities in China,  Yangjiang  is a place of stark contrasts. Located in southwestern Guangdong, the prefecture-level city is steeped in old culture, with a large, aging population and a number of urban farms and urban villages. In the vicinity of these older structures are new, scaffolded buildings climbing upwards at a fast pace. 

On Yangjiang’s Hailing Island, this bipolar state of existence is also noticeable: while stunningly beautiful, the island’s raging tourism industry and numerous fishing businesses also render it tragically dirty.

While the city is at points beset by litter, it also has its moments of scenic serenity, given its geographical location on the long diagonal coastline that stretches from Guangzhou down to Zhanjiang. 

Most tourists visit two distinct areas of the city: Yangjiang’s urban area, where the city’s high-speed railway is located, and Hailing Island, the region’s main attraction, which is located to the southwest of the city. 

One of the more redeeming features of Yangjiang are the city’s beautiful waterways, with a network of rivers winding through the city to Beijin Harbor. When visiting the area, take the opportunity to learn about the local economy by visiting the National Maritime Silk Road Museum on Hailing Island. From the museum, you can easily reach Mawei Island, where you can gaze out over the ocean and gape at the plethora of fishing boats that dot the water’s surface. 

On the western tip of Hailing Island, ATV rentals are available and visitors can race up and down the beach. On our visit, the cost of an ATV rental was set at RMB100 for 30 minutes. If you are more attuned to water sports, hitch a ride on a jet ski with a local driver for RMB150 per three turns around the small bay.

As a coastal city, Yangjiang is famed for its piscatorial delights. Crabs, shrimp, crawfish and many other aquatic treats are available at the numerous outdoor barbecues and seafood restaurants along the coast. We tried out Huayang Yucun near Mawei Island and were delighted by their spicy hairy crab, which cost just RMB48 per pound. 

How to get there: High-speed trains go daily from both  Guangzhou South Railway Station  and  Shenzhen North Railway Station . 

Recommended accommodation: There is an abundance of cheap, Chinese-style hotels that dot the area and, while nothing special, they do the job. We recommend staying on Hailing Island, but be sure to call ahead to check that your hotel of choice accepts foreigners. And, like everywhere else in China, make sure that you book in advance if you're planning on coming during the holidays, as the city is a popular tourist destination during the high season. 

With files from Ziyi Yuan, Tristin Zhang, Tom Lee, Winnie Jin, Jonathan Zhong, Bryan Grogan

This article was originally published in August 2017. It has been updated and republished on September 28, 2020.

[Cover image by That’s]

For more local travel ideas, check out our Daytripper series.

Weekend Getaways daytripper weekend trip Shenzhen Shaoshan Hong Kong Guangxi Hunan Sanya Hainan

106 Awesome Things to Do This Weekend in GBA

Enjoy a great weekend with events from our editor's picks!

The 18th Festival Croisements Kicks Off in South China

Over 400 captivating events are scheduled to take place across 31 cities nationwide.

The Future of Education: A Pioneering Approach in China's Greater Bay Area

CTF Education Group (“CTFEG”) celebrated the Grand Opening of The Education Hub Project in Panyu, Guangzhou, the Greater Bay Area (“GBA”).

All the Bing: A Guide to China's Favorite Street Food

From breakfast food to all-day snack.

Autumn Chen on Becoming Insta-famous

We talked to popular Instagram model Autumn Chen about her popularity on Instagram and her transition into pop music.

theNOMLab: Travel Inspired Artisanal Butters & Sauces

Seasoned butters, shiso sauces, and natural remedies.

She Can Deadlift 225kg? Meet Anja Schuffner

Anja Schuffner is one of the strongest woman in Asia and is a relative newcomer to the sport of Strongman. We spoke to her about her lifting journey.

Explainer: Everything You Need to Know About Lantern Festival

Time for some tang yuan!

0 User Comments

Add your comment.

Get the weekly newsletter!

Sign up to get the entertainment, lifestyle and event news from That's Shenzhen every week!

Explainer: Everything You Need to Know About Qingming

Hop Aboard the Hype Train with Deals, Giveaways & Gossip!

China visa-free entry countries – the full list.

China Visa-Free Entry to Hainan – The Full List!

