The Hottest Spots to Visit in Shenzhen

Top 10 Attractions in Shenzhen

With so many things to see and do in Shenzhen, it can be hard to decide where to start. To help you out, we've put together a list of the city's top 10 attractions:

1. Window of the World

The Window of the World is a theme park located in Shenzhen, China. It is home to about 130 replicas of world landmarks and sights, some scaled down to be around two-thirds of the size of the originals. The park is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming from all over to see its miniature recreations of famous sites from around the globe.

The park is set up like an amusement park, with replicas of major European tourist destinations such as the Houses of Parliament in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Colosseum in Rome. In addition to the replicas, the park also features themed streets, food stalls, and dance shows, as well as a spectacular laser and light show.

2. Splendid China Folk Village

Splendid China Folk Village is a theme park located in Shenzhen, consisting of two areas – Splendid China Miniature Park and China Folk Culture Village. The slogan of the Splendid China Miniature Park is "One step to learn China's history, one day to visit all in China."

This park contains 82 reproductions of China's iconic places, which are divided into three categories: beautiful scenery, grand architecture, historical sites, and traditional dwellings. In addition, there are over 50,000 small ceramic human or animal figurines, making it a popular attraction known as the "Lilliput of Shenzhen."

China Folk Culture Village is a must-see destination for those looking to experience the diversity of China's ethnic cultures. The village is home to 27 different ethnic villages, each with its own unique architecture and cultural performances. Visitors can enjoy daily shows of traditional folk dances, music, and crafts, as well as special performances during festivals.

3. Happy Valley Shenzhen

Happy Valley is a large modern theme park right adjacent to the Window of the World. The park is expansive and divided into 9 themed areas, with several of them being Cartoon City and Gold Mine Town.

The only downside is that it can be quite crowded, and some of the rides' opening times are staggered. However, the park is still a great place to take the family for a day of fun. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from rides to games to shows.

4. Nanshan Mountains

The Nanshan Mountains in Shekou provide a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Shenzhen city life. The mountains are a great place to relax and enjoy the natural scenery. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking.

The unique feature of Nanshan that sets it apart from other attractions is its scenic sea cove, which offers stunning views of the ocean and gentle climbs. With clear weather, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the city below. Additionally, there are several beautiful spots along the mountain where you can truly appreciate the beauty of the city. Entry to Nanshan is free of charge and it is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm.

5. Shenzhen Museum

The Shenzhen Museum is an excellent place to learn about the city's history. The museum contains exhibits dating back to the ancient Han and Tang dynasties and more recent artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties. There is also an extensive collection of items from the Republic of China period and the People's Republic of China era.

The museum is free to enter, making it an excellent value for tourists. It has multiple permanent exhibitions and galleries for archaeological finds and cultural relics. If you're visiting with kids, check out the children's room, where they can explore interactive games based on Chinese culture and history. The museum also provides a detailed look at the city's boom following the policy reform in 1979.

6. Dafen Oil Painting Village

Dafen is a top attraction for art lovers and those looking for a unique experience. Located in the city, Dafen is the world's largest producer of replica oil paintings. Artists here can create any painting you can imagine, and they do it at an affordable price with beautiful results. You can choose the size and style of your painting, and the artists will skillfully recreate it on paper.

The Dafen Oil Painting Village is home to over 1200 galleries, making it a true paradise for art lovers. This unique village was initially set up as an artist colony, and today it is known for its fine art workshop where you can rent out drawings and paintings. It serves as a springboard for creative artists to showcase their original works, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art. Whether you are a fan of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa or Klimt's Embrace, you will find an impressive array of artistic masterpieces here.

7. OCT East Theme Park

OCT East has a theme park located behind Dameisha town in Shenzhen, China. The park is picturesque, with well-landscaped grounds and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. There's a 160 Yuan entrance fee, but it's well worth it.

The park has themed rides, waterparks, even a hot springs spa, and many other attractions. If you still have time left after exploring the park, check out the beautiful tea plantation nearby.

8. Xiaomeisha Beach and Dameisha Beach

Dameisha is a beautiful coastal town known for its long shoreline and modern marina. The area is also home to major hotels, including a Sheraton-styled property. This long stretch of beach is perfect for activities like diving, paragliding, and jet skiing. In addition to the seaside, the region is also rich in reefs, islands, and caves.

The area is well known for its stunning cliff sides. With a modern harbor and well-established seafood restaurants, you'll enjoy your time here. Keep in mind that the area is furnished and free to enter but can be busy on public holidays.

