Shenzhen hotels

Travelling in Shenzhen– City Guide

“Shenzhen Speed” is stunning: lofty towers rise from the empty ground in the blink of an eye, broad avenues spring up like mushrooms overnight, and the construction of beautiful landscapes takes no time at all. Here, Diwang Mansion rises above the clouds, Shennan Boulevard extends from east to west, the Window of the World reveals the globe’s best scenic spots, and the cultural theme park of Splendid China glimmers with the country’s most picturesque sights, presented right before one’s eyes. The sub-tropical climate has created richly-layered scenes and views in a city framed with steel, forest-like yet cyberpunk: the weaving palm boulevards filled with heavy traffic, zigzag coastlines decorated with silver sand and gentle waves, and the logical sense of space from ancient Lingnan-style arcades alongside more modern structures. This is Shenzhen, the “Capital of Innovation”, with its infinite possibilities.

An Ever Evolving “Capital of Innovation”

The most thriving areas in Shenzhen are the four downtown districts: Nanshan, famous for the Window of the World, Splendid China, Happy Valley and many other theme parks; Luohu and Futian District, extending the skyline of Shenzhen with their Diwang Mansion and KK100; and Yantian District, shaping the gold coast of the city with the Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches, and OCT East Theme Park.

There are many other places worth visiting in Shenzhen, such as the Dapeng Peninsula featured of blue sky and crystal waves, Dafen Oil Painting Village, Guanlan Print Village and Gankeng Hakka Town with local creativity and characteristic folk culture.

Don’t Miss the Following Destinations in Shenzhen

No Shenzhen travel guide can ignore the many varied theme parks on offer. The Window of the World is like a miniature version of our planet, where one takes tours in Europe and America, explores the winter wonderland of the Alps, and travels across the globe in a single day, without ever having to leave the city. Splendid China miniaturizes China’s beautiful natural scenery and “time-honored” historical relics, and provides a place where one can appreciate both the profoundness of China’s 5000 year history and the beauty of the nation and its people.

When traveling with family or friends, Happy Valley, offering much entertainment unique to Asia, will no doubt be your first choice. Here, one can take on “Space Shuttle”, challenging psychological limits in a rapid 1.8 second 60 meter ascent, followed by a sudden free fall, or even experience the exhilarating escape from a flash flood on “Mine Cart”.

Dongmen Old Street is a must-see tourist destination if one wants to taste the authentic Lingnan style. While the century-old arcades have transformed into commercial promenades, the Nanyang-style streets blend wonderfully with the garden architecture with cornices, rake angles, black tiles and pinnacles, giving people today a glimpse back at the prosperity of the old “Shenzhen Market” during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Travel Tips

From Dapeng Peninsula, known as the “Most Beautiful Coast”, all the way to the west, one can enjoy the most wonderful coastal scenery Shenzhen has to offer. Referred to by many as “Hawaii of the Orient”, the Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches shine like a crescent moon inlaid between the blue sea and sky. Continuing along the southwest coast, one will see the spectacular view of migratory birds in the mangroves, a scene unique to Shenzhen Bay Park.

Futuristic high-rises can be seen wherever one goes. From Diwang Mansion, a place where one can overlook the traffic flows on the Shenzhen streets against the backdrop of the Hong Kong night skyline; to KK100, a skyscraper described as “waters cascading down from 3000 chi above” (1 chi is approx. 1 foot); and to crystal-like Ping'an International Finance Center, which holds all high-rises in a single glance, it’s obvious that the skyline of this city is still constantly extending.

Shenzhen University embraces endless streams of students and visitors with its youthful and modern West Coast style: the “Look Up at the Evening Stars” statue, the Time Square Sundial, the Science Buildings, and other elegant contemporary buildings, are all must-visit sites on the campus.

Convenient and Comfortable Accommodation

After checking into a hotel in OCT, Nanshan District, one will find that Window of the World, Splendid China and Happy Valley are all around the corner, as well as the gorgeous neon-flashing Shennan Boulevard when the curtains of night are drawn. InterContinental Shenzhen, only five minutes away from the metro, is the best accommodation choice: from the skillfully-imitated Madrid Plaza de Mayor to the fascinating and exotic snacks, one can fully experience the true passion of Spain, as if one was already there.

Physical and mental relaxation at a seaside resort and full immersion into the surrounding nature is an unforgettable pleasure. Whether at the famous OCT East Theme Park and Xichong Beach or the paradise of Myrica Rubra and Judiaosha, one can enjoy a pleasant sleep surrounded by the silver-white beach, rustling coconut forest, comforting sea breeze, and rippling waves.

Shenzhen is also a major port for travel from mainland China across the Shenzhen River into Hong Kong. If one wishes to make a convenient round trip between the two cities, a hotel near one of the ports is an excellent choice. The top options include the Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Luohu and Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Landmark Shenzhen near Huanggang Port, and the Holiday Inn Donghua Shenzhen near Shenzhen Bay Port.

Shopping Around the Globe in Shenzhen

Shenzhen is an international fashion paradise: MIXC, in Luohu’s central business district, is home to numerous high-end brands from around the world; the KK MALL in KK100 follows trends closely so as to offer a high-quality shopping experience; and the COCO Park adjoining the Shenzhen International Exhibition Center has a wide range of brands favored by younger consumer group.

Chung Ying Street is a shopping destination with unique local features, halved through the center by a “Boundary Monument” - one side belonging to Shenzhen and the other to Hong Kong. One can therefore enjoy the feeling of shopping all over the world without ever leaving the city. Those who favor creativity and the arts should pay a visit to F518 Idea Land, Dafen Oil Painting Village and other cultural and creative sites, where discerning shoppers will no doubt find a craft that catches their eye.

