The relatively young city of Shenzhen (founded in 1979) is part of China’s Greater Bay Area – an economic and cosmopolitan region in China that encompasses several cities and is known for its innovative strength and economic cooperation. Shenzhen is a key city in this area and is known as a centre for technology, innovation and finance. This is why the city is often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of China’. Many major tech giants have their headquarters here. At the same time, Shenzhen surprises visitors with its abundance of green spaces and historic old towns in the surrounding area. There are so many inviting parks, gardens and cafés where you can relax. Shenzhen thus represents an exciting mix of modernity and tradition.
In this Shenzhen Travel Guide, I will take you through this great city and give you lots of tips on the best sights to see. As usual, you will find a map below where I have marked all the spots for you.
📆 How many days should you plan for a trip to Shenzhen?
I recommend 2 to 3 days to get a good impression of Shenzhen and visit the best sights. Planning three full days is advantageous if you are interested in detailed explorations and excursions to the surrounding area.
🌤️ When is the best time to visit Shenzhen?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are ideal. During these months, the weather is pleasantly mild and there is little rain. In summer (June to August), on the other hand, it is often very hot and humid – less than ideal for sightseeing. In winter (December to February), the weather is cooler, with temperatures reaching up to 11 degrees Celsius, but it is still pleasant for a city break.
✈️ My tips for travelling to and entering Shenzhen
Since 2024, China has allowed a 30-day visa-free regime for the United Kingdom and other European countries. Entry into Shenzhen is quick and smooth.
Shenzhen is very close to the border with Hong Kong – you can easily cross it by bus or car. Border control even takes place directly in your vehicle if you are travelling by car. Shenzhen also has an international airport with excellent rail and metro connections, ensuring flexible travel.
Shenzhen can be ideally combined with a trip to → Hong Kong, → Macao or Guangzhou! Take a look at my travel guides with the best tips 🙂
My map of the most beautiful sights in Shenzhen:
The most beautiful sights in Shenzhen
1. 🎡 OCT Harbour
OCT Harbour in Shenzhen’s business district is a huge shopping and entertainment centre and is definitely one of Shenzhen’s must-see attractions. Located directly on the coastline of Qianhai Bay, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of the skyline as you stroll along the walkway. The complex includes a large shopping centre – the semi-open OH Bay Mall – with many shops, restaurants and activities. We particularly recommend a visit to the Zhongshu Bookstore with its spiral-shaped shelves. The beautifully arranged design is perfect for taking special photos.
The complex also features an impressive artificial lake and canals. The main attractions include a daily water and light show, the Dream Aquarium and a large Ferris wheel from which you can enjoy a fabulous view of the city and the sea. OCT Harbour is a perfect place to take a break between sightseeing stops, especially in the evening hours. It is also a good introduction to the modern side of Shenzhen.
2. 🌃 Futian – Futuristic Light Show
The light show in Shenzhen’s Futian District is a gigantic event in which all of the city’s skyscrapers, equipped with millions of LED lights, shine in a synchronised show, providing every visitor with a unique visual experience. All the tall buildings seem to be immersed in the same sea of lights – simply breathtaking. I felt like I was on a journey into the future – a Shenzhen tip you shouldn’t miss.
The show lasts about 15 minutes, so take enough time to enjoy it at your leisure. You won’t regret it. My tip: the best view is from the street in front of the bar ‘Riad by the Theatre’, which is located next to a large shopping centre.
When does the light show take place? Only on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, hourly from 7 p.m. (November to March) or 7.30 p.m. (April to October).
3. 🏛️ Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning University (MOCAUP)
The MOCAUP is located in the heart of the Futian Cultural District and is actually a combination of two museums. Opened in 2016, it is considered a landmark of the city’s modern identity and is, of course, one of Shenzhen’s top attractions. I was fascinated by the futuristic combination of urban and architectural planning and contemporary art. Highly recommended for people interested in architecture and design!