6 Amazing Trips to Take Around China This Spring

ADVERTISEMENT

In Case You Missed It…

14 Happy Hours & Drink Deals This April in Shenzhen

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsShenzhen for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shenzhen With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's !

Visit the archives

Add your email

Get the App. Your essential China city companion.

Top Things to Do in Shenzhen, China

Places to visit in shenzhen.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• New Territories
• North District
• Bao'an District
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Shenzhen Window of the World

2. China Folk Culture Village

3. Happy Valley of Shenzhen

4. Shenzhen Lianhuashan Park

5. Dafen Oil Painting Village

6. Luohu Commerical City (Lo Wu Shopping Plaza)

7. Sea World

8. Xianhu Botanical Garden

9. COCO Park

10. OCT HARBOUR

11. Lizhi Park

12. Shenzhen Bay Park

13. Wutong Mountain

14. Mission Hills Golf Club

15. Huaqiang North Road Commercial District

16. Dameisha Beach

17. Kingkey 100

18. OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

19. Shenzhen Central Park

20. Hongfa Temple

21. Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre

22. Shenzhen Museum

23. Futian Mangrove Nature Reserve

24. Shenzhen Wild-life Zoo

26. Shenzhen Civic Center

27. Shenzhen Dapeng Fortress

28. The Mixc of Shenzhen City Crossing

29. Nanshan Park

30. Shenzhen Metro

What travellers are saying.

The 30 best places to visit for arts and culture in Shenzhen

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

1 Dafen Oil Painting Village

2 Splendid China Folk Village

3 Lianhuashan Park

4 window of the world ticket office, 5 shi jie zhi chuang.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

6 Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center

7 splendid china folk culture village (锦绣中华民俗村), 8 shenzhen art museum, 10 zhong guo min su wen hua cun, 11 shenzhen bay park, 12 shenzhen museum, 13 he xiangning art museum, 14 tianhou temple, 15 dameisha beach.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

16 The Oct Harbour, Shenzhen - Marriott Executive Apartments

17 city inn oct loft, 18 ping'an international financial center, 19 dongmen pedestrian street legislative jiaoyushi, 20 museum of contemporary art & planning exhibition, 21 shenzhen museum, 22 hotel indigo shenzhen overseas chinese town, an ihg hotel, 23 xiangshe no.1, 25 longhua district, shenzhen.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

26 No.6 Shoes Bar

27 康源健康水业（no.3）, 28 yifang hairstyle chain tianmian no.4, 29 kaka no.7, 30 sun yat-sen university affiliated no.8 hospital miniature fire protection zhan, top searches in shenzhen, popular road trips from shenzhen, what's the weather like in shenzhen.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Shenzhen for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Shenzhen in January
• Weather in Shenzhen in February
• Weather in Shenzhen in March
• Weather in Shenzhen in April
• Weather in Shenzhen in May
• Weather in Shenzhen in June
• Weather in Shenzhen in July
• Weather in Shenzhen in August
• Weather in Shenzhen in September
• Weather in Shenzhen in October
• Weather in Shenzhen in November
• Weather in Shenzhen in December

All road trips from Shenzhen

• Shenzhen to Bangkok drive
• Shenzhen to Hanoi drive
• Shenzhen to Guangzhou drive
• Shenzhen to Beijing drive
• Shenzhen to Shanghai drive
• Shenzhen to Siem Reap drive
• Shenzhen to Ho Chi Minh City drive
• Shenzhen to Hoi An drive
• Shenzhen to Xi'an drive
• Shenzhen to Pattaya drive
• Shenzhen to Xiamen drive
• Shenzhen to Phnom Penh drive
• Shenzhen to Chiang Mai drive
• Shenzhen to Luang Prabang drive
• Shenzhen to Halong Bay drive
• Shenzhen to Hue drive
• Shenzhen to Hangzhou drive
• Shenzhen to Yangshuo County drive
• Shenzhen to Zhuhai drive
• Shenzhen to Nha Trang drive
• Shenzhen to Chengdu drive
• Shenzhen to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Shenzhen to Guilin drive
• Shenzhen to Suzhou drive
• Shenzhen to Sanya drive
• Shenzhen to Hua Hin drive
• Shenzhen to Chiang Rai drive
• Shenzhen to Ninh Binh drive
• Shenzhen to Nanjing drive
• Shenzhen to Vientiane drive

