Shenzhen

Highlights

• Lianhuashan Park and cityscape views
• OCT-LOFT creative arts district
• Shenzhen Bay coastal promenade and Hong Kong skyline views
• Dafen Oil Painting Village
• Nanshan Tech Zone and Tencent headquarters
• Dapeng Peninsula fortress and sea beaches (day trip)
• Futian District for finance, shopping, and modern architecture

Getting Around

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) is one of China's busiest, with domestic routes to all major cities and international routes to Southeast Asia and beyond. High-speed rail at Shenzhen North connects to Guangzhou South in approximately 30 minutes, Hong Kong West Kowloon in approximately 20 minutes, and Beijing West in approximately 7.5 hours. The MTR-integrated metro has 16 lines and is the fastest way to navigate the sprawling city.

Food

Shenzhen's food scene reflects its immigrant population from across China, making it one of the most diverse culinary cities in the country. Cantonese dim sum is dominant in the older Luohu and Futian districts. The eastern Buji area is famous for the most affordable fresh seafood in the Pearl River delta. The OCT-LOFT and Coco Park districts have the highest concentration of international restaurants for travellers seeking familiar options.

Stay

Futian district (CBD) and the Nanshan district tech zone offer the best range of international-standard business hotels with direct metro access. Luohu district, directly adjacent to the Hong Kong border crossing, suits transit travellers or those splitting time between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Qianhai and Bao'an districts near the airport have newer hotels at lower prices.

Budget