Shenzhen

Travel Guide

Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen

When you arrive in Shenzhen on the ferry from Hong Kong, it’s like stepping into a new world, with parks and beaches, bustling Eat Streets, nightlife and theme parks.

In Shenzhen, skyscrapers and hectic commercial districts stand in contrast to picturesque parks and scenic beaches and theme parks. Whether you stay in the city or head to the beaches on the Dapeng Peninsula, you’ll see hordes of Chinese holidaymakers but few Western families. This is partly due to the relatively high crime rate in this metropolis on the southeast coast of China. However, the experienced traveller can still have a good time at Shenzhen’s many attractions by hiring a guide or taking a taxi to get around safely.

Until the 1970s, Shenzhen was a rural fishing village called Baoan County. It became Shenzhen in 1980 and, ever since it was declared a “Special Economic Zone”, millions of business people and migrants have settled here. Despite the rapid growth, plenty of green pockets remain. These spaces include Fairy Lake Botanical Garden and Lianhua Mountain Park.

Stop at Dongmen Pedestrian Street, with its lively markets and malls to shop for anything from tailored suits to comic books. Have a pot of tea with dim sum at a traditional teahouse or visit one of the city’s many “Eat Streets” to try the pork soup and dried bean curd of the local keija cuisine.

See representations of Niagara Falls, the Egyptian pyramids and other marvels at the Window of the World miniature park. Discover China’s history and culture at Splendid China and China Folk Culture Villages or at Minsk World. Ride the roller coasters and water slides at Happy Valley.

To see the area’s natural attractions, visit Mangrove National Park, where you can spot rare birds, or lay on the golden sands of Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches.

Shenzhen has its own airport and can also be reached by land and sea, though you may need a special visa to get in. From Shenzhen’s Shekou terminal you can take a ferry to Zhuhai, Macau and neighboring Hong Kong.

Where to stay in Shenzhen

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Futian

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

You might enjoy the shopping while in Futian. Coco Park Shopping Center is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Huanggangcun Station or Fumin Station to see more of the city.

Futian
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Nanshan

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Xin'an Nantou Ancient City and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Nanshan. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Shenzhen University South Station or Taoyuan Station.

Nanshan
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Luohu

4/5(16 area reviews)

Luohu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dongmen Pedestrian Street and The MixC Shopping Mall. See more of Shenzhen by jumping on the metro at Tai'an Station or Buxin Station.

Luohu
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Bao'an

Noted for its spas and golf courses, there's plenty to explore in Bao'an. Top attractions like Shenzhen Airport Golf Course and Fuyong Ferry Terminal are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Airport East Station or Fuwei Station to see more of the city.

Bao'an
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Futian CBD

If you're spending time in Futian CBD, check out sights like Shenzhen Civic Center or Shenzhen Lianhuashan Park and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Civic Center Station or Futian Station.

Futian CBD
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Shekou

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Sea World while getting to know Shekou, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Sea World Station or Shuiwan Station to see more of the area.

Shekou
Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai

Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai

5 out of 5
1177 Wanghai Rd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is S$143 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
S$143
26 Sept - 27 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Stunning facility! Can't wait to go back. Modern design combining traditional elements, spacious lobby, spacious room, super clean, great food and very kind and professional staff!"

Reviewed on 27 Aug, 2025

Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai
Shangri-La Shenzhen

Shangri-La Shenzhen

5 out of 5
Jianshe Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$106 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
S$106
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Close to MTR ."

Reviewed on 6 Sep, 2025

Shangri-La Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen

Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen

5 out of 5
4088 Yi Tian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is S$164 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
S$164
7 Oct - 8 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (780 reviews)
"Love the decor and excellent location. Very good service too - they brought delivery food upstairs for us"

Reviewed on 30 Aug, 2025

Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fraser Suites Shenzhen

Fraser Suites Shenzhen

5 out of 5
No.183 Zhenhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (458 reviews)
"Home away from home"

Reviewed on 8 Sep, 2025

Fraser Suites Shenzhen
Somerset Grandview Shenzhen

Somerset Grandview Shenzhen

4 out of 5
No.5 Xinsha Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Huaqiangbei and Window ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (175 reviews)
"Kind and support staff"

Reviewed on 4 Sep, 2025

Somerset Grandview Shenzhen
Ascott Raffles City Shenzhen

Ascott Raffles City Shenzhen

4.5 out of 5
No 22 Dengliang Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Window of the World and Coastal ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"a hotel that is convinient for long stay. Nice location, with plenty of choices of foods."

Reviewed on 11 Aug, 2025

Ascott Raffles City Shenzhen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Shenzhen

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
15
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Typical chinese mega-city. Lots to do but sadly only had time for business

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We like Shenzhen lots of food options and shopping but a very modern city, not so much history or charm

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Large parks, including safari park, Meridian viewing centre worth visiting

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Shenzhen is now pretty expensive, but it is catching up on Hong Kong fast for shopping experience. The transportation is good and great value. The added security check in the Metro can be a pain in the rush hours.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great viewing , good dinning , easy transport , , good shooping , overall great city,

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Busy city