Explore nearby places

• Boluo County
• Huidong County
• Longmen County
• Haifeng County
• Dongyuan County
• Fogang County
• Zijin County
• Xinfeng County
• Qingxin County

All related maps of Shenzhen

• Map of Shenzhen
• Map of Hong Kong
• Map of Zhuhai
• Map of Dongguan
• Map of Macau
• Map of Zhongshan
• Map of Huizhou
• Map of Boluo County
• Map of Huidong County
• Map of Zengcheng
• Map of Jiangmen
• Map of Guangzhou
• Map of Foshan
• Map of Heshan
• Map of Conghua
• Map of Longmen County
• Map of Taishan
• Map of Shanwei
• Map of Haifeng County
• Map of Kaiping
• Map of Heyuan
• Map of Dongyuan County
• Map of Fogang County
• Map of Sihui
• Map of Qingyuan
• Map of Zijin County
• Map of Lufeng
• Map of Xinfeng County
• Map of Qingxin County
• Map of Gaoyao
• Map of Zhaoqing

Shenzhen throughout the year

• Shenzhen in January
• Shenzhen in February
• Shenzhen in March
• Shenzhen in April
• Shenzhen in May
• Shenzhen in June
• Shenzhen in July
• Shenzhen in August
• Shenzhen in September
• Shenzhen in October
• Shenzhen in November
• Shenzhen in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Shenzhen?

Get inspired for your trip to Shenzhen with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Shenzhen Itinerary
• 2-Day Shenzhen Itinerary
• 3-Day Shenzhen Itinerary
• 4-Day Shenzhen Itinerary
• 5-Day Shenzhen Itinerary

Best arts and culture in nearby cities

• The best places to visit for arts and culture in Hong Kong
• The best places to visit for arts and culture in Guangzhou
• The best places to visit for arts and culture in Macau

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Guangzhou
• Top things to do and attractions in Dongguan
• Top things to do and attractions in Foshan
• Top things to do and attractions in Zhuhai

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Guangzhou
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Dongguan
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Foshan
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Zhongshan

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Your Best Guide to China

Visiting China soon? Start here

• Best China VPN
• Chinese culture
• Banned apps
• Apps in China
• Love in China
• Teach in China
• Provinces and regions
• Special offers
• 6 steps to get started
• Best places to visit in China
• What to bring to China
• What not to bring to China
• China packing list
• Tips for your first trip
• Tips for solo travel

Top 16 do’s and don’ts of texting Chinese girls

Best time to visit the Great Wall of China (2024)

What are the main differences between China and Taiwan?

• Travel agencies
• Learn Chinese in China
• Learn Chinese online
• Study programs
• Internships
• Recruitment agencies
• Teacher recruitment agencies
• TEFL courses
• Volunteer programs
• Dating sites
• Travel insurance

Select Page

Shenzhen Travel Guide

South China

Welcome to Shenzhen!

Remarkably safe, innovative, and exciting, Shenzhen is located in Guangdong province and adjacent to Hong Kong. It’s one of the biggest and most liveable cities in China. This is quite a change from its humble beginnings as a small seaside town.

• Things to do
• Where to eat
• Where to stay
• Around Shenzhen

Shenzhen was made a special economic zone in 1979. This meant it was open to foreign business, and the city has expanded and thrived since then. Migrants from all over China moved to Shenzhen looking for work and to make money.

The city is connected to Hong Kong by bullet train, and a trip to Kowloon takes just 19 minutes! This makes it a popular day trip for tourists short on time.

Shenzhen now has 10 districts . Filled with tech companies, global corporations, and creatives, the city has a reputation for being free-spirited and on the cutting edge of modern life.

It also has a thriving arts, music and cultural scene, as well as great food and shopping.

Shenzhen is big, modern and booming. Image by Charlottees on Pixabay.

The city is increasingly known for its modern art. Image by Minator Yang on Unsplash.

The tourist experience in Shenzhen

Shenzhen has become a city of over 10 million people in just a few decades.

Because of this population explosion, many of the city’s historical landmarks were knocked down to make way for towering skyscrapers. You won’t get the same cultural smack in the face here as you would in Beijing .

