Window of the World

One of Shenzhen’s most iconic theme parks, Window of the World features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the globe, including the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Egypt. It’s a great place to take in the world’s wonders without leaving the city.

Shenzhen Bay Park

This scenic park stretches along the coastline and offers beautiful views of the bay and skyline. It’s perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, or enjoying the outdoors with lush greenery, beaches, and pathways. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Shenzhen Museum

Located in the heart of the city, the Shenzhen Museum offers a fascinating look into the city’s history and rapid development. With exhibits covering Shenzhen’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis, as well as showcasing the city’s cultural and artistic heritage, it’s an insightful destination for those interested in understanding the city’s evolution.

OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

A former industrial area transformed into a vibrant arts and culture district, OCT Loft is home to galleries, cafes, design studios, and creative spaces. This area attracts artists, designers, and those interested in Shenzhen’s thriving creative scene. It’s also a great spot for shopping for unique items or enjoying local arts and crafts.

Dameisha Beach

For a taste of the seaside, head to Dameisha Beach, one of Shenzhen’s most popular beaches. It’s a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying various water sports. The beach is surrounded by scenic hills and parks, making it an ideal location for a day trip out of the city center.

Shenzhen Safari Park

If you’re a nature lover, the Shenzhen Safari Park offers an exciting opportunity to see over 300 species of animals in a natural habitat setting. The park features a variety of exhibits, including endangered species and exotic animals, and is one of the largest wildlife parks in southern China.

Nanshan Mountains (Nanshan Park)

Nanshan is a lovely spot for hiking and offers fantastic views of the city and the surrounding area. The park has a series of trails that lead visitors through lush greenery, ancient temples, and scenic viewpoints. At the peak, you’ll find the famous Nanshan Temple, where you can learn about the area’s spiritual significance.

Ping An Finance Centre

Standing at 599 meters, the Ping An Finance Centre is one of the tallest buildings in the world and a true icon of Shenzhen’s skyline. Visitors can go to the observation deck on the 116th floor to get breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. The building also houses luxury shopping, dining, and office spaces.

Hongfa Temple

A peaceful and historic Buddhist temple located in the hills of Shenzhen, Hongfa Temple is known for its tranquil environment and beautiful architecture. It’s a serene place to explore, offering both cultural insight and a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Splendid China Folk Village

This theme park is dedicated to showcasing China’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity. It features miniatures of famous landmarks across China and cultural performances that highlight traditional music, dance, and arts from different regions of the country.

1. Visit Futian Central Business District (CBD)

As Shenzhen’s heart of business and commerce, the Futian CBD is a bustling area filled with skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and high-end restaurants. Visitors can experience the city’s modern side by exploring its state-of-the-art office buildings, shopping centers like COCO Park, and the bustling street markets nearby. It’s a great spot for foreign visitors to see how Shenzhen blends business, shopping, and leisure in one location.

2. Explore Shenzhen’s Tech Scene

Shenzhen is often called the “Silicon Valley of China” and is home to numerous tech giants such as Tencent, DJI, and Huawei. Foreign visitors can explore areas like Huaqiangbei, the world’s largest electronics market, where they can find a huge variety of gadgets, parts, and cutting-edge tech products. For those interested in tech innovation, visiting innovation hubs and tech events, or even taking part in a DIY electronics workshop, can offer a deeper understanding of Shenzhen’s tech-driven culture.

3. Try Local Shenzhen Cuisine

Shenzhen is a melting pot of different Chinese regional cuisines, and trying local food is a must. You can head to Dongmen Street or Shenzhen’s street food markets to try a range of delicious treats. Popular dishes to try include Cantonese dim sum, Chaozhou-style porridge, steamed crab, and Shenzhen-style hotpot. In addition, the city’s international food scene is vast, with a range of global cuisines, especially in the expat-friendly neighborhoods like Shekou.

4. Experience Shenzhen’s Nightlife

Shenzhen has a lively and diverse nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. From stylish rooftop bars with stunning views of the skyline to clubs playing electronic music, there’s something for everyone. Popular nightlife spots include OCT-Loft, a creative arts district that also has a great bar and café scene, and Coco Park, a shopping mall by day and a bustling entertainment center by night. Additionally, Shekou is a popular area for expats, with a mix of international restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

5. Take a Boat Ride on Shenzhen Bay

One of the best ways to experience Shenzhen’s scenic beauty is by taking a boat ride along Shenzhen Bay. The waterfront area offers picturesque views of both Shenzhen’s skyline and the bay. You can enjoy a peaceful boat ride, relax by the shoreline, or rent bikes to ride along the scenic path. The area is especially beautiful at sunset and is a perfect escape from the city’s fast-paced energy.

6. Learn Calligraphy or Tea Ceremony

For those looking to dive deeper into Chinese culture, Shenzhen offers opportunities to learn traditional Chinese arts. Many cultural centers and teahouses offer Chinese calligraphy lessons or the opportunity to experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. This can be a unique and calming experience where visitors can gain insight into Chinese history, aesthetics, and customs.

7. Go Hiking in the Nanshan Mountains

Shenzhen is not just about high-rise buildings and technology. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and mountains. A popular destination for nature lovers is the Nanshan Mountains. Hiking here allows foreigners to enjoy the natural beauty of Shenzhen, with trails that offer views of the city and the South China Sea. The Nanshan Temple at the top is also a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and get a glimpse of Shenzhen’s spiritual side.

