Shenzhen Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen

Pulling into the Shenzhen ferry terminal you’ll think you’ve arrived in a new world, complete with theme parks, street-side restaurants and idyllic parks and beaches.

On China’s southern coast, this Shenzhen rises dramatically from its lush green surrounds, standing in stark contrast to the rolling parks and picturesque beaches nearby. The region is frequented by Chinese tourists but sees relatively few Western families due to the region’s reputation for crime. Enjoy the city by hiring a guide or travelling between attractions by taxi to feel safe during your stay.

Prior to the 1970s a small fishing town by the name of Baoan County occupied the land that Shenzhen now sits on. At the beginning of the 1980s the area was renamed Shenzhen and declared a ‘”Special Economic Zone” which attracted millions of business people, entrepreneurs and economic migrants. While the growth was vast and rapid, the city still managed to keep pockets of its natural beauty, which continue to characterise the city today. These areas include the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden and Lianhua Mountain Park.

Discover the Dongmen Pedestrian Street, the place to visit for bustling markets and shopping. Pick up a tailored suit or some rare comic books before you enjoy a pot of local tea at a teahouse. Stop by one of Shenzhen’s countless “Eat Streets” for some pork soup and other local keija dishes.

Visit the Window of the World miniature park too see tiny models of the Niagara Falls and the Egyptian pyramids. Learn about China’s diverse and lengthy history at the Splendid China and China Folk Cultures Villages or at Minsk World. Spend a day riding roller coasters and water slides at Happy Valley.

Venture outside the city to discover rare birds at the Mangrove National Park or sprawl out on the warm sand of Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches.

Serviced by its own international airport, Shenzhen is easily reached from many international locations. Frequent ferries depart from Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau, which are all nearby.

Where to stay in Shenzhen

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Futian

4/5(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

3.5/5(13 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 Fenghuang 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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Shekou

4/5(4 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
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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
Grand Hyatt Shenzhen
Grand Hyatt Shenzhen
5 out of 5
1881 Baoan Nan Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$214 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$214
13 July - 14 July
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 28 Jun. 2025

Grand Hyatt Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen
5 out of 5
4088 Yi Tian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is NZ$221 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$221
27 July - 28 July
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! (740 reviews)
"Lovely"

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

Futian Shangri-La Shenzhen
Shangri-La Shenzhen
Shangri-La Shenzhen
5 out of 5
Jianshe Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
The price is NZ$138 per night from 8 July to 9 July
NZ$138
8 July - 9 July
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Clean professional hotel with very good service."

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

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.
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 16 Jun. 2025

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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (450 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 15 Jun. 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 24 Apr. 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

Activities

Reviews of Shenzhen

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
16
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Travelling with a child meant that we had to use the counter to purchase child metro tickets, and vending machine for adult tickets which was a pain. most signage /activity is in Chinese, so was often difficult to get by (restaurants etc) but good.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Modern City with excellent facilities

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice food. Helpful people. Lovely Mangrove Park.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Downtown Shenzhen was really good. Around the hotel not so great

5/5 - Excellent

Lisa

A Great 3 night break, great pool, staff & food , just across the road from the OCT metro stop, plus restaurants and 7 Eleven

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great shopping experience.

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