The quieter, more secluded Xiaomeisha beach is popular among beachgoers looking for a more peaceful experience. To get there, you must pay an entrance fee of 30 Yuan, and if you are looking to camp, the area has many tents available for rent. This beach is an excellent choice for those traveling with kids.

9. Sea World

Sea World is a leisure expanse located in the western part of the city. It recently underwent a complete refurbishment with new clubs and beer precincts added to make the most of its standing in the international tourist scene.

There are a variety of raucous clubs and bars, each with its unique vibe and atmosphere. So whether you're looking for a lively night out with friends or a more relaxing evening with your significant other, Sea World has something to offer everyone.

The Sea World is home to Gateway One, an open-air super-luxe modern shopping mall. The Design Society is located in the mall and features a series of exhibitions and learning programs that focus on design and artistic thinking. After you're done sightseeing, you can take a quick turn to the back end of the Sea World to enjoy some delicious snacks and meals.

10. Tianhou Temple

The temple is known for its traditional style and beautiful embellishments. It's a sight not to be missed if you're in the area. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the years, but it still retains its beauty and charm.

The historic Tianhou Temple has been undergoing a revitalization process, with several of its surrounding buildings being refurbished to house museums that showcase the temple's rich history and legacy. At a very affordable cost of just 15 yuan, visitors can freely explore all areas of the temple, including the iconic Drum Tower and the intoxicating scent of incense. So if you are looking for an authentic and non-touristy experience, check this temple out.

Top Day Trips From Shenzhen

The fast pace of life in Shenzhen, China's biggest and most affluent city on the border with Hong Kong, leaves a lot to be desired for those who value their peace and quiet. Fortunately, there are some great day trips from Shenzhen that will let you catch your breath for a few hours or even a full day and get back to the city refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of urban life.

If you're interested in exploring some of the top day trips from Shenzhen, check out these ideas!

1. Xian Trip from Shenzhen

You'll need to arrange flights from Shenzhen to pull this trip off, but if you can manage, it's well worth it! This one-day tour offers a fantastic opportunity to take a round-trip flight to the ancient city of Xian and see some of its most famous historical attractions. First, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where you can see the impressive clay sculptures created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

Then, you'll explore the city walls and the vibrant Muslim Quarter, giving you a glimpse into the rich history of this fascinating city. So if you're looking for an unforgettable experience in China, don't miss out on this exciting trip from Shenzhen!

2. Chengdu Trip From Shenzhen

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Leshan Giant Buddha and adorable panda bears are just two of the incredible highlights of a private tour from Shenzhen. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a knowledgeable guide who will take you to explore Leshan Giant Buddha, marvel at its massive stone statue from different vantage points, and visit nearby temples like Lingyun Temple and Wuyou Temple. You'll also enjoy a boat cruise for the panoramic view of Giant Buddha.

Chengdu is a great city to visit if you want to see some fantastic animals. Not only do they have giant pandas, but also newborn babies, teenagers and adult pandas. You can learn about the different stages of a panda's life from infancy to adulthood. This private tour includes an English-speaking tour guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, plane ticket, entrance fee, boat ride and lunch. You can choose to end your tour in Chengdu or return to Shenzhen.

3. Beijing trip from Shenzhen

This full-day private tour will take you to two of Beijing's most famous UNESCO sites, the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Forbidden City. With your personal tour guide, learn about the history and stories behind these amazing sites while traveling at your own pace.

Tour includes entrance fees, a Chinese lunch, plane tickets, English speaking tour guide, and a private air-conditioned vehicle. You can choose to end your tour in Beijing or return to Shenzhen. This is an amazing opportunity to experience some of China's most impressive historical sites!

4. Shanghai One Day Tour

On this private, full-day tour from Shenzhen by plane, you'll explore Shanghai's top sights with a knowledgeable local guide. Customize your day according to your interests, choosing from highlights like the White Jade Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Bund waterfront district, Shanghai Museum, and more. You'll also enjoy a delicious local lunch, and all entrance fees are included. Plus, transport is provided by a private air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable experience. You can either stay in Shanghai or return to Shenzhen at the end of the day.

5. Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Show

Shaolin Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. It is home to the Shaolin monks, famous for their martial arts skills. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On this private tour, you will be greeted by a knowledgeable guide who will take you by private air-conditioned vehicle to the temple. During your visit, you can watch a kung-fu performance, learn about the history and culture of Shaolin Temple, and admire its beautiful pagoda forest. The tour also includes plane tickets, a local lunch, entrance fees, and transport by private vehicle. You can choose to end your tour in Zhengzhou or return to Shenzhen.

