Follow China’s opening policies to more and more countries, visiting Shenzhen, the neighboring city of Hong Kong, is never be so easy ever. The hub of manufacturing and technology is double the size of Hong Kong in terms of land, and the affordable prices has attracted thousands of Hongkongers crossing over on weekends and holidays. In fact, there are many new tourist spots waiting for you to explore, whether you’re a first-time visitor or has been many times.
Dafen Oil Painting Village (大芬油畫村)
Art lovers can’t miss Dafen Oil Painting Village in Longgang district, also known as “China’s Oil Painting Village”. Once famous for reproducing works by artists like Vincent van Gogh, this village-turned-oil-painting-hub is now home to nearly 1,000 galleries, art shops, and cafés. Watch artists at work, shop stunning artworks, or join painting workshops from RMB30. Don’t miss the newly renovated Dafen Art Museum, the largest in Shenzhen that features oil paintings and themed exhibitions. With colourful street art and a rich artistic atmosphere, a walk here is an artistic journey.
Where: Longgang District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 3 to Dafen Station and exit at Exit A1
Price: Free admission
Dameisha Seaside Park (大梅沙海濱公園)
Looking for a beach holiday without flying out? Head to Dameisha Seaside Park and Xiaomeisha in Shenzhen’s Yantian district. Now conveniently connected via Metro Line 8 with Dameisha station, Dameisha’s 1,800-metre beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. The nearby Xiaomeisha, a coastal resort area that earned the name “Oriental Hawaii”, offers international resorts, thrilling water sports like speedboats and paddleboarding, as well as the newly opened aquarium and parks. Besides enjoying the sun and sea, you can explore cultural villages, and enjoy various restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping facilities in the area.
Where: Dameisha, Yankui Road, Yantian District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 8 to Dameisha station
Price: Dameisha is free to enter. Ticket for Xiaomeisha Resort starts from HK$48.37 on Trip.com
Dongmen Pedestrian Street (深圳東門步行街)
From dawn until late at night, Dongmen Walking Street in Shenzhen is a buzzing tourist spot you can’t miss! Renowned as the “roots” of Old Shenzhen, this pedestrian street is the best places to visit and shop, where thousands of shops selling everything from affordable clothes to traditional snacks. The iconic bronze bells on the east and west squares chime morning and evening, adding to the historic charm. Enjoy the “night market” vibe and get your hands on delicious local treats like soup dumplings and roast goose, set against a backdrop of retro buildings for the perfect photo.
Where: Luohu district, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 1 or 10 to Laojie station
Price: Free admission
Free Sky Observatory Deck (平安金融中心雲際觀光層)
For a 360-degree top view of Shenzhen, head to the Ping An International Finance Center’s Free Sky observatory deck. Located on the 116th floor of the world’s fifth tallest building, this observation deck offers a panoramic view of Shenzhen, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of Hong Kong too! The high-speed elevator takes you to the top in just 55 seconds. Besides enjoying the view, explore exciting features like a VR experience, mirror maze, and more.
Where: 116F, Ping An Finance Center, No.5033 Yitian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 1 to Shopping Park Station and exit at Exit D
Price: Ticket from HK$196 per person. View ticket options on Klook
Gankeng Hakka Town (甘坑古鎮)
China is home to many subcultures, and Gankeng Hakka Town showcases a beautifully preserved Hakka village in the Longgang District. Known as the “Little Lijiang”, this historic town dates back over 600 years, featuring stunning ancient architecture and lush surroundings. Wander through the old streets, admire the traditional buildings and enjoy local Hakka cuisine. Occasionally, cultural events like opera performances and folk festivals bring the town to life.
Where: Hakka Town, Gankeng, Buji Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 10 to Gankeng Station and exit at Exit B
Price: Free admission
Hongqiao Park (虹橋公園)
Take a slow day trip to Hongqiao Park in Guangming District, perhaps the city’s most Instagram-worthy spot. Stroll along the iconic red ribbon bridge, which stands out against the backdrop of lush hills and clear waters. On top of that, the new Emerald Lake and Forest Zones are popular areas in the park. Climb the Little Red House for a perfect shot, and enjoy the skate park, basketball and tennis courts, and sandpit playground. Relax and soak in nature’s beauty when the weather is nice.
