The Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Shenzhen

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.

Travelers from many countries can snag a Visa on Arrival, giving you five days to explore the city. There’s also a 24/144-hour visa-free transit option if you’re passing through to another destination. Make sure to check the latest rules before you go!

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!

From the airport, you've got plenty of options to get to downtown Shenzhen. My go-to is Metro Line 11 - it's quick (30 minutes to downtown), cheap (¥10, about $1.50), and runs until midnight. If you're feeling fancy, try the business class car! Taxis are reliable too, running about ¥100 ($14) to Futian or ¥150 ($21) to Luohu. The airport shuttle is a bargain at ¥20 ($3), though don't count on English announcements.

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.

You can see more nice hotels near Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to decide where to stay!

👀 Coming from Hong Kong? My favorite route is the direct ferry from HK Airport to Shenzhen - it's my top pick for convenience and lets you skip Hong Kong immigration entirely. Tickets run about HK$220-360 ($28-46) depending on your destination. The high-speed rail is another solid choice, zipping you from West Kowloon to Futian Station in no time for around HK$75 ($10). Just grab your tickets early - those lines can get crazy long!

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!

• The metro is your best way to get around Shenzhen - it's clean, efficient, and easy to figure out. Fares are super reasonable, from ¥2-15 (about $0.30-2), and trains come every few minutes until 11 PM. Do yourself a favor and grab a Shenzhen Tong card - it works on buses too and saves you from fumbling with tokens.
• Taxis start at ¥10 ($1.40) and are generally well-regulated, though don't expect much English. Pro tip: look for the blue electric taxis - they're slightly cheaper! Just make sure you have your destination written in Chinese characters.
• Buses are great for exploring on a budget, with fares between ¥1-10 ($0.15-1.40). They're comfy and air-conditioned, though following the stops can be tricky if you don't speak Mandarin. When in doubt, count the stops or use your phone's GPS!

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.

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.

Window of the World

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

4. City Views at Ping An Finance Centre

Shenzhen’s modern skyline wouldn’t be complete without the towering Ping An Finance Centre. This architectural marvel, the 4th tallest building in the world, offers breathtaking views from the Free Sky Observation Deck, perched at a staggering height of 562 meters.

5. Splendid China Folk Village

Get ready for a crash course in Chinese history and culture at the Splendid China Folk Village. This massive theme park features two distinct areas: the Miniature Park, with scaled-down replicas of China’s most iconic landmarks, and the China Folk Culture Village, where ethnic traditions come alive through vibrant performances and crafts.

Splendid China Folk Village

Better to Know Before Visiting Shenzhen

Dim Sum Galore

What to Eat in Shenzhen

Grab your chopsticks, pour some tea, and savor on your Cantonese cuisine in Shenzhen. Bon appétit—or as they say in Cantonese, “Sik faan!” 🍴

• Dim Sum Galore: Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) & Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings) Let’s start with the classics! Nothing says "Cantonese cuisine" like a bamboo steamer filled with delicate Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) with their thin translucent wrappers.
• Soup of the Day (老火汤) Cantonese meals often begin with a nourishing, slow-simmered soup. These broths, made with ingredients like pork bones, herbs, and vegetables, are like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Sweet and Sour Pork (咕噜肉) Perfectly crispy chunks of pork are coated in a tangy sauce with just the right amount of sweetness. Pineapple chunks and bell peppers add extra zing.
• Cantonese Congee (粥) A breakfast staple that warms both your body and soul, Cantonese Congee is a silky rice porridge often topped with pork, preserved eggs, or fish.

Best Time to Visit Shenzhen

The best time to visit Shenzhen is from October to December when the weather is cool, dry, and comfortable. During these months, the temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F), so it‘s ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Additionally, there are various festivals and events taking place during this time, such as the Shenzhen International Cultural Industry Fair and the Shenzhen Fringe Festival.