Shenzhen

Travel Guide
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 Shenzhen Safari Park 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 Fairy Lake Botanical Gardens and Dongmen Pedestrian Street. 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 Phoenix Mountain 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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Longgang District

5/5(1 area review)

Get to know Longgang District and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Longgang Vanke Plaza and Shenzhen Longgang Universiade Center, and you can jump on the metro at Longcheng Square Station or Jixiang Station to get around the city.

Longgang District
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Longhua District

While you're in Longhua District, take in top sights like Mission Hills Ecological Sports Park or Shenzhen Guanlan Landscape and Cultural Park, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Qinghu North Station or Bilan Tram Stop.

Longhua District
Shenzhen Lido Hotel
Shenzhen Lido Hotel
3 out of 5
No. 2007 Dong Men Nan South Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is RM171 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM171
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (278 reviews)
"So far so good"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Shenzhen Lido Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen
The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen
5 out of 5
116 Fuhua San Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is RM757 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM757
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (414 reviews)
"Great service, property and facilities a bit dated."

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024

The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
5 out of 5
7888 Shennan Boulevard, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM590 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM590
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shenzhen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Shenzhen Safari Park and Happy Coast are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (470 reviews)
"Great place."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2024

The Langham, 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.
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. Popular attractions Coco Park Shopping Center and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (124 reviews)
"Large and clean"

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2023

Somerset Grandview Shenzhen
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. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (391 reviews)
"Great location. Spacious, clean and very comfortable rooms. Quick and easy check-in and check- out."

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2024

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, and room service. Popular attractions Coastal City and MixC Shopping Mall are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
"Good for business people..."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

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
17 Jan 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

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
13 Dec 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Dec 2019

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
9 Dec 2019

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
18 Sep 2019

Busy city