However, Shenzhen makes up for this with lots of modern attractions like amusement parks and shopping centers. It also has some good beaches if you want to catch some waves or sun.

A ride at Happy Valley Amusement Park. Image by Victor Jiang on Shutterstock.

You’ll find more English in Shenzhen than in other Chinese cities, mostly because it gets so many foreigners. Recently, the Chinese government has also started to use English on street signs and other key places around the city.

This makes navigating Shenzhen easy for tourists. However, the level of English among the locals still varies wildly, so you should still have your hotel name written in Chinese characters on your phone in case you get lost.

Things to do in Shenzhen

Shenzhen has some great attractions to keep people of all ages busy.

Just keep in mind that Shenzhen is situated in the tropical south of China. The city gets particularly muggy in the middle of the year, and you’re going to sweat if you do lots of walking.

1. Visit OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

Get cultural at OCT Loft. Image by K.Shun on Shutterstock.

A lot of people think of Shenzhen as a tech and economic hub, rich and innovative, but hardly creative. But this line of thinking is in error. Shenzhen is actually almost as famous for its creative spirit and is fast becoming the creative capital of China.

You can experience this heart at the OCT Loft Creative Culture Park . Inside it, you’ll find an amazing collection of bookstores, art galleries, live music venues, bars, and quirky coffee shops.

Wandering around the massive complex is a great way to spend an afternoon, or even a couple of days!

2. Hike the Nanshan Mountains

Nanshan Mountain is close to the city. Image by HelloRF Zcool on Shutterstock.

Even if you enjoy cities, it can be nice to get out of them and get back to nature. The Nanshan Mountains are just 30 minutes from the center of Shenzhen and offer a moderate hike up to the summit and some beautiful views.

On a clear day, you can even see Hong Kong’s skyline with the help of some binoculars.

Despite its close proximity to downtown Shenzhen, the mountains feel like a tranquil retreat away from the noise and bustle and are a must-see in the city.

3. Eat, shop and dine at Sea World

Chill out at Sea World. Image supplied by Olivia Seaton-Hill.

If you have a little extra money to spend and want to get out of the sultry weather, an afternoon at Sea World is the perfect antidote.

But this isn’t an amusement park. It’s a high-end entertainment area in the Westernized Shekou District , just a stone’s throw from Nanshan Mountain.

Here, you’ll find international restaurants, high-class hotels, parks and shopping malls.

And just a short stroll from Sea World is Keg Room, a Western bar that focuses on Chinese craft beer .

4. Look through the Window of the World

Window of the World metro station. Image by Dann19L on Shutterstock.

Window of the World is a theme park that pays tribute to 130 global attractions.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower and other attractions in miniature and as the locals think of them is truly an unusual experience.

It’s one of those only-in-China experiences that you just have to do!

5. Explore Shenzhen Museum

If you want to learn more about how Shenzhen became the way it is, then visit the Shenzhen Museum.

With exhibits stretching back to prehistoric times, the museum explores the history of human habitation in the region.

You can also learn more about how Shenzhen has changed over the last 40 years since it became a special economic zone and opened to the rest of the world. It’s amazing to watch how rapidly Shenzhen changed with this outside influence.

6. Wander around Nantou Ancient Village

Temple gates at Nantou. Image by Victor Jiang on Shutterstock.

Although Nantou is not actually an ancient village, it’s still worth checking out.

Once filled with alleyways of ramshackle homes, the area has recently been rejuvenated. It now has trendy coffee shops, local artists and creatives of all types.

Walk through the ruins of the city’s gates and find plaques providing a bit of information about the origins and history of Nantou.

You can really see the blend of old meets new among the cobbled streets and edgy window displays.

7. Visit Dafen Oil Painting Village

Visit Dafen if you like reproduction art. Image supplied by Olivia Seaton-Hill.

Over the years, Shenzhen has expanded and swallowed up the small villages that were once laid out around it.

Many of these villages have disappeared into the steel of the city, but some are still distinct and fascinating areas.

Dafen Oil Painting Village is one of the most creative parts of the city. Around 60% of the oil paintings in the Chinese market comes from this village and it’s filled with creatives of all kinds.

Wander the streets, watch the painters, or even try your hand at creating a work of art yourself while you’re there.

