Once a humble fishing village, Shenzhen has rapidly evolved into one of China’s most dynamic international cities. With its futuristic skyline, rich culture, world-class shopping, and incredible food scene, Shenzhen has become a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to China. Whether you’re here for business, leisure, or as part of your broader China tour, this guide will help you unlock the best places to eat, stay, explore, and relax. Curious about what most travelers overlook in this vibrant city? Let’s dive in!
List of attractions in Shenzhen
- Window of the World : A big world in a small park
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 or 2 and get off at Window of the World. Time reference: 1-day ticket: Daytime ticket: RMB 220; Nighttime ticket: RMB 100
If you want to travel around the world in one day, go to Window of the World! The famous Shenzhen Window of the World is a miniature world where you can see the mysterious pyramids of Egypt, the majestic Arc de Triomphe of Paris, the ancient Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, and the simple and exquisite Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. You can see the big world in a small park and feel the greatness and wonder from all over the world by paying a ticket. (It’s fun to take pictures and play~)
- OCT East : Ecological Tourism Area
Address: OCT East, Dameisha, Yantian District, Shenzhen Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:30~17:30; weekends and holidays 09:00~17:30 Reference time: 1-2 days
Take the mountain cable car to the Grand Canyon and overlook the Dameisha seaside and pastoral scenery. Enjoy the wooden roller coaster and other exciting activities, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, calm down, appreciate the “local customs” of Europe and America, and feel the real “harmony between man and nature”.
- Splendid China Folk Village : Travel Across China in One Day
Address: No. 9003, Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen Transportation: Take Line 1 Luobao Line to OCT Station, and walk about 150 meters from Exit D to reach the Splendid China Folk Village Square Tickets: 180 yuan/person Opening hours: Weekdays 10:00~21:30; Saturdays and Sundays 9:30~21:30; Golden Week 9:00~22:30 (the park is closed at 22:30 during the Water Splashing Festival from June to September) Time reference: half a day to 1 day
This is a collection of China’s natural scenery and cultural history. Here, you can see the Great Wall, Qin Terracotta Warriors, Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Huangguoshu Waterfall and other places written in textbooks, and travel all over the country in one day. You can also see the costumes and architectural styles of ethnic minorities and folk performances.
- Mangrove Nature Reserve : The “Green Great Wall” in the City
Address: Xiasha Village, Futian District, Shenzhen (near the south side of Binhe Avenue) Transportation: ① Bus J1, 76, 80, K113, 229, 231, 305, 317, 322, 337, 382, Road Tickets: Free all day Reference time: 1 day
The sea breeze blows slowly, and you can see many birds along the way. Across the sea is Hong Kong. The environment is beautiful and quiet, and many locals will stroll here.
- Happy Valley: Fun for all ages
Address : No. 1, Qiaocheng West Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen Transportation : Take Shenzhen Metro Line 1 or 2 and get off at Window of the World Station, then walk for 3 minutes to Happy Valley Tickets : Full price ticket 230 yuan, night ticket 100 yuan Reference time : 1 day
One of the most popular theme parks in China, the amusement park is divided into 8 major theme areas: Spanish Square, Cartoon City, Adventure Mountain, Happy Island, Gold Mine Town, Shangri-La Forest, Hurricane Bay, and Sunshine Coast. There are as many as 100 amusement projects suitable for all ages. Find your hidden childlike innocence here and have fun! (Especially recommended for those with children!)
- Xichong Beach : Oriental Hawaii
Address: Xichong, Longgang District, Shenzhen Transportation: Shenzhen-Xichong: Take bus E11 from downtown Shenzhen to Nan’ao Terminal, transfer to bus M232 and get off at toll booth No. 3 or 4; Opening hours: All day Reference time: 1 day
Facing the sea on one side and surrounded by mountains on three sides, the scenery here is unique, with clear blue water and lush forests. You can touch the soft and delicate sand with your hands, feel the breeze blowing towards you, and listen to the sound of waves hitting the coast. It is definitely not inferior to other beaches. If you want to see the sea in Shenzhen, come here.
- Green World : Fresh Pastoral Style
Address: No. 1 Qingqing Street, Yueliangwan, Nanshan District, Shenzhen Transportation: Public transportation: Take the subway from the railway station to “Window of the World” station, transfer to bus No. 42 at the subway transfer station, and go directly to Qingqing World; Tickets: 60 yuan for adults, 30 yuan for children (children under 1.2 and seniors over 70 years old are free) Opening hours: 08:30~17:30 Reference time: 1 day
The scenic area is mainly divided into Jurassic Park, Butterfly Valley, Fruit and Vegetable Garden, Ceramics Museum, Horticulture Museum, etc. Travel back to the ancient Jurassic time and space, feel the tropical rain forest, dance with butterflies in the butterfly farm, taste the exotic fruits in the fruit and vegetable park, and appreciate the various forms of flowers.
