# Shenzhen travel guide (深圳) Guangdong Province · South China, China · 14 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/guangdong/shenzhen ## Quick itinerary - **Day 1:** Dameisha/Xiaomeisha → OCT East → Rose Coast → Guanhu Village (accommodation) - **Day 2:** Dapeng Fortress → Nan'ao Island → Dongchong and Xichong/Yangmeikeng → Sanmen Island - **Day 3:** Sino-British Street → Fairy Lake Botanical Garden → Dafen Oil Painting Village → Di Wang Sightseeing - **Day 4:** Splendid China Folk Village → Window of the World → Holland Flower Town ## The feel of the place - **Immigrant City:** Shenzhen is one of China's earliest special economic zones opened under reform and opening-up. In just over 40 years, it has transformed from a closed and backward fishing village into the international metropolis it is today, and its development is breathtaking. On Shenzhen's streets you hear less Cantonese than Mandarin laced with accents from all corners of the country, which makes the city feel like a miniature China. If you visit during the Spring Festival, however, you may find it very frustrating, because taxis are hard to hail on the street as most drivers have gone home for the New Year. - **Shennan Avenue:** Shennan Avenue runs across the whole city of Shenzhen and is nearly 40 km long. The road is very clean, with half the carriageway shaded by greenery, and green spaces cover 40% of the city's land along the route. Lining both sides of the street are rows of striking, modern skyscrapers. Touring Shenzhen is a real pleasure, and even a casual stroll along its streets, with a light breeze, is delightful. - **The Shenzhen Speed:** Whether they are white-collar workers in upscale office towers or ordinary wage earners and migrant workers in every corner of the city, everyone feels Shenzhen's fast pace. Skyscrapers rise everywhere and people hurry through them, seemingly all focused on maximising economic returns: driving fast, eating fast, walking fast. Time is the greatest wealth, and the commercial atmosphere is strong. As the shining star of the special economic zones, Shenzhen's fast pace is its greatest hallmark and an important reason for its rapid development, and everyone who spends time here experiences it firsthand. ## The feel of the place ### Preparation & Information ### Language Mandarin is the main language. ### Climate & Best Time to Visit Shenzhen has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an annual average temperature of 23.25℃. Summer lasts as long as six months. From late October to mid-April of the following year, autumn and spring blend together, with no true winter. Shenzhen can be visited in any season, but August and September are the best months. ## Getting there & around ### Getting There Shenzhen is one of the country's major economic hotspots. Its land, sea and air transport network is comprehensive. Thanks to its natural proximity to Hong Kong and Macau, it has long played a very important role in cooperation with both. ### By Air Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is located in Bao'an District, about 35 km from the city centre. It has flights to more than 60 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Urumqi, Shenyang and Dalian, and international routes to Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta and Luxembourg. ### Airport Shuttle Bus Route 330 is a dedicated airport shuttle bus to the city centre, running every 15–20 minutes. The journey takes 40 minutes and the fare is ¥20 per person. ### By Rail The Da Jingjiu (Greater Beijing–Kowloon) and the Jingguang and Guangjiu (Beijing–Guangzhou and Guangzhou–Kowloon) main railway lines converge in Shenzhen and connect it to Hong Kong, integrating the mainland and Hong Kong. Rail travel is therefore very convenient. ### High-Speed Rail Shenzhen currently has four high-speed rail lines: the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express (Guangzhou–Shenzhen section), the Wuhan–Guangzhou HSR, the Wuhan–Shenzhen HSR and the Xiamen–Shenzhen HSR. From Shenzhen you can take high-speed trains direct to Guangzhou, Changsha, Wuhan and Xiamen, and you can also reach Hengyang, Yueyang, Chibi and Chaoshan. ### By Road Shenzhen has several long-distance bus stations, including Luohu, Yinhu, Futian, Donghu, Nantou and Shatoujiao. Daily coaches run to cities across Guangdong and to Hainan, Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hubei and Zhejiang. ### By Sea There are six water ports, including Yantian, Shekou and Chiwan. Shekou Passenger Port is located at the junction of Shekou Port–Macau Road and Industrial Avenue, with scheduled sailings every day to Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong. - transport: Take Metro Line 2 (Shekou line) to Shekou Port Station, exit via D1 and take bus B601; or take bus M105, 113 or 226 directly to the Cruise Terminal. ### Getting Around Shenzhen has numerous bus routes, and Routes 1 and 2 are double-decker sightseeing buses. About 8,000 taxis also run along routes across the city, so getting around is very convenient. Shenzhen Metro currently has Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6 Branch, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 and 20 in operation. It uses distance-based fares: each pair of adjacent stations counts as one section, and every four sections make up one zone. The starting fare is ¥2, which covers three sections, and each move into the next zone adds ¥1. ### Buses There are currently over 1,000 bus routes in Shenzhen, so getting around by bus is very convenient. Shenzhen buses use either a flat-fare system or a distance-based system. Flat-fare buses cost ¥1–¥2. Distance-based buses charge according to how far you travel, with fares from ¥1 to ¥10. Note that on some buses you only tap your card when boarding, while on others you must tap both when boarding and alighting. If you forget to tap when getting off, you will be charged the maximum fare. Always check the signs inside the carriage or listen for the audio announcements. ### Shenzhen Bus Route Prefixes 1. Routes beginning with M are trunk routes. 