8. Check out Huaqiangbei Electronics Market

The Huaqiangbei pedestrian area. Image by JoeyCheung on Shutterstock.

Visit the world’s biggest electronics market, Huaqiangbei Electronics Market , in the city’s Futian District.

You can buy all sorts of things from earphones and cell phones to drones and security systems. Be cautious when making any big purchases though because the market does have fakes.

Bartering is perfectly acceptable at Huaqiangbei, but you’ll get what you pay for. A super-low cost is a good indicator that the item you’re buying isn’t genuine.

The easiest way to get there is to take Metro line 2 or 7 to Huaqiang North station, or line 1 to Huaqiang Road station. From either of these stops, Shenzhen’s tech paradise is just a short walk away.

Want more ideas on things to do in this mega-city? Take a read of the popular Shenzhen travel blog, 10 things to do in Shenzhen .

Where to eat in Shenzhen

Although Shenzhen isn’t as famous for its food as cities like Hong Kong, it does boast food from all over China.

Shenzhen has a large number of migrants from all over China, most of whom brought their food traditions to their new city. So, you can expect to eat a huge range of cuisines from within China and from other countries while you’re visiting Shenzhen.

Be prepared to put on some weight while you’re visiting, and don’t worry about it until you get home!

Dim sum is big in Shenzhen. Image by StrippedPixel.com on Shutterstock.

Locals get their food delivered via apps. Image by Enxyclo Digital Agency on Unsplash.

Ba Shu Feng 巴蜀风

This restaurant is truly legendary in the city. It has recently moved to the basement of a shopping mall and offers everything from mild dishes to food that will burn your tongue, your throat, and probably everything else as well.

Expect queues, as it’s popular with the locals, but it’s worth the wait.

Address: 181 Fenghuang Rd, HuangBeiLing, Luohu Qu

Phoenix House 凤凰楼

If you like dim sum, then try the offerings at Phoenix. One of the most popular Cantonese restaurants in Shenzhen, it offers a huge range of delectable dim sum.

Cheap and cheerful, it gets crowded, so expect a lot of noise as well as a delicious meal.

Address: 4002 Huaqiang Beilu, East Wing, Pavilion Hotel

Zhuo Yue Xuan

Sometimes it’s nice to spend a little extra money on a meal and this restaurant is a good place to do it.

Serving award-winning Cantonese cuisine in elegant, refined surroundings, the chef cooks up innovative versions of traditional dishes. It also has facilities for business dinners and private functions.

Address: Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, 138 Fuhua San Road Futian District

The Kitchen

If you’ve been traveling too long and need a familiar meal, then head over to the Kitchen. Famous among expats for its tasty Western dishes at good prices, it’s a no-frills restaurant with good service and food. You’ll find everything from pizza and burgers to Tex Mex on the menu.

It will also be full of other travelers and expats looking for a taste of home, so make sure that you swap some stories while you’re there.

Address: 144 Min Tian Road, Futian, CoCo Park Entertainment District

The best food markets in Shenzhen

Shenzhen doesn’t have as many traditional markets as other Chinese cities, but it does have a flourishing street food scene if you know where to go.

This market is for anyone who wants to eat strange food on sticks, grilled meats of all kinds, stinky tofu, and shellfish. You can also buy random goods and will enjoy the friendly, delicious smelling atmosphere.

Address: Yongxin Lu, Luohu District 罗湖区永新路

Dongmen is popular and always busy. Image by Dann19L on Shutterstock.

This area was booming until COVID-19 took its toll. The alleyways are now empty and few shops have managed to stay open.

Hopefully this will change though, and the once-flourishing street food scene just north of Jiangnan Supermarket swings back into gear.

Address: Jiangnan Supermarket, 92 Shahe Jie, Nanshan District 南山区沙河街92号江南百货

Baishizhou has a good vibe. Image by Stefano Zaccaria on Shutterstock.

Huaqiangbei

This area is filled with restaurants and shops as well as small street food stalls. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many street food vendors as there used to be, but what’s there is first rate and worth trying.

Particularly good is the ‘chang fen’ (rice noodle roll), the Guangdong region’s trademark breakfast food.

