While famous for cheap shopping, food, and massages, there are a lot more things to do in Shenzhen than you might think. Explore Hong Kong’s buzzing neighbour with our guide!
Thanks to its location, Hong Kong is a great place for avid travellers to live. Short trips from Hong Kong are plentiful, and you can easily be transported to a beach in just a few hours. Fly a bit further, and you can explore metropolises like Tokyo and Bangkok, or live the good life at these design hotels in Asia. But what about our neighbour to the north? China is a huge, fascinating country, with regions full of colour, unique culture, and fabulous cuisine – and Shenzhen is no exception. If you’re looking to dip your toes into China, then start with our guide on things to do in Shenzhen.
North of the border, east of the delta: Best things to do in Shenzhen
A little about Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a vibrant metropolis, not unlike Hong Kong. Go just across the border between us and Mainland China, and you’ll find an equally diverse and fast-paced city awaiting your discovery. While Shenzhen has mainly been known for its massage parlours and cheap shopping destinations, substantial change has transformed the city into a contemporary and attractive destination for many around the world. From historical and cultural sites to luxurious outlets, to diverse dining hotspots, there’s plenty of places to explore and things to do in Shenzhen!
Getting there and getting around Shenzhen
Getting to Shenzhen from Hong Kong has never been easier! Whether you prefer the MTR or bus, there are many ways for you to cross the border. Hop on the MTR and ride along the East Rail Line to get to the border at Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau Stations. Alternatively, take the 24-hour express bus from Wan Chai or Mong Kok. For an even quicker trip, get yourself to the West Kowloon Station for the high speed rail.
Once in Shenzhen, the best way to get around is to use the local metro system. Not only does this span across the whole city, covering all the must-visit stops, but it’s also a great way to avoid Shenzhen’s sometimes crippling traffic. If you prefer to cab, you’d be happy to know taxi prices across the border are much more affordable than they are in Hong Kong. Simply flag one down on the street as you would in the 852, or get a ride using Didi, the Chinese taxi app.
Travel tips for going to Shenzhen from Hong Kong
Here’s a quick checklist for you before you make your way across the border:
- Check if your travel documents require a visa to enter China
- Download payment apps, like Alipay and Wechat Pay, and set up your accounts, as Shenzhen is mostly cashless nowadays
- Still, exchange some of your HKD cash to RMB at your local currency exchange shop
- Most social media sites and search engines (including Google, Google Maps, Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp) don’t work in China. Consider paying for a VPN service, or stick to Baidu and Wechat for everyday use
Things to do in Shenzhen
1. Oct Loft Creative Culture Park
Here’s one of our personal faves and something to plan your trip around. Oct Loft Creative Culture Park (華僑城創意文化園) is a must-visit neighbourhood, filled with unencumbered paths lined with shops selling everything from local artisanal goods to contemporary home design items. Head into Old Heaven Books (舊天堂書店) and chill out with a coffee and novel in hand. Alternatively, visit one of the many art galleries in the area. In addition to its arts and culture hotspots, you’ll also find a variety of restaurants in the park. If your visit to Oct Loft extends beyond sunset, wind down at Magpie or Qingpuluo Bowu Bar (青朴落博物酒館) for cocktails.
Oct Loft Creative Culture Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
2. V&A Gallery at Design Society, Shekou
Did you know China has its own official V&A? Design Society at Shekou is V&A Museum’s first Asian outpost. Stationed adjacent to the ferry terminal in Shenzhen, this gallery is dedicated to all things design-related. Art lovers will find a series of exhibitions and displays showcasing the best of China’s contemporary design talents at the gallery. Although it’s located relatively far away from the city centre, we think the gallery’s exceptional exhibitions are totally worth a visit.
V&A Gallery at Design Society, Shekou, Sea World Culture and Arts Centre, 1187 Wanghai Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
3. Sea World
Another attraction located in Shekou is Sea World (海上世界). Despite sounding like an aquarium or ocean-theme park, there’s no rides or carnival games here. Instead, you’ll find an array of trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes, all converging on a large ship named Minghua. Take your time to wander around the area, and feel free to pop into one of the many eateries for a drink or refuel mid-journey.
Sea World, Taizi Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
4. Splendid China Folk Village
This one’s for the culture vultures. Splendid China Folk Village (錦繡中華民俗村) is a cultural theme park with two major areas: the Splendid China Miniature Park and the China Folk Culture Village. Here, you’ll find miniaturised versions of over 100 attractions from across China, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, to the Terracotta Army. Apart from visiting these recreations of famous landmarks, you can also learn about various Chinese cultures through live shows and performances.