2. Routes beginning with B are feeder routes, with a flat fare of ¥1. 3. Routes beginning with E are express routes, and their fares are generally higher. 4. Routes beginning with GF are peak-hour routes, operating only during the morning and evening rush hours. 5. Routes beginning with N are night routes. ### Intercity Buses Intercity buses connect Shenzhen with Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Huizhou and other cities. Shenzhen's current intercity routes include Chang 18, Chang 19, Chang 58, Chang 68, Chang 328, Shenzhen–Huizhou Line 1, Shenzhen–Huizhou Line 2, Shenzhen–Dongguan Line 1, Shenzhen–Dongguan Line 2, Chang 5, Chang 7, Chang 9, Chang 10, Kang 11, Chang 16, Chang 21 and Chang 28. ### Taxis Taxis in Shenzhen start at ¥10 for the first 2 km, then charge ¥2.7 per km beyond 2 km. - **Shenzhen Airport Ticket Office** — - **Shenzhen North Railway Station** — (Minzhi Subdistrict, Baoan District) - **Luohu Bus Station** — (Beside Shenzhen Railway Station, 0755-82321670) - **Metro Customer Service Hotline** — ## Eat & drink Shenzhen is a genuine immigrant city, so its food brings together the best of China's cuisines. Chiu Chow, Cantonese, Sichuan, Beijing, Hunan, Northeastern and Shaanxi dishes are all well represented. Cantonese and Sichuan food here tends to be inexpensive, while Shaanxi and Northeastern dishes are pricier. Hunan food is tasty, though not as fiery as in Changsha. Chiu Chow cuisine is especially popular with people from all walks of life. Restaurants are concentrated around Dongmen in Luohu. Eateries along Shennan Boulevard are a little pricier, while the food court in Futian is very affordable. For seafood, try “Nan’ao Fishing Island”. Many small streets, little shops and street-side stalls in Shenzhen often have Mercedes and BMWs parked outside. People eating in such humble places are not doing it to save money; the food is genuinely delicious. Huaqiangbei is also a magnet for food lovers. From Shangbu Road Junction onward, eateries of all sizes line the streets, and gourmands gather here to sample eight major cuisines. ### Recommended Restaurants - **Huacheng Fishing Port** — No trip to Shenzhen is complete without seafood, and this is the top choice for it. Netizens have dubbed it “the best restaurant on Seafood Street”, and the prices are so low they will astonish visitors from the north. Recommended dishes include salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, steamed scallops and scallops with glass noodles. (No. 101 Lecheng Road, Luohu District, 0755-82181660) - **Bashu Feng (Flagship)** — The setting has a distinctly Bashu (Sichuan–Chongqing) charm. The dishes are not overwhelmingly spicy; this is Sichuan cuisine that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Combined with reasonable prices, the restaurant has been packed since it opened, and every evening diners take a number and queue. (Floors 1 and 2, Building 405, Sanda Industrial Zone, Zhenxing Road, Futian District, 0755-83246874/83254969) - **Baicaotang Traditional Herbal Tea Shop (Shekou Branch)** — Good value for money, with a focus on sweet soups. The flavours are very good and the portions generous, though quite sweet. Expect queues at peak times. Recommended: sago pudding and double-skin milk. (No. 207 Shekou New Street (opposite Shekou Cinema), 0755-21619683) - **Fanlou** — A very popular Cantonese restaurant with distinctly Chinese decor and good food. Prawn dumplings (har gow) and steamed chicken feet are the signature dishes. Be aware that you should arrive early to queue or book in advance. (No. 118 Zhenhua Road, 0755-83206939) ## Nightlife Under the night sky, Shenzhen is a dazzling pearl on the shores of the South China Sea. Traffic flows along the streets, neon lights flicker over the busy downtown, and skyscrapers glow in colourful light, a truly beautiful sight. If you don't fancy the night markets, simply sit back and take it all in! ### Recommended Attractions ### Wild Bars Shenzhen's bars are mostly pure and unpretentious: they serve only drinks, but with a complete range and distinctive flavours. Nightclubs are packed and wild. - **Lan Kwai Fong Bar Street** — Shekou has a “Lan Kwai Fong” that shares its name with the world-famous bar street in Hong Kong, and it draws almost every foreigner who comes to Shenzhen. The street is not very long and the storefronts are small, but each is decorated with character, and together they bring a strong sense of exotic flavour from many countries. - **OCT Eco-Plaza Bar Street** — A gathering place for youth and individuality. Most bar owners here are young, and whether the atmosphere is lively or quiet, you'll find a sense of youthful energy. - **Sea World Bar Street** — Known for its popularity with foreign customers. Besides bars, there are many Western restaurants and coffee chains. The venues are small but full of atmosphere, each with its own specialities, such as Brazilian barbecue and Bremen-style Western food, both favoured by white-collar workers. ## Shopping As a Special Economic Zone bordering Hong Kong and Macau, Shenzhen is a shopping paradise. Its goods are fashionable and on-trend, with innovative designs and low prices. Electronics, clothing, appliances, watches, jewellery, leather goods and seafood products