Address: Zhonghang Lu, Futian District 福田区中航路

Where to stay in Shenzhen

As a popular tourist city, there are lots of great Shenzhen accommodation options. No matter your budget or taste, you should be able to find somewhere comfortable.

Located close to the Creative Culture Park, the Shenzhen LOFT Youth Hostel is a great choice if you’re on a budget but want to be close to the city’s creative heart.

The hostel is located in an older building once created for workers and the builder kept the older architectural features while adding modern amenities. Close to transport options, this hostel prides itself on fostering cultural understanding as well as environmental and social awareness.

The Shenzhen Shekou No.6 Garden Hotel is just a few minutes walk from Sea World, the famous shopping area, as well as public transport. It offers bright, cheerful rooms with wood furnishings and seating areas.

There’s also a café on site offering Western food in case you need a comforting meal while you’re in the city.

For real luxury while in Shenzhen, why not stay at the Park Hyatt Shenzhen ?

Located in the city’s Futian District, the hotel features a stunning swimming pool with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the CBD, as well as a spa where you can enjoy a signature Chinese massage .

This hotel is also close to local attractions and transport options, making it convenient as well as elegantly comfortable.

Transport in Shenzhen

Like most Chinese cities, transport in Shenzhen is fast, modern and convenient, but often crowded, so avoid traveling where possible in peak hours.

Shenzhen Airlines is the local airline. Image by Wangkun Jia on Shutterstock.

Shenzhen’s sleekly modern airport is known as Shenzhen Bao’an Airport (SZX) .

It connects Shenzhen with most of the larger cities around China as well as international cities like Singapore, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur.

Shenzhen’s airport is around 20 miles from the city’s downtown area, and you can easily reach it using the shuttle or airport bus.

High speed rail

Shenzhen benefits from the high-speed rail system that China is famous for. This city is one of the most important transportation hubs in south China, and has several big lines crossing through it.

You can take a high-speed train from Shenzhen to almost any city in mainland China and to Hong Kong as well.

There are several big stations in the city and the trains are fairly reasonably priced, though more expensive than the long-distance buses.

Long distance bus

The long-distance buses in Shenzhen are cheaper than the trains but they’re also slower and they don’t run as efficiently, so don’t be surprised if they’re late.

There are more than 40 bus stations in Shenzhen and the buses travel to most major cities in Guangdong province.

Shenzhen Metro

The Metro is quick and efficient. Image by Andy Leung on Pixabay.

Shenzhen’s subway system is extensive, easy to use, and cost effective. Tickets range between 2 and 11 RMB and the trains are safe and punctual.

You can buy a ticket for the trains at the bilingual machines located at the stations or use a Shenzhen public transport card, which you can get from vending machines at the station. You can find out more on the official Shenzhen Metro website .

If you have a few extra minutes to read, check out Fiona’s stressful experience navigating the Shenzhen Metro and border crossing .

The city’s local buses. Image by Enxyclo Digital Agency on Unsplash.

Shenzhen’s bus system is cheap, convenient, and the buses go everywhere. However, the schedules are mostly written in Chinese, so you will need your smartphone to get around.

You can pay using WeChat or with cash, though remember that there is no change given on the buses.

Taxis and rideshare

Taxis are plentiful in Shenzhen, but the roads can get extremely crowded. At the moment, there are different colored taxis for different parts of the city. However, in the near future all of the taxis will be blue electric cars.

Taxis are fairly cheap in Shenzhen and you will need to pay through WeChat or Alipay. If you don’t have either of these, you can pay with cash, but you will need to let the driver know before you get into the cab.

There are also thousands of Didi and other rideshare drivers across the city. Just remember that drivers may not speak a lot of English, so be prepared to use the app to communicate and translate.

Learn more about the popular apps used in China .

Traveling outside Shenzhen

While you’re in Shenzhen, take the chance to travel to some of these amazing areas.

HK is a stone’s throw from Shenzhen. Image by Marci Marc on Pixabay.

Traveling to Hong Kong while you’re in Shenzhen should be a no-brainer. It’s just 20 minutes away by train and is one of the food, shopping, and business capitals of the world.

Hong Kong is also very foreigner friendly, with lots of English everywhere, so if you need to visit a place that feels a little more familiar, give it a try.

