Shenzhen, China Travel Guide: Things to Do & Travel Tips

Located in southern China, right next to Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a relatively young city by Chinese standards.

It was designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1980, and its transformation from a small market town into a major global technology and manufacturing hub has been extraordinary.

But Shenzhen isn’t just skyscrapers and tech companies.

I spent my time in Shenzhen exploring a mix of different sides of the city, and while I was definitely expecting to see the shiny modern Shenzhen, some of the older and quirkier parts ended up being just as interesting.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s my complete Shenzhen travel guide, including the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and practical tips for first-time visitors.

Best time to visit Shenzhen

Shenzhen has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters.

For sightseeing, October through April is generally more comfortable than the hottest and wettest months. I visited in late May and it was still pleasant to walk outside.

Summer can be very hot and humid, and Shenzhen is also affected by tropical storms and typhoons.

If you’re visiting during the wetter months, keep an eye on the forecast, particularly if you have outdoor activities or coastal areas on your itinerary.

I wouldn’t completely rule out summer, though. Shenzhen has plenty of indoor attractions, shopping malls, museums, restaurants, and entertainment options.

How to get to Shenzhen

Shenzhen is one of the easiest cities in southern China to reach, whether you’re arriving from elsewhere in China or traveling from neighboring Hong Kong or Macau.

By plane

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) has direct domestic and international flights, making it easy to reach from major cities across China as well as destinations around Asia and beyond.

From the airport, you can take Metro Line 11 directly into the city, or use a taxi or DiDi if you have a lot of luggage.

By train

Shenzhen is a major railway hub with high-speed train connections to cities across China, including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Changsha, Shanghai, and many others.

The city has several major stations, including Shenzhen North, Futian, Shenzhen Railway Station (Luohu), Shenzhen East, and Shenzhen West so check which station your train arrives at before booking your accommodation.

From Hong Kong and Macau

If you’re already traveling around the Greater Bay Area, you can also get to Shenzhen directly from Hong Kong and Macau.

➤ From Hong Kong, you can take the high-speed train, cross-border bus, or ferry.

The high-speed train is usually the fastest option, with trains from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Futian taking as little as around 14 minutes.

Ferries connect Hong Kong with Shenzhen’s Shekou Port, while cross-border buses operate through several land checkpoints.

➤ From Macau, you can take a direct ferry to Shenzhen.

Whichever route you take, remember that Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration systems from mainland China, so you’ll need to go through immigration when entering Shenzhen.

If you’re short on time or if you prefer not to navigate the border crossings and transportation yourself, private day tours from Hong Kong to Shenzhen are also available.

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How to get around Shenzhen

➤ Shenzhen Metro

The Shenzhen Metro is probably the easiest way for most travelers to get around.

I got around Shenzhen entirely by metro and didn’t need any other form of transportation. The network is extensive enough that all the places I visited were easy to reach.

Payment has also become much easier for international visitors. When I visited, I used cash, Visa, and Alipay for getting around, and there was also a three-day metro pass available.

Metro stations and trains generally provide English signage and announcements.

➤ DiDi

For places that are inconvenient by metro, or if you’re traveling with luggage DiDi is incredibly useful.

It’s essentially China’s answer to Uber and is widely used for getting around the city. You can access DiDi through its own app and through Alipay.

➤ Taxis

Regular taxis are also available, but the language barrier can make them slightly less convenient for foreign visitors.

I’d recommend keeping your destination written in Chinese on your phone.

Things to do in Shenzhen

1. Visit Dafen Oil Painting Village

And when I say major, I mean major.

Current information says Dafen has more than 1,800 galleries and art organizations, with around 8,000 people working in the oil painting industry there.

At its peak, Dafen was responsible for an enormous share of China’s commercial oil painting production, with paintings exported around the world.

Today, Dafen is evolving beyond simply reproducing paintings for export. You’ll find galleries, studios, original works, contemporary art spaces, workshops, and the Dafen Art Museum.

