Forty years ago, Shenzhen was a small fishing village with little more than quiet shores and sleepy streets. Today, it’s one of China’s most exciting cities, often dubbed the "Silicon Valley of China". Located in southern China, it sits right on the border with Hong Kong.
Shenzhen’s got plenty to keep you busy. Stroll through Huaqiangbei, where you can browse endless rows of electronics and gadgets. Take a walk back in time at Nantou Ancient Town, or climb Lianhua Mountain for killer views of the city. Don’t miss Dafen Art Village to grab a hand-painted masterpiece, or hit up one of the wacky theme parks like Window of the World.
Getting to Shenzhen
First things first - let's talk about how to get there! Shenzhen's Bao'an Airport (SZX) is the main airport in Shenzhen, though I often find better deals flying into Hong Kong (HKG).🤭 Here's a sweet tip: some travelers can get a 6-day visa waiver to explore the Guangdong region - definitely worth checking out!
If you’re arriving on a red-eye flight at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, don’t worry—I’ve got two reliable hotels for you. I’ve stayed at both, and their free airport shuttle services and convenient amenities make late-night arrivals really cozy.
| Hotel Name | Distance from Airport | Facilities |
| Shenzhen Airport Hotel | Approximately 9.1 km | Gym, Parking, Priority Airport Pick-Up (Free), 24-Hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage, Cardroom, Restaurant, Priority Airport Drop-Off (Free), Taxi Booking Service, Car Rentals, Conference Room, Secretarial Services, Wi-Fi in Public Areas |
| Tianhe Hotel (Shenzhen Bao'an Airport) | Approximately 7.2 km | Sunbathing Area, Massage Room, Gym (Free), Parking (Free), Priority Airport Pick-Up (Free), 24-Hour Front Desk, Luggage Storage (Free), Library, Basketball Court (Off-site), Table Tennis Room, Tea Room, Restaurant, Cafe, Karaoke (Charge) |
You can see more nice hotels near Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to decide where to stay!
Getting Around Shenzhen
Shenzhen is huge, so the metro is the best way to get around. It’s fast, easy to use, and goes to most attractions. For places the metro doesn’t cover, taxis are a good option—just use a translation app to show drivers your destination in Chinese. If you’re exploring nearby parks or the waterfront, shared bikes are also a fun and convenient choice!
Ping An Finance Centre
Best Areas to Stay in Shenzhen
Futian CBD: This is where all the best things are! Think shiny skyscrapers, awesome shopping at COCO Park, and the best nightlife in town. Loads of metro lines cross here, so you can get anywhere super easy. Hotels can be a bit pricey but worth it for the location.
Luohu: Old school Shenzhen right by the Hong Kong border. Great if you love bargain shopping at Dongmen and want cheaper hotels. The local food here is amazing - some of the best dim sum spots are hidden here!
Nanshan: My personal favorite - bit more chilled with beaches nearby and cool hangouts like OCT Harbor. Lots of tech companies around here, so you get great cafes and restaurants without the crazy CBD prices. Metro takes you downtown in no time.
Window of the World
TOP Things to Do in Shenzhen
Shenzhen’s the kind of place that’ll knock your socks off, no matter what you’re into. One minute you’re gawking at some ancient fortress, and the next you’re up in the clouds on a skyscraper’s observation deck. It’s got theme parks, gadgets galore, wildlife you can’t see anywhere else, and food that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Let me show you the best of the best in Shenzhen.
1. Explore the World at Window of the World
It’s not every day you can travel the globe in one afternoon! At Window of the World, you’ll encounter over 130 replicas of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Angkor Wat, and the Sydney Opera House. Walking through this park is like stepping into a living postcard.
2. Shop for Electronics at Huaqiangbei
Welcome to the paradise for gadget lovers! Known as the largest electronics market in China, Huaqiangbei is a wonderland of innovation and possibility. From the tiniest circuit boards to the latest tech gadgets, you can find everything here, including components to build your own smartphone.
3. Get Close to Wildlife at Shenzhen Safari Park
If you're traveling with family or simply love animals, the Shenzhen Safari Park is an absolute must-visit. Home to over 10,000 animals, including rare species like pandas and white tigers, this park allows you to see creatures living in natural, uncaged environments.
Shenzhen Safari Park
Outstanding
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