Splendid China Folk Village, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
5. Lianhuashan Park
In search of more relaxing things to do in Shenzhen? Head on down to Lianhuashan Park (蓮花山公園) for your much needed break. Take a leisurely stroll around the abundant green spaces and shaded areas of this urban park. Maybe you can bring a picnic blanket and chill out under the sun, too.
Lianhuashan Park, 6030 Hong Li Lu, Futian District, Shenzhen
Things to do in Shenzhen: Best restaurants, cafes, and bars
6. Phoenix Four Seasons Coconut Chicken
Coconut chicken pots are one of the must-try foods in Shenzhen. This nourishing dish consists of tender slow-cooked chicken in an umami-rich broth that’s made with fresh coconut. What’s more, you’ll find nutritious ingredients such as dried red dates and ginger in the pot. The best way to savour this hearty dish is to pair it with a steaming bowl of rice.
Phoenix Four Seasons Coconut Chicken (鳳凰四季椰子雞), 1092 Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
7. Yuyuyu Sichuan Restaurant
For those who like to add a bit of kick to their food, check out Yuyuyu’s contemporary Sichuan cuisine. The signature is, of course, boiled fish with pickled cabbage (our fave!). This Sichuan special is super popular in Shenzhen, not least due to its appetising combo of sour and spicy flavours. Dunk a bowl of rice into the broth, or top it off with the restaurant’s various noodles to complete your meal.
Yuyuyu Sichuan Restaurant (漁語魚酸菜魚新川菜), Shop 77, 3/F, The Mixc of Shenzhen City Crossing, 1881 Baoan Road South, Luohu District, Shenzhen
8. L’Avenue
For a finer dining experience, check out L’Avenue. Spearheaded by Scottish chef Arran McCredie, this restaurant merges different origins and cooking styles – a true reflection of Shenzhen’s cultural melting pot. Having worked in Michelin-starred kitchens in London and Hong Kong, Chef McCredie now serves up quality French fare with a Gallic twist in his Shenzhen bistro.
L’Avenue, 2005 Shennan Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
9. Flower Yin Coffee
Located in Shekou, Flower Yin Coffee is a photogenic cafe in Shenzhen, decorated with plenty of greenery. Come for a morning coffee before embarking on a day of city exploration, or take a breather with a fresh brew in hand while discovering neighbouring attractions. On the menu are your usual coffee shop orders – no muss, no fuss, just good coffee and snacks.
Flower Yin Coffee, 1/F, Block B, Libao Commercial Building, Wanghai Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
10. Cafe Monson
Seek your way to Cafe Monson, a quaint Japanese-style cafe stocked with a series of vintage memorabilia. Here, you can savour delicious coffee alongside Japanese-inspired sweet treats like the Caramel Pudding.
Cafe Monson, Shop 136, Block A, Zhengdong Mingyuan Tower 2, Haide Second Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
11. Haploid
When it comes to speakeasy bars in Shenzhen, it can’t get more hidden than Haploid. The door to the shop is disguised as a fridge door inside a H-Store convenience store. You’ll find yourself stepping into a neon enclave as you push through its icy entrance. Equally eccentric are its drink offerings, with one cocktail being served in Haploid’s very own bathtub!
Haploid, Shop 05, Yingjifu Square, 138 Mintian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
12. Hope & Sesame Shenzhen
In search of a place to satisfy your cocktail cravings? Look no further than Hope & Sesame! This Shenzhen branch of one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars has a wide selection of concoctions on offer. Step into Hope & Sesame’s dynamic and vibrant space to savour innovative mixes filled with fresh and exciting flavours.
Hope & Sesame Shenzhen, B101, Building 2, Qiaochengfang, Qiaoxiang Road, Shenzhen
Things to do in Shenzhen: Where to shop
13. MixC Shenzhen Bay
Now one of the most frequented luxury malls in China, Mixc Shenzhen Bay is a mega retail hotspot and the go-to mall in Shenzhen for shopping, dining, and aircon breaks in the summertime. Inside are luxury stores galore, along with local fast fashion brands, drinks shops, and busy restaurants.
MixC Shenzhen Bay, 2888 South Keyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
14. Coco Park
Coco Park is another popular shopping complex in Shenzhen. Having been previously compared to our very own LKF, you can expect a bustling neighbourhood filled with restaurants, bars, and shopping experiences.
Coco Park, 268 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
15. Upperhills
Located in downtown Futian, Upperhills is a vibrant shopping area made up of a mixture of sleek high rises and quaint, colourful buildings. You’ll find the usual luxury brands here and much more. Needless to say, the shopaholic in you will be in paradise!
Upperhills, 5001 Huanggang Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
[This article was originally published in November 2018 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