And yes, you can buy paintings here (they’re incredibly affordable) or even take a painting workshop.

This was one of the things I did in Shenzhen, and you absolutely do not need to be an artist to try it.

The teacher guided me through the whole process step by step, so it’s suitable even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush beyond primary school art class.

Once you’re finished, you can either leave your painting there for people to laugh at admire or take it home with you.

For me, this was much more memorable than simply walking around because I actually got to participate in Dafen’s art culture (even though my artistic skills left a lot to be desired).

If you’re interested in the history and development of Dafen, make time for the Dafen Art Museum.

Dafen is accessible via Dafen Station on Metro Line 3.

2. See Ping An Finance Center

At 599.1 meters tall, Ping An Finance Center is the tallest building in Shenzhen, the second tallest in China, and one of the five tallest in the world.

You can visit the observation deck for panoramic views of Shenzhen, but I decided to admire the building from ground level instead.

The building is also a useful symbol of Shenzhen’s transformation.

This is a city that has gone from a relatively modest market town to one of China’s major financial and technology centers within just a few decades.

3. Explore the Civic Center and the rest of Futian CBD

Futian CBD is probably the area that most strongly reinforces Shenzhen’s reputation as a futuristic city.

Apart from Ping An Finance Center, Futian CBD is home to the Civic Center, Shenzhen Library, Shenzhen Concert Hall, Shenzhen Book City, and a cluster of surrounding skyscrapers, all forming a huge modern urban complex.

4. See Shenzhen’s skyline from Lianhua Hill Park

One of the best places to get a sense of Shenzhen’s scale is Lianhua Hill (Lianhuashan) Park.

The park sits in central Futian and has a viewpoint overlooking the city’s CBD. From the top, you get a great view of the futuristic skyline, including the distinctive Ping An Finance Center.

What makes it most interesting is the contrast between the leafy park and the modern urban landscapes.

5. Explore OCT-LOFT and the OCT area

Shenzhen has a strong creative identity. The city was designated a UNESCO City of Design, and the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) area is among Shenzhen’s distinctive cultural blocks.

One of the places worth checking out is OCT-LOFT, a creative district built around converted industrial spaces, with galleries, design studios, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues.

I also visited OCT Harbor, a large entertainment and leisure complex built around a man-made lake. It’s especially pleasant toward evening when the lights start coming on.

One of the attractions here is the nighttime water show, which combines synchronized fountains with lasers, projection effects, and music.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t very good when I visited, so I didn’t stay for the show.

6. Eat your way through Dongmen

Dongmen Old Street is one of the best places to see the older side of Shenzhen, with a market that dates back to the Ming Dynasty.

Over time, what began as a rural market developed into the city’s earliest major commercial district.

Now, it’s packed with shops, restaurants, street food, malls, and snack stalls, making it a great place to try local snacks and casual Chinese food.

7. Check out Chinese tech brands

Shenzhen is often described as China’s technology capital, and you’ll see plenty of evidence of that around the city.

The city is closely associated with major Chinese technology companies including Huawei, Tencent, DJI, and Xiaomi, among many others.

This makes Shenzhen an interesting destination if you’re interested in technology and consumer electronics.

If you’re particularly interested in electronics, head to Huaqiangbei, one of the world’s best-known electronics markets.

The area is famous for electronics, components, gadgets, accessories, phones, cameras, and just about every tiny piece of technology you didn’t realize existed until five minutes ago.

If you’re buying, do your homework first. Prices, warranties, product specifications, and whether something is intended for the Chinese or international market can vary.

8. Explore Shekou and Sea World

Shekou is another side of Shenzhen that can feel completely different from the CBD.

The Sea World area revolves around the former Minghua cruise ship and has restaurants, bars, shops, public spaces, and nightlife.

The area is also home to the Sea World Culture and Arts Center, designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki.

9. Wander around Nantou Ancient Town

Nantou Ancient Town, also known as Xin’an Ancient Town, dates back centuries and contains historic buildings, temples, and remnants of Shenzhen’s older urban landscape.