Be aware that Hong Kong doesn’t use the same currency as the rest of China, so be prepared to convert your money. And if you have the time, take the ferry over to Macau for a whole new culture and cuisine, and even some gambling (which is banned on the mainland).

Read more in our Hong Kong travel guide .

Just over two hours from Shenzhen by car is Zhuhai. This city is another special economic zone, and it boasts great coastlines, golf courses, parks and wetlands.

There are also lots of tropical islands within reach of Zhuhai, which are ideal if you’re into exploring, hiking, or even just laying on the beach.

If you want to visit Hong Kong but are worried about the cost, Zhuhai is a good alternative.

Guangzhou Opera House. Image by GuoZhongHua on Shutterstock.

Guangzhou is the third largest city in China and is just under two hours from Shenzhen by train, so would make for a good day trip or weekend away.

Book a show at the Guangzhou Opera House or take the kids to Chimelong Tourist Resort, a huge theme park.

Read more in our Guangzhou travel guide .

Blogs about Shenzhen

Read our collection of Shenzhen travel blog articles.

Shenzhen expat, Olivia Seaton-Hill , has written some incredible blogs about the city to help you fall in love with it.

Here are some of the most popular:

• The best things to do in Shenzhen
• What it’s like living in Shenzhen
• Discover each of the Shenzhen districts
• A dive into the best beaches in Shenzhen

Sign up to our monthly newsletter below so you never miss a Shenzhen travel blog.

Videos about Shenzhen

Get a visual taste of the city before you visit!

Here’s a great close-up of the street food in Shenzhen, including the Dongmen and Baishizhou areas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IVB2SueYMA Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Street Food in China – Shenzhen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IVB2SueYMA)

And if you’re into history, learn how the city transformed in just 40 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srnGktWa3Hw Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: From backwater to big city: Shenzhen's transformation through reform and opening up (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srnGktWa3Hw)

Need help with your travel bookings?

Going on a tour in China is a great idea, especially if you can’t speak Mandarin.

You can refer to this list of China travel agencies who can help put a plan together for you.

Or, to book your own flights, tours and hotels, we recommend Trip for amazing choice and value. Trip is one of the leading travel companies in China.

Don’t forget…

It’s easy to forget a thing or two before you head to China.

So, here are some reminders for you:

• The right visa – if you’re only staying for a quick trip, you may be eligible for visa-free travel .
• Cash or Alipay – your credit card may not be accepted, so bring yuan or use Alipay .
• VPN app – if you want access to all your favorite websites and apps in China, you’ll need to download a China VPN before you leave your country.

Have a wonderful time in Shenzhen. And don’t forget your VPN!

Want more helpful information about China?

Then hop on the newsletter!

One more step: You must click the link in the email we just sent you to confirm your email address.

Questions and comments.

Let’s chat about Shenzhen!

We welcome relevant and respectful dialogue. See our terms for our comment policy.

HELPFUL ARTICLES

10 (million) things to do in Shenzhen

Experience Shekou, Shenzhen’s mini paradise

Craft beer in China

Navigating the Shenzhen border and Shenzhen Metro (my story)

Page last updated 8 April 2023. Main image credit: Baiting on Pixabay. Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms  for more info.

Explore China

Do you want to build your career in China?

Our writers have all experienced China in person. Support them by subscribing to the free monthly newsletter about visiting China.

Cities near Shenzhen

These are straight line distances in a radius around Shenzhen, suitable for a day trip or a short weekend trip within roughly 280 km. You can also explore cities near Hong Kong or cities near Guangzhou . There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius.

Things to do near Shenzhen

Places to eat near shenzhen, places to stay near shenzhen, cities near.

Planning a short road trip to a new destination that's within driving distance for the weekend? Try adjusting the distance in kilometers, results will vary depending on the distance or time.

Radius from Shenzhen

50 km from Shenzhen 100 km from Shenzhen 200 km from Shenzhen 300 km from Shenzhen 400 km from Shenzhen 500 km from Shenzhen 600 km from Shenzhen 700 km from Shenzhen 1 hour from Shenzhen 2 hours from Shenzhen 3 hours from Shenzhen 4 hours from Shenzhen 5 hours from Shenzhen 6 hours from Shenzhen 7 hours from Shenzhen 8 hours from Shenzhen