Where: 6/F, Haiya Mega Mall, 99 Jian’anyi Rd, Bao’an, Shenzhen
Getting there: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Xin’an Park Station on Metro Line 12
Price: Family package from RMB 88.8
Karoo Ice and Snow World (觀瀾湖卡魯冰雪世界)
Missing the snow in Hong Kong? Karu Ice and Snow World is the top place to visit for some winter fun! The largest of its kind in Shenzhen, this 12,000 m² resort features a ski area, skating rink, and various snow play areas. You’ll love the 100-metre ski track too! The area is well-maintained with a cosy atmosphere at -3°C to -5°C. There are plenty of hotels and tourist attractions nearby, including Mission Hills Golf Resort.
Where: Mission Hills Ecological Movement Commune, No. 15 Golf Avenue, Longhua District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 4 to Mission Hills Station and exit at Exit A
Price: 2-hour snow entertainment ticket at HK$140. View ticket options on Klook
Lianhuashan Park (蓮花山公園)
Lianhuashan Park, or Lotus Hill Park, is a famous park in the centre of Shenzhen. Spanning 150 hectares, this beautiful park is a great place for everything from kite flying and football to scenic walks and mountain views. You will also find a statue of Deng Xiaoping, the former president of China, while the lush greenery creates a perfect setting for a family outing. Close to the metro and plenty of space to explore, it’s a great spot for some outdoor fun in the city!
Where: 6030 Hongli Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station
Price: Free admission
Nan’ao (南澳)
The hottest tourist attraction of 2024? Nan’ao is definitely on the list. Surrounded by the sea on Dapeng Peninsula, this coastal town is the best place to visit for stunning beaches, historic sites, and even a slice of Europe at Rose Village. During the day, explore Dapeng Ancient City, relax on Xichong Beach, or enjoy the view at the picturesque hotels. In the evening, grab fresh seafood on Nan’ao Seafood Street. Just a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island in Southeast Asia.
Where: Nan’Ao Town, Longgang, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 4 to Civic Centre Station, then transfer to Line 2 or 8 to reach Liantang Checkpoint Station. Exit and walk over to Guangling Bus Station, then take Bus E11 and M321 to Nan’ao. Alternatively, a taxi from Futian to Nan’ao takes approximately 48 minutes.
Price: Some attractions require an admission ticket. Please check before your trip
Nantou Walled City (南頭古城)
In the middle of the city, you will find Nantou Walled City, an ancient site that dates back nearly 1,700 years – this is where the city’s urban story began! Stroll through tree-lined squares, discover Cantonese, Hakka, and Nanyang architectural styles, and check out the trendy shops, cool cafes and restaurants in the historical lanes, where the past and present beautifully merge.
Where: North of Nantou Bridge, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station and exit at Exit C
Price: Free admission
OCT Harbour (歡樂海岸)
OCT Harbour is a massive tourist attraction for shopping, dining, and entertainment — perfect for a full day of fun! Spanning 1.25 million m², it features highlights like the Dream Aquarium’s immersive jellyfish world. As night falls, don’t miss the Sparkle Flow, where five main installations light up for an interactive experience. Stay for the spectacular “Mysteries of the Deep Blue Waters” laser fountain show at the Water Show Theater — a grand finale to your day!
Where: 2008 Binhai Avenue, Shahe Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station and exit at Exit E
Price: Free admission. Head to website for more info
OCT-Loft (華僑城創意文化園)
Once an industrial zone, OCT-Loft is now one of the hottest cultural hub. This 150,000 m² space is perfect for art lovers and hipsters, filled with contemporary art galleries, quirky shops, and cool cafés. Stroll through cobbled