are especially popular with visitors from other parts of China. ### Recommended Shopping - **Renmin South Road Commercial District** — One of Shenzhen's earliest commercial districts, once known alongside Dongmen and Huaqiangbei as the city's three major shopping hubs. It is home to many high-end malls, including International Trade Centre (Guomao), Tian'an, Friendship Boutique, Kerry Centre and Jianingna Plaza. - **Coastal City** — More a shopping district than a single mall. The Coastal City shopping centre, together with the neighbouring Coastal City East and West towers, Tianli Central Plaza, Poly Culture Plaza and Shenzhen Bay Avenue, forms one vast commercial zone with everything to eat, drink, play and buy, at high, mid and budget levels. Coastal City sits in the Houhai central district of Nanshan District, where shop rents are very high. Many stores close shortly after opening, so if you return after a while you may find another brand has taken over the space. - **Dongmen Pedestrian Street** — Shenzhen's oldest shopping street, also known as the Old Street. This old urban district took shape during the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty. Ancient archways, deep alleys and classic arcade buildings have an irresistible charm, attracting countless shopping enthusiasts who love romance. The street mainly sells clothing, from budget to designer labels. Once you step in, you'll be swept up in a frenzy of shopping. - **Huaqiangbei Commercial Street** — Once Shenzhen's most bustling commercial street and computer market, focusing on mid- to high-end goods. - **Luohu Commercial City** — As the name suggests, it houses a wide range of goods, with countless shops packed into five floors. The handbags here are not to be missed, following the latest trends from Europe and America. - **Nanhu Road** — Nanhu Road is only a short street, but it hides many distinctive clothing shops. Trendy garments imported from Hong Kong are often hard to find in large shopping malls. - **Nanyuan Road** — Rows of small shops let you experience the most down-to-earth side of Shenzhen, and the well-known Jinwei Beer House is here. Past the Nanyuan Police Station, on the south side of the road, is the cluster of shops selling Shenzhen's most complete and affordable curtain and fabric stores. ## Where to stay Accommodation in Shenzhen ranges clearly from budget to luxury. Star-rated hotels are opulent, well equipped and offer full services, with room rates in city-centre hotels being especially expensive. There are also hundreds of guesthouses. Most have pleasant surroundings, tidy rooms and attentive service, and generally include a canteen for visitors. They are convenient, safe and inexpensive, making them an ideal choice for independent travellers. - **Yalan Hotel** — Its biggest highlight is the sea-view rooms. The sea and sky of Dameisha blend into one colour, and the long beach and beautiful tropical coastline are all in view, though room rates are not cheap. (No. 92 Yanmei Road, Dameisha, Yantian District, 0755-25062299) ## Things to see - **Dameisha Seaside Park** (★★★★): Admission Free; Time needed 3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/dameisha-seaside-park - **Xiaomeisha Seaside Park** (★★★★): Admission ¥50; Ocean World ¥170; Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xiaomeisha-seaside-park - **OCT East** (★★★): Admission Grand Canyon ¥200; Chaxi Valley ¥180; two-valley combined ticket for a two-day visit ¥230; Opening hours 9：00—17：30; Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/oct-east - **Window of the World** (★★★): Admission Daytime ¥220; night session ¥100 after 19:30; Opening hours 9：00—21：30; Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/window-of-the-world - **Splendid China and China Folk Culture Village** (★★★): Admission ¥220; Opening hours Weekdays: Splendid China 10:00–18:00; China Folk Culture Village 10:00–21:00. On weekends, the parks open half an hour earlier.; Time needed 4–8 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/splendid-china-and-china-folk-culture-village - **MIXc Shenye Upperhills** (★★★): Opening hours 10：00—22：00; Time needed 2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/mixc-shenye-upperhills - **Sino-British Street** (★★★): Admission No entrance ticket, but a pass is required; the processing fee is ¥10; Opening hours Open all day. The pass-processing centre is open 8:30–12:00 and 13:00–16:00.; Time needed 2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/sino-british-street - **Dapeng Fortress** (★★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours 9：00—17：30; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/dapeng-fortress - **Shekou** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shekou - **Ganken Ancient Town** (★★★★): Admission Admission to the Huang Zhi Museum at Fenghuang Valley: ¥26; Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/ganken-ancient-town - **Nan'ao (Dapeng Peninsula)** (★★★★): Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/nan-ao-dapeng-peninsula - **Dongchong and Xichong Beaches** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/dongchong-and-xichong-beaches - **Rose Coast** (★★★): Admission ¥40; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/rose-coast - **Wutong Mountain Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission Free; ¥80; ¥15; ¥240 (including Ocean Kingdom); Free; Free; Opening hours 6:00–19:00; 8:00–18:00; all day; Time needed 0.5–1 day; 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/wutong-mountain-scenic-area --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 2343–2361. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.