(The best route: Fishing Pond – Butterfly Farm – Orchard – Tropical Rainforest – Jurassic Park – Rainbow Bridge – Ceramics Museum – Fruit Park – Water Square – Ecological Corridor – Forest Park – Performance Hall – Pastoral Restaurant)
Shenzhen’s food
After talking about the attractions, let’s taste the special food in Shenzhen~
Specialties :
Shajing oysters, Nan’ao abalone, Guangming pigeon, Jidi porridge, Xixiang shrimp, roast goose, roast meat, Longgang three-yellow chicken, cart noodles, clay pot rice, dry fried beef noodles, etc.
Food Street
- Dongmen Night Market : #Weizihexuan Lala Noodles, Octopus Meatballs, Ai Cao Qingtuan, Pork Trotter Rice, Menglang Times Wiredrawn Hot Dog, Dongmen Bingbing
- Chegongmiao : #Xihuicui (Qiaoxiang Store) #Jindalai Charcoal Barbecue (Chegongmiao Store), #Wuxi Street Stall (Chegongmiao Store), the Bunker Guest Garden, #Koucha (Xiasha Store), Northeast Korean Rice Cake 3. Xiangxi Village: #Fuji Fish Ball Noodles (Xicun Store), Erjie’s Handmade Sesame Paste, #Chaozhou Longfa Restaurant, Yujun Chicken Pot
- Shekou Food : #Baicaotang Zuchuan Herbal Tea Shop (Shekou Store), #Baoshi Miscellaneous Snacks Restaurant, #Jiahua Snacks, #Huangliji Yangjiang River Noodle King, Tom Yum Goong, Eight Treasures Beef Offal, #Laobing Niu Hoof Store 5. Huaqiangbei Food Street : #Feitao·Hong Kong Gold Medal Tea Restaurant (Huaqiangbei Store), #Chaomingxing Rice Noodle Roll, Xixiaocha Beverage Factory, Puning’s first rice noodle roll, #Yahe Sakura Lanman Tonkotsu Ramen (Huaqiang North Store), Snow Ice
6, other food streets: Xiangmihu Food Street, Bagua 1st Road Food Street, Shangmeilin Food Street, Shenzhen University Fallen Street-Guimiao New Village
Transportation and Accommodation
Accommodation : Shenzhen’s tourist attractions are basically on the coastline from east to west, so it is generally more convenient to stay in the middle. For example, Yantian District and Luohu District, Splendid China, Happy Valley, Window of the World, etc. are all on Metro Line 1, so you can also consider staying along Metro Line 1.
Transportation: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport can be reached directly by taking Metro Line 11. Railway stations: Shenzhen Station, Shenzhen North Station (high-speed rail stops), Shenzhen East Station, etc. Subway: Currently, more than 8 subway lines have been opened, and attractions are concentrated on Metro Lines 1/2; download Shenzhen Metro or Shenzhen Pass to scan the code to ride
Reference route
It depends on your own schedule. I have provided reference routes for three-day and five-day tours. You can shorten them appropriately according to your physical strength and time.
Three-day tour
Day 1: Window of the World – Folk Village – Shenzhen University
Day 2: Dameisha – Xiaomeisha – Dongmen Old Street
Day 3: Zhongying Street – Eastern Overseas Chinese Town (Grand Canyon/Tea Creek Valley)
Five-day tour
Day 1: Window of the World – Folk Village – Shenzhen Bay Park
Day 2: Civic Center (Shenzhen Library/Music Station) – Dafen Oil Painting Village/Gankeng Hakka Town – Dongmen Old Street
Day 3: Dapeng Fortress – Jiaochangwei – Judiaosha – Yangmeikeng – Guanhu Village
Day 4: Dameisha and Xiaomeisha – Xianhu Botanical Garden
Day 5: Zhongying Street – OCT East (Grand Canyon/Chaxi Valley)
From vibrant night markets to stunning coastal walks, and from tech innovation hubs to authentic Cantonese cuisine, Shenzhen offers an unforgettable experience for those living in China or just passing through. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to discover more, this energetic city is sure to surprise you at every corner. Make Shenzhen a highlight of your next visit to China — you won’t regret it!