4. 🚁 Talent Park – drone delivery
Talent Park in Shenzhen is both a technology-focused district and a popular recreational area for visitors and locals alike. It is a mixture of parkland with paths and a lake, as well as modern elements such as art installations and new technological achievements. Large play areas for children are also integrated. Known for its beautiful landscaping, Talent Park is definitely one of the best sights in Shenzhen in my opinion. It’s the perfect stopover if you want to explore Shenzhen’s high-tech side and relax in green surroundings at the same time.
Don’t miss: You can order food and drinks here via a drone delivery service – it’s easy to do via the app. Futuristic and exciting.
5. 🎨 OCT Loft Creative Culture Park
The former industrial district has been transformed into a popular cultural and artistic centre and is now green and hip. Here you will find street art, small shops, vintage stores and unique cafés. Be enchanted by the flair of this district and relax amid green avenues and renovated buildings. The OCT Loft Creative Culture Park is ideal for spending half a day or a whole afternoon strolling and exploring, and is of course one of my Shenzhen tips for you.
6. 🎎 My insider tip for Shenzhen: Gankeng Ancient Town
Gankeng Ancient Town is a historic site with restored buildings in the old Chinese style. It was developed from a 350-year-old village of Hakka culture. It offers a mixture of traditional architecture and modern entertainment. Here you will find, among other things, authentic houses, tea houses and bookshops.
A special highlight: you can even borrow and wear traditional Chinese clothing from different dynasties – with matching styling, of course. I really wanted to try this out and chose a costume from the Song Dynasty (960–1279). It was a great feeling to see myself like this and stroll around this fairytale place. Gankeng Ancient Town impressed me greatly and was one of my top sights in Shenzhen from the very first moment. Don’t miss out on this journey back in time.
Where is Gankeng Ancient Town? Just outside Shenzhen – accessible by metro line 10 (Gankeng station) or by taxi/Didi (Chinese Uber). The journey takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
7. 🏮Restaurant highlight: Chan’an Pavilion
Trying hot pot is an absolute must when visiting China. I thought it must be particularly good here at Chan’an Pavilion because when we arrived, we were greeted by a huge queue of people who had the same idea as us. But it was worth the wait! Chan’an Pavilion is actually one of the hottest hot pot restaurants in Shenzhen and, for me, one of the best sights. From the outside, it looks rather inconspicuous, but as soon as you enter, you are captivated by its enchanting ambience. Hundreds of lanterns glow in various shades from white to red, giving the beautiful building a cosy atmosphere. Its unique architectural design extends over several floors.
So, how was my first hot pot experience? Several people sit at a round table with numerous small bowls containing different fresh ingredients. You order a hot broth of your choice. Using small ladles or skewers, you can now cook the fresh ingredients in your broth – like a kind of fondue. Absolutely delicious! The locals love to meet up with their family or friends to enjoy this.
🥟Another restaurant tip:
If you would like to eat vegan, then I recommend the signature restaurant Qing Chun Pumen (in MixC World). It is a completely vegan restaurant and you can enjoy the signature dish Black Truffle Fried Rice, among other things. Of course, there is also a large selection of other vegan dishes. A must-try! However, it is advisable to book in advance.
Address: 3F, Wanxiang Tiandi Lane, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Shenzhen is much more than a high-tech metropolis – it offers an exciting interplay of technology, green surroundings, modernity and historical roots. Whether it’s futuristic cityscapes, creative neighbourhoods or quiet tea houses in old alleys, there’s something for every traveller here. I really enjoyed my time here and can definitely recommend a trip to Shenzhen.
The city can be ideally combined with a trip to → Hong Kong, → Macao or Guangzhou! Check out my travel guides with the best tips 🙂
I hope my Shenzhen Travel Guide has given you a little taste of what to expect if you decide to explore this unique city for yourself. I hope it will also help you to tailor your stay in Shenzhen to your wishes.
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