The Shenzhen government dates the town’s construction to 1394 and describes it as a former administrative and military center in the region.

The historic area has been renovated and now mixes old buildings with restaurants, shops, creative spaces, and contemporary businesses.

Other places to visit in Shenzhen

If you have more time, Shenzhen has plenty of other places to explore.

• Wutong Mountain: Shenzhen’s highest peak at 943.7 meters, with several hiking routes and views toward Dapeng Bay and Hong Kong.
• Yangtai Mountain: A greener, more relaxed hiking option with forest, streams, and reservoirs.
• Tanglang Mountain Country Park: A convenient hiking spot in Nanshan if you don’t want to venture too far from the city center.
• Qiniang Mountain: Shenzhen’s second-highest mountain, located on Dapeng Peninsula and offering a combination of mountain and coastal scenery.

And yes, Shenzhen has beaches too:

• Dameisha Beach: One of Shenzhen’s easiest beaches to reach, with its own Metro Line 8 station.
• Xiaomeisha Beach: Another popular beach near Dameisha, connected by the Yantian Coastal Plank Road.
• Xichong & Dongchong Beaches: More scenic and outdoorsy options on Dapeng Peninsula, with hiking trails connecting the two beaches.

If you’re traveling with kids, or simply enjoy a bit of kitsch:

• Window of the World: A kitschy but fun theme park featuring miniature versions of famous landmarks from around the world.
• Splendid China: A theme park featuring miniature versions of famous Chinese landmarks and cultural performances.

What to eat in Shenzhen

You’ll also find Chaoshan cuisine, Sichuan food, Hunan dishes, hot pot, noodles from northern China, and plenty of regional specialties brought to Shenzhen by migrants from across the country.

For a first-time visitor, Dongmen is a good place to sample snacks and casual food without committing to one giant meal.

And if you like bubble tea, Shenzhen has no shortage of options. I even stopped by HEYTEA Lab during my OCT Harbour visit.

How many days do you need in Shenzhen?

I’d recommend at least 2 to 3 days in Shenzhen for a first visit.

Two days is enough to see some of the major highlights. Three days gives you more time to explore beyond the obvious attractions.

If you have four or five days, you can venture farther out to places such as Dapeng Peninsula, Dapeng Fortress, Gankeng Hakka Town, or some of Shenzhen’s coastal areas.

Suggested 3-day Shenzhen itinerary

Day 1

If you want to follow an itinerary similar to mine, you could start with Dafen Oil Painting Village in the morning while you have plenty of time to browse the galleries or take a painting workshop.

Next, head toward Futian for Ping An Finance Center and lunch (I had mine at COCO Park Mall), then spend the afternoon around the OCT area.

Finish your day at Dongmen Pedestrian Street for shopping and street food.

Day 2

Explore Shenzhen’s modern and creative side. Visit the Civic Center and Lianhua Hill Park, then continue to Huaqiangbei for electronics and technology.

In the evening, head to Shekou and Sea World.

Day 3

Choose based on your interests. History lovers can visit Nantou Ancient Town or Dapeng Fortress.

Art lovers can spend more time around Dafen or visit other galleries and creative spaces. If you want nature, head toward Dapeng Peninsula or Shenzhen Bay.

Where to stay in Shengzhen

For my trip, I stayed at Colour Inn Shenzhen Dongmen Branch, a budget hotel near Dongmen Pedestrian Street.

The room was compact, but it was clean and comfortable, which was really all I needed.

The location was particularly convenient, with Dongmen Pedestrian Street and metro stations within walking distance.

👉 Futian is one of the best areas to stay if you want to be near Shenzhen’s modern CBD, major shopping malls, parks, and attractions such as the Civic Center and Ping An Finance Center.

👉 Nanshan is another good choice, particularly if you’re interested in OCT, Nantou Ancient Town, Shekou, Sea World, and Shenzhen’s technology and creative districts.