Huaqiang North Commercial Area is well-known as the “No.1 Electronics Street in China”, and offers all kinds of digital, electrical, and other products. Dongmen Old Street is an ideal place to hunt for special items, and also accommodates the locals with their favorite flavors and boutique clothes.

A Journey Through the World’s Cuisines

When speaking about the Shenzhen’s food, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly Guangdong’s cuisine. Gongming Baked Goose is golden and bright in color, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat within; steamed vermicelli rolls have a thin outer layer wrapping tender beef, shrimp, roast pork, and other fillings, and paired with a special sauce that leaves one begging for more. The “Four Heavenly Kings of Desserts” offered by Fortuna of Crowne Plaza Shenzhen Longgang is also an excellent representative of Guangdong’s cuisine.

Well-known for its food culture, Shenzhen is an ideal place for you to a spur-of-the-moment trip. Walking through the city’s streets, one is almost smothered with exotic foods, like Southeast Asian with its rich tastes, Japanese prepared with exquisite skill, and European for its wide variety of ingredients. In InterContinental Shenzhen, one can enjoy a delicate French meal at Pipette, one of the top 50 restaurants in China, with a high-class environment, superb culinary skills of the French chefs, and perfectly paired wine providing the ultimate dining experience.

Locals will tell fans of fresh and affordable seafood that Yantian Seafood Street is the best choice by far. Tasting seasonal delicacies in the cool sea breeze of the bay and looking at the distant but brilliantly illuminated Pearl of the Orient is a truly unique dining experience. The fresh oysters of Shajing are large and juicy; the shiny-backed shrimps of Xixiang have tender shells full of meat. And the hearty Stewed Seafood Porridge in Pottery Pot, cooked in porridge on a slow fire by locals, containing geoducks, crab, river shrimp, and many more products of the seas, are all unmissable.

A Blend of Folk Culture and Creativity

Hakka culture began take shape in Shenzhen as early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Hehu New Residence, Gankeng Hakka Town, and other Hakka areas silently record the centuries-old history of the Hakka people living in Shenzhen, with their culture making up an essential part of the local whole.

Independent bookstores have become an important feature of Shenzhen. Whether reading a book at the ancient “Material Life Book Bar”, catching a movie at “OZU Concept Bookstore” or hunting down an old book in “Old Paradise Bookstore”, the humanistic feelings of Shenzhen can be found down every street.

“Design” is another label that can be applied to this city, as its dynamic graphic and industrial design scene enjoy high reputations in the wider industry, and its rapidly-developing digital contents and Internet industry are a focus of global attention. KK100 is minimalist in style; Shenzhen Bay Sports Center adopts a graceful cocoon form; and OCT Art Design Gallery has become representative of Shenzhen’s quirky contemporary buildings with its unique honeycomb design. They jointly contribute to the urban landscape of this “Capital of Design”, emanating a clear optimism for the future.

A Night Tour of the Trends and Tunes

A diversified nightlife has become an essential characteristic of this sleepless city. Shekou Bar Street is the origin of Shenzhen’s “bar culture”, also referred to as the “Lan Kwai Fong of Shenzhen” because of its exotic atmosphere. OCT Bar Street, packed with unique characters and striking scenes, is a gathering place for the new generation. The European Style Street and Fifth Avenue Bar Street feature a particular Western feel, favored by the petty bourgeoisie who pursue quality of life above all else.

Going to a concert is also a great choice if one wants to experience the nightlife of Shenzhen. B10 Live, RED SUGAR JAR, A8 Live House and other popular local live houses have played host to jazz, folk, rock, experimental music, and other styles. Each year, Shenzhen Midi Music Festival also serves as a countdown party and “Utopia” for rock music enthusiasts.

If trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a visit to “24-Hour Book Bar” would be an ideal choice. When sitting at the window side, watching the city’s skyscrapers gradually melt into the night, the silence created in the company of the written word will grant a rare moment to reflect, and put one’s mind at ease.

A Business Leader at the Forefront of Science and Technology

Shenzhen is referred to as the “Window of the World” for exchange between China and the international market. As an important Special Economic Zone and port, it welcomes businesses from countries all over the world, and pioneers China’s global reach. This “Greenhouse of Creativity” has bred Tencent, Huawei, DJI, and other world-renown names in the science and technology sphere, and holds the annual China Information Technology Expo (CITE), which demonstrates the strength of Shenzhen to foreign and domestic electronics markets.

Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, located in the downtown area, is a landmark building in the central business district, only five minutes ride away from the Futian and Huanggang ports; by virtue of its convenient access to Hong Kong, many Shenzhen-Hong Kong exhibitions are held here. Shenzhen Animation Festival, International Maker Week, International Cultural Industries Fair, and other grand annual events also attract exhibitors and fans from all over the world.

How to Get There

There is one airport and three main passenger train stations in Shenzhen. Bao’an International Airport is only 32km away from the downtown area, and offers more than 110 domestic and 14 international routes, as one of the top four busiest airports in China.

Shenzhen, Shenzhen North and Shenzhen West Railway Stations jointly make up the city’s train network. Shenzhen Railway Station is located in Luohu District, and is closely connected to Luohu Port, serving as an important hub linking mainland China with Hong Kong and Macao, and China with the world. Shenzhen West Railway Station is at the intersection of Xuefu Road and Moon Bay Avenue in Nanshan District, and boasts extremely convenient transportation options, with Moon Bay Avenue connecting directly with Beihuan Boulevard, an arterial road running through the city. Shenzhen North Railway Station is the core of the network, and has realized zero transfer between bus, metro, taxi, coach and so on within the station.

Taking in the stunning coastline, fooling around in theme parks, looking across the city from a skyscraper or shopping on the bustling thoroughfares - a trip to Shenzhen always provides a treasure trove of pleasant surprises.