8. Take a Day Trip to Dapeng Peninsula

If you’re looking to escape the urban hustle, the Dapeng Peninsula is a beautiful area near Shenzhen, known for its coastal scenery, historic villages, and serene beaches. Visitors can explore Dapeng Fortress, an ancient military fort built during the Ming Dynasty, or enjoy the quieter beaches, such as Xichong Beach, perfect for relaxation and enjoying local seafood. This is a great way for foreigners to experience a more relaxed, traditional side of the Shenzhen region.

9. Shop at Local Flea Markets and Creative Spaces

Shenzhen is home to several vibrant markets and creative spaces that showcase the city’s artistic side. The OCT Loft is a great example, where visitors can shop for unique items, visit art galleries, and participate in creative workshops. Additionally, Shenzhen is known for its flea markets where you can find a variety of goods, from antiques to fashion items and quirky souvenirs. The Dongmen Market is one of the busiest shopping streets, offering a mix of local and international goods at affordable prices.

10. Attend a Live Performance or Art Exhibition

Shenzhen is increasingly becoming a center for culture and the arts. Foreign visitors can check out performances at the Shenzhen Grand Theatre, where you can watch everything from Chinese opera to contemporary dance. The city also hosts international art festivals, film festivals, and various live music performances. Shenzhen’s cultural spaces, such as the Shenzhen Art Museum, the He Xiangning Art Museum, and the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art, provide an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s growing art scene.

11. Experience Shenzhen’s Innovation and Sustainability Projects

Shenzhen is not only about business and tech but also about innovation in sustainability. The city has numerous green initiatives, including green buildings, solar energy, and sustainable urban development. A visit to the Shenzhen Bay Eco-park, which focuses on preserving local biodiversity and promoting environmental education, is a great way to see how Shenzhen is leading China in creating a more sustainable future.

Shenzhen’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, offering not only the local Cantonese specialties but also a wide range of flavors from across China and around the world. Due to its international character, the city seamlessly blends traditional Chinese food with global culinary influences, making it an exciting place for food lovers. Here are some highlights of Shenzhen’s food offerings:

1. Cantonese Cuisine

As the economic and cultural hub of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen’s culinary scene is heavily influenced by Cantonese cuisine. Cantonese food emphasizes the freshness and natural flavors of ingredients, with a focus on delicate cooking techniques and light flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

Dim Sum

Dim sum is a staple in Shenzhen, and locals often enjoy it in the morning at tea houses. Some of the most popular dim sum items include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), egg tarts, and char siu bao (BBQ pork buns). These small, delicate dishes are perfect for sharing with friends or family.

White Cut Chicken

White cut chicken is a classic Cantonese dish known for its simplicity and freshness. The chicken is steamed to perfection, and served with a ginger-scallion dipping sauce that complements the natural flavors of the tender meat.

Steamed Grouper

As a coastal city, Shenzhen is known for its fresh seafood. Steamed grouper is a quintessential Cantonese dish that showcases the delicate texture and natural sweetness of the fish, typically steamed with ginger and soy sauce.

Dongjiang Salt-Baked Chicken

Originating from the Dongjiang region, this dish is made by baking a whole chicken with salt and aromatic spices. The result is a flavorful, tender chicken with a crispy skin and juicy meat.

2. Street Food and Fast Snacks

Shenzhen is also famous for its street food culture. Whether in the busy city streets or at night markets and shopping centers, you’ll find a wide array of food stalls offering delicious and affordable bites:

Cheung Fun

Cheung fun is a traditional Cantonese snack that consists of rice noodle rolls filled with ingredients like beef, shrimp, or BBQ pork. The rolls are soft and silky, and typically served with a sweet soy sauce for dipping.

Shacha Noodles

Shacha noodles are a popular street food in Shenzhen. The noodles are served with a rich and spicy shacha sauce, a unique blend of spices, and topped with meat, vegetables, and sometimes seafood.

Stir-Fried Rice Noodles

Stir-fried rice noodles are a common fast meal in Shenzhen. The dish is made by stir-frying rice noodles with various ingredients like vegetables, meats, and seafood. The noodles are slightly crispy and full of flavor, and they’re a perfect quick bite.

Pan-Fried Dumplings and Potstickers

These crispy, golden dumplings are a favorite snack in Shenzhen. Filled with meat and vegetables, they are pan-fried until crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. They’re often served with a flavorful dipping sauce.

3. Hotpot and Seafood

As a coastal city, seafood plays a big role in Shenzhen’s dining culture. Hotpot is also a popular communal dining experience, where diners cook a variety of ingredients in a pot of broth at the table. Here are some top picks:

Shenzhen Seafood Hotpot

Shenzhen’s seafood hotpot offers a wide range of fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, crabs, and shellfish, all cooked in a bubbling broth at the table. The fresh ingredients, combined with a variety of dipping sauces, create a delightful and interactive dining experience.

Chaozhou Beef Hotpot

Chaozhou-style hotpot features thinly sliced beef that is quickly cooked in a light broth. The beef retains its tenderness and flavor, making it a truly unique and satisfying experience. The broth is often light, so as not to overpower the freshness of the ingredients.

4. Shenzhen Specialty Drinks

In addition to food, Shenzhen has a variety of unique beverages that reflect its diverse culinary culture:

Bubble Tea

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is hugely popular in Shenzhen. You can find a wide variety of flavors, from classic milk tea to fruit teas, all served with chewy tapioca pearls or other toppings.

Traditional Cantonese Herbal Tea

Cantonese herbal tea is a refreshing drink with a variety of health benefits, such as clearing heat and detoxifying the body. Common herbal teas include chrysanthemum tea and honeysuckle tea, which are great for cooling down during hot summer days.

Fresh Juices and Milkshakes

Many trendy drink shops in Shenzhen offer freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and milkshakes. These drinks are popular among the younger crowd and are often made with exotic fruits or creative combinations.