👉 Luohu, where I stayed, is convenient if you’re interested in Dongmen, Huaqiangbei, or traveling between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

FAQs

Is Shenzhen good for tourists?

Yes. Shenzhen may be known as a business and tech city, but its modern identity is exactly what makes it interesting.

It’s best for travelers interested in modern architecture, technology, shopping, food, art, and contemporary Chinese culture.

Shenzhen also works particularly well as part of a bigger southern China trip. You can combine it with Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau, or other destinations in the Greater Bay Area.

Is Shenzhen good for solo travelers?

Yes.

The city is modern, well connected, and relatively straightforward to navigate.

Like in many other places in China, the biggest challenge for many foreign visitors is likely to be the language barrier.

As a solo traveler, I’d stay somewhere with convenient Metro access and keep your hotel address in Chinese on your phone.

Is Shenzhen safe?

Shenzhen is generally considered a safe city for tourists.

But as with any major city, use normal precautions with your belongings, especially in crowded transport hubs, shopping areas, and tourist attractions.

Is Shenzhen expensive?

Honestly, even by my Southeast Asian standards, I found Shenzhen very affordable.

In my experience, it wasn’t noticeably more expensive than other major cities in China, and if it is, I would say the difference is marginal.

This was especially obvious because I visited Shenzhen as part of a three-city trip that included Hong Kong and Macau. Of the three, Shenzhen was easily the cheapest by a pretty large margin.

Accommodation, food, public transportation, and everyday expenses all felt very reasonable. You can eat at local restaurants without spending much, the Metro is inexpensive, and there are plenty of things to do that are free or cost very little.

How do you pay for things in Shenzhen?

China is heavily reliant on mobile payments, and Shenzhen is about as digital as it gets.

Foreign visitors can link international bank cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay and use them for everyday purchases, including food and transportation.

For a more detailed breakdown of payment apps, internet access, transportation, and other things you should know before visiting China, check out my China Survival Guide.

Is Shenzhen easy to visit from Hong Kong?

Yes. Shenzhen is directly connected to Hong Kong by bus, high-speed rail, and ferry, making it one of the easiest mainland Chinese cities to add to a Hong Kong itinerary.

Is Shenzhen worth visiting from Hong Kong?

Definitely, especially if you’re interested in seeing a very different side of southern China. They’re very different despite being connected geographically and economically.

Shenzhen can be visited as a day trip, although I’d personally recommend staying at least one or two nights if your schedule allows.

What languages are spoken in Shenzhen?

Mandarin is the main language you’ll encounter in Shenzhen.

You may also hear Cantonese because Shenzhen is part of Guangdong and sits directly next to Hong Kong, but Mandarin works perfectly well for most travel situations.

English is less reliable outside major hotels, airports, international businesses, and tourist-oriented attractions.

Translation apps are therefore extremely useful.

Additional tips for first-time visitors

• The biggest mistake you can make in Shenzhen is underestimating its size. When planning your itinerary, group attractions by neighborhood.
• If you have limited time, don’t try to see everything. Shenzhen is better experienced as a city than as a checklist of attractions.
• Shenzhen has several major train stations, and they aren’t necessarily close to each other. So double-check your departure station before booking your ticket.
• Keep an eye on your power bank. China’s transportation rules around portable batteries have become increasingly strict, particularly for domestic air travel. Check the latest airline and airport guidance before flying.
• Set up your payment apps before arriving.
• Save important addresses in Chinese.
• Download whatever maps and translation tools you plan to use.

For a more in-depth look at payment apps, internet access, transportation, and other practical tips for traveling in China, check out my China Survival Guide.

Final thoughts on Shenzhen

It’s also a fascinating place to add to a longer China itinerary because it gives you a completely different perspective from destinations such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, or Yunnan.

Shenzhen may not have the ancient palaces and temples that make those other cities famous, but it offers something else: a front-row seat to one of the world’s most dramatic urban transformations.