Top Places to eat in Shenzhen

The food scene in Shenzhen is truly impressive! Whether you're in the mood for authentic Chinese cuisine, international favorites, or delicious street food, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Here are our top picks for places to eat when visiting Shenzhen:

1. 1881 Chinese Restuarant at Hotel Grand Hyatt

The 1881 Chinese Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt hotel offers a sophisticated and luxurious dining experience with its focus on delicious Northern Chinese cuisine. Specialties include Beijing duck cooked in a wood-fired oven, as well as kong bao style shrimp. With its cozy but chic atmosphere, this is the perfect place to enjoy high-quality Chinese food.

Address: China, Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, Luohu District, 宝安南路1881
Phone: +86 755 8266 1234
Visit their website here.

2. Xingli at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Shenzhen

The Xingli restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is known for its delicious Chiu Chow cuisine. Offering over 100 choices for dim sum, there is something to satisfy everyone's palate. From local favorites to international dishes, there is also a great selection of spicy Sichuan cuisine to choose from. With its stylish setting and attentive service, Xingli is the perfect place for a memorable dining experience.

Address: 116 Fuhua San Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518048 China
Phone: +8675522222222
Visit their website here.

3. Shang Palace at Shangri-La Hotel

Shang Palace is one of the first Shangri-La hotels in China, and it has a reputation for serving up some of the best dim sums in the country. The restaurant is elegantly decorated, and there is a wide variety of rice dishes, vegetables, and noodles to choose from on the menu. In addition, you can enjoy Huaiyang cold dishes, Sichuan dishes, and Chiu Chow dishes all in one place.

Shang Palace is the perfect place for a luxurious and authentic Chinese dining experience. The food is delicious, and the setting is exquisite. So if you're looking for a truly unique and memorable dining experience, then Shang Palace is the place to go.

Address: Level 2 of Hotel, East Side, Railway Station, 1002 Jianshe Road, Shenzhen
Phone: (86 755) 8396 1383
Visit their website here.

4. The Kitchen

The Kitchen is a great place to go for a home-cooked meal while you're in China. The restaurant is known for its quality food and fun vibe, and it has a diverse menu that includes everything from pizzas to burgers to Tex Mex. It can be a bit noisy, but it's well worth a visit.

The Kitchen is located in the nightlife hub of Coco Park, so you can expect to see some lively expats while you're there. Unfortunately, the restaurant is hidden behind a couple of bars, but don't let that deter you - it's definitely worth seeking out! You won't be disappointed by the great food and service at The Kitchen.

Address: J3X8+MRG, Banxuegang Blvd, Longgang, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, 518129
Phone: (86 755) 8958-3637
Visit their website here.

5. HaidiLao Hot Pot (Youyi Cheng)

HaidiLao is a hotpot restaurant chain found all across China. The Shenzhen location is especially popular and is known for its great customer service, freshly made noodles, and complimentary snacks. If you want to go at peak times, it's worth pre-booking. The restaurant is especially popular in winter due to the spicy nature of the dish. This makes it a great place to enjoy a traditional, convivial meal.

Address: 5-6/F, Youyicheng, No.63 Youyi Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen China
Phone: +86 755 8225 0991
Visit their website here.

6. Willy's Crab Shack

The Willy's Crab Shack is a convivial restaurant that serves up American-style seafood and pizza in a welcoming and vibrant setting. With a family-run atmosphere and daily specials on beer and wine, this popular spot is popular among expats looking for a taste of home in Shekou. Praised by regulars for its large portions, the crab cake is a must-try dish at Willy's Crab Shack.

Address: #18 Shi Yun Road, Shekou Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518052 China
Phone: +86 755 8827 8002
Visit their website here.

7. BAIA Burger Concept

If you're looking for a delicious and sophisticated evening out, head to BAIA in Shenzhen's Seaworld entertainment complex. This Mediterranean restaurant offers a wide variety of tasty dishes and drinks in a comfortable setting. Expats love its burgers and commend its diverse range of beverages - the space doubles as a bar and grill. Plus, there's outdoor seating available so you can enjoy the perfect dinner under the stars.

Address: #B302, Sea World Plaza Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518069 China
Phone: +86 755 2681 8890
Visit their website here.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of great places to eat and drink, and visit in and around Shenzhen. No matter what kind of experience you're looking for, you'll be able to find it here. From elegant dining to family-friendly pubs, the city has something for everyone. Use this list as a reference when planning your next trip and get ready to have some fun!