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Header image courtesy of Charlie fong (via Wikimedia Commons)
If you need a quick getaway and find flying a hassle, Shenzhen would be your best bet. As Hong Kong’s closest gateway to mainland China, this neighbouring metropolis is one of the hottest travel destinations among Hongkongers. Nevertheless, the appeal of this bustling city lies beyond its proximity to Hong Kong. From lavish shopping malls and glamorous rooftop bars overlooking the glistening cityscape, to even theme parks filled with miniature landmarks from all over the world, Shenzhen offers a vibrant entertainment and culinary scene to explore thoroughly. Here is our ultimate guide to our favourite things to see, do, eat, and drink in Shenzhen.
Coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants—you name it, this place has got it. Located just a short five- to 10-minute walk from the Qiaocheng East Station (Shenzhen Metro Line 1, Exit A), Oct-Loft is a regular gathering ground for all culture vultures across the city. While social media gurus search for the perfect angle at its many Insta-worthy hotspots, the artsy crowd gather at the semi-monthly creative market to shop for handmade jewellery and decorative pieces. If you decide to visit, we’d advise you to put on some comfy shoes because there will be lots of walking around.
Oct-Loft Creative Culture Park, Kaiping Street, Hua Qiao Cheng, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Boasting 118 miniature-scale replicas of the most iconic landmarks across the globe, Window of the World offers marvellous sights without the need for a flight ticket. Covering roughly 480,000 square metres, the theme park is divided into nine scenic areas, each spot featuring an impressive collection of miniature attractions from particular geographical regions. Admire the famous pyramids of Egypt and discover Paris’s Eiffel Tower within walking distance—travelling around the world has never been easier. The park is equally easy to get to: simply hop on Line 1 or 2 on the Shenzhen Metro, stop at the Window of the World Station, and take Exit J.
Window of the World, 9037 Shen Nan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Even if you haven’t been to Shenzhen, you’ve most likely heard of the beloved shopping mall, Coco Park (Shenzhen Metro Line 1 or 3, Shopping Park Station, Exit C/G). Housing over 200 international and local brand names, a plethora of indoor and outdoor dining options, a lush animated garden, and two large-scale children’s playgrounds, this experimental urban shopping complex has everything you need under one roof. Adults can satisfy shopping cravings, while children are entertained at its play facilities. It’s the perfect place for a family day trip.
World Coco Park, 268 Fuhua 3rd Road, Futian CBD, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen Safari Park is another great option for families, especially for little ones with an innate love for animals. Situated near the Xili Station (Shenzhen Metro Line 7, Exit B), the park is home to a huge kingdom of beasts and critters. From adorable pandas and rare majestic white tigers to cute fluffy llamas, visitors get the have close-up encounters with exotic wild animals whilst learning about their habitats in true safari style. Don’t forget to catch one of its many thrilling shows at the performance stages and halls, too—you can check out the full show roster here.
Shenzhen Safari Park, 465 Xili Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Those looking to wind down on their trip would find a visit to Queen’s Spa a must (there is a free shuttle bus from Queen Spa shopfront at Lo Wu Shopping Centre). This whopping 450,000-square-feet full-service spa is here to pamper your every need. Whether you’re after a straightforward massage or need a good ear-canal cleaning, there’s a member of staff ready to help you out. After indulging in relaxing treatments, a plethora of wind-down choices await: head to the sleeping areas for a quick power nap, take a dip in the massive swimming pool, fuel up on food at the Chinese restaurant, or play some video games to pass the time.
Queen’s Spa, B1/F–4/F, Golden Metropolis Building, Chunfeng Road, Luohu, Shenzhen, China
Prepare for a full-body workout at this 10,000-square-metre indoor amusement park. Presenting more than 50 entertaining experiences with pioneering sports technology, visitors get to try out a variety of exhilarating sports such as basketball, bowling, archery, skating, and golf. Nevertheless, the venue’s highlights would be the bumper car and trampoline arena, offering electrifying entertainment experiences for both adults and children. Bring your friends and family along to double the excitement and work up a sweat together!
Party Day Sports Playground, Shop 6F-A, Wanda Plaza, Huanan 2nd Road, Pinghu Subdistrict, Shenzhen, China
Who says skiing is only for winter? Hong Kong’s climate means we don’t see snow, but you can kickstart your skiing journey at Karoo Ice and Snow World. This frosty wonderland is Shenzhen’s largest indoor skiing centre, fully equipped with large-scale ski and skating arenas that implement cutting-edge technology for safe and family-friendly snowy fun. Moreover, the park provides all the skiing equipment you need, so feel free to arrive empty-handed (though we recommend wearing warm clothes to adjust to its freezing temperature). To get there, ride on Line 4 of the Shenzhen Metro to arrive at Mission Hills Station, then take a five-minute walk to your destination.
Karoo Ice and Snow World, Mission Hills Ecological Movement Commune, 15 Golf Avenue, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China
Fairy Lake Botanical Garden transports you to an oasis away from Shenzhen’s skyscrapers, serving as an urban escape for nature lovers. Offering eight scenic spots, you’ll come across tranquil Chinese pavilions, pagodas, and serene themed gardens, where a myriad of tropical and subtropical florals and wildlife call home. Its picturesque setting also presents fantastic views of Mount Wutongshan, as if taken from a magical fairytale! Standouts include the 21-metre-high Dragon Pagoda, the breathtaking Orchid and Butterfly Valley, and the peaceful Youxi Valley. Aside from stunning plantations, several museums and exhibition halls dedicated to public education are open to visitors as well.
Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, 160 Xianhu Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
Spread across the eighteenth floor of the Fraser Suites Shenzhen in the Futian District (Shenzhen Metro Line 1, Huaqiang Road Station), the Ding Sky Bar is the perfect place to be if you want to watch the sunset, sip on a cocktail or two, and munch on delicious nibbles. With an infinity pool overlooking the Shenzhen cityscape, this bohemian-style rooftop bar is a popular spot for city dwellers to retreat to after a long day. We highly recommend arriving just before 5.30 pm so you have plenty of time to enjoy the gorgeous sunset.
Ding Sky Bar, 18/F, Fraser Suites Shenzhen, 183 Zhenhua Lu, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
With three different outlets dotted around Shenzhen, the IH Café & Bar is well known for its aesthetically pleasing décor, Insta-worthy nibbles, and genuine laid-back vibes. Depending on personal preference, each outlet has its own unique theme. While both outlets in Nanshan and Bao’an district have a more colourful summertime feel, the Futian store is on the opposite end of the spectrum with a low-key classic Moroccan vibe. Either way, we guarantee you won't be able to stop snapping away for the ‘gram!
IH Café & Bar, 10 Tai Zi Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District Block C5, Yintian Originality Park, Xixiang, Bao’an District, 28 Kaifeng Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
Located just a short distance away from the China-Hong Kong border, Dongmen is a fascinating part of town that is often overcrowded with both locals and tourists. Apart from offering insanely cheap buys and funky souvenirs to bring back to your nearest and dearest, Dongmen is also a great place to sink your teeth into all kinds of delicious nibbles from the numerous stalls along the Dongmen Food Street. Here you will find everything from fresh fruit smoothies to authentic jianbing (Chinese crêpes) and more. And the best part is, they’re all ridiculously cheap!
Dongmen Food Street, Laojie Station, Dongmen Middle Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
Gui Man Long is a photogenic Chinese restaurant which garnered recognition for its captivating interior design. Standing at the entrance already reveals tones of hushed blue, purple, and yellow that light up the space, eliciting a mystical and fantasy-like ambience. Ancient pavilions, wooden boats, and dimly lit paper lanterns hang above stone-paved bridges and water canals, recreating a fascinating scene of Jiangnan’s ancient water towns. Dine on its curtained wooden boats and enjoy Hangzhou dishes like sweet and sour fish, Dongpo pork, and beggar’s chicken. Additionally, the menu also offers iconic crab delicacies, including soup dumplings with crab roe and crab meat and yellow croaker wonton.
Gui Man Long, Shop 601, 6/F, Ping An Finance Centre, 5033 Yitian Road, Shenzhen, China
Originating from the Yunnan province, Chagee is one of China’s most social-media-famous tea bar concepts that shines in premium quality tea beverages. Established with the mission to resuscitate and reintroduce authentic Chinese tea culture globally, the laid-back tea house serves an indulgent roster of milk tea, snow frappé, brewed tea, and fruit tea that gives Chinese tea a modern contemporary twist. If you’re thinking on what to order, its signature fresh milk tea series is a must-try. Not only do these concoctions taste delightful, but their poetic Chinese names also further elevate the senses. The jasmine green milk tea (Bo Ya’s Final Recital) and da hong pao milk tea (White Mist, Crimson Dust) are among the bestsellers.
Chagee, Shop B109, 1/F, Dreamson, 1018 Huafu Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
Hot pot lovers would thank Shenzhen for showcasing a new variety of hot pot: coconut chicken. This classic Hainanese cuisine is all you would find at Tong Ren Si Ji, a lively restaurant specialising in this nourishing dish. The formula is the same as any other hotpot place—boil sliced meat, seafood, and dumplings in a large pot of bubbling hot soup. The only difference lies in the broth: instead of your usual flavourful soup bases, the stock is simple and plain coconut water. Fret not, as the milky white soup accentuates the ingredients’ authentic flavours while having a sweet aftertaste, making for a flawless meal that warms your soul.
Tong Ren Si Ji Yin Le Theme Restaurant, 1/F–2/F, Building 2, Huxin Mansion, Nanhu Road and Jiabin Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
Founded in 1880, Tao Tao Ju’s is China’s most distinguished old-style Cantonese restaurant, serving authentically made dim sum. While you may already be familiar with these Cantonese dishes in Hong Kong, its respectable reputation and Michelin recommendation still make it worth the visit. Flavours of Cantonese yum cha essentials here do not disappoint, maintaining excellent culinary standards that stood the test of time. The signature roasted goose, ice-chilled sweet and sour pork, crispy pork belly, and glutinous rice with cured meat are favourites among return customers.
Tao Tao Ju, Shop 517, 5/F, Haiancheng Plaza, 33 Wenxin 5th Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
First published on 26 June 2019. Written by Jenny Leung. Last updated by Stella Li.
Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Why the strange spelling? Well, Localiiz is designed to be your “local eyes”—and for that, you need two i’s.
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