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(13 area reviews)

Home to Shenzhen's central business district, Futian offers shopping experiences at Central Walk Mall, Huaqiangbei electronics market, and upscale COCO Park. Explore Lianhuashan Park and admire the skyline featuring Ping An Finance Center.

Futian
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Nanshan

4/5(7 area reviews)

Home to Shenzhen High-Tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District boasts an established tourism industry with attractions like the 393-meter China Resources Headquarters and seaside parks such as Shenzhen Bay Park. Easily accessible via seven metro lines and cross-boundary coaches to Hong Kong.

Nanshan
Shenzhen which includes a garden and a city

Luohu

4/5(23 area reviews)

Renowned for shopping and nightlife, visitors can explore Luohu Commercial City, Dongmen, and Guomao districts, or unwind at bars and KTV lounges. Iconic skyscrapers like Shun Hing Square and KK100 adorn the skyline, while Wutong Mountain offers natural beauty.

Luohu
Recently completed Terminal 3 of the Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
Hexagonal-shaped skylights flood the terminal with natural light, and the stylized "tree" columns are actually disguised air-conditioning vents.  A 3-story wire butterfly sculpture located on the ground floor cycles through various colors of LED lights which are reflected on the ceiling.  Polished tile floors and lots of glass and stainless steel reflect the honeycomb motifs, lending a futuristic vibe to the entire space.

#china #shenzhen #architecture

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 Xinqiao Civic Plaza 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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Shekou

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Undergoing major redevelopment, this Free Trade Zone boasts attractions like Sea World Culture and Arts Center and Shenzhen Shekou Maritime Museum. Enjoy western-style entertainment at Sea World, diverse dining options, and convenient metro access via Line 2 and Line 12.

Shekou
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Futian CBD

While you're in Futian CBD, take in top sights like Shenzhen Civic Center or Shenzhen Lianhuashan Park, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Civic Center Station or Futian Station.

Futian CBD
Grand Hyatt Shenzhen
Grand Hyatt Shenzhen
5 out of 5
1881 Baoan Nan Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is CA $154 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $154
CA $180 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dongmen Pedestrian Street and Huaqiangbei ...
9/10 Wonderful! (519 reviews)
"Perfect environment"

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

Grand Hyatt Shenzhen
Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen
Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen
5 out of 5
138 Fuhua Third Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $258 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $258
CA $301 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (509 reviews)
"Unbeatable location, beautiful property. Room is very spacious with a view overlooking the city. Staff are helpful. We had a very pleasant check in with Clarence Chu at front desk. This gentleman speaks fluent Cantoneses, Mandarin, English and Spanish- impressive. Our family had 4 rooms reserved. ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen
5 out of 5
4088 Yi Tian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is CA $155 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $155
CA $180 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (744 reviews)
"Super nice hote"

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 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! (451 reviews)
Happy to be back.
"Second visit and it was just as comfortable and welcoming. Everything was good. The washing machine did take a long time to complete its wash and dry cycle. Can be better there."

Reviewed on Jun. 15, 2025

Fraser Suites 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! (60 reviews)
"what a great place if you need to be in this area"

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2025

Ascott Raffles City 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 Coco Park Shopping ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (168 reviews)
"Cute hotel. 2 bedroom suite was gorgeous. Easy to get a taxi and food. Close to Coco Park (walk or taxi)."

Reviewed on Jun. 16, 2025

Somerset Grandview 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

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 42%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 3%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

World eyes Culture village

3/5 - Okay

John

After more than 10 trips, I’m still trying to find the city center.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Shenzhen is very nice city but spread apart

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hoof efficiency

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Shenzhen is a good place to go. but this hotel was not.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Shenzhen is a wonderful city with excellent subway system and beautiful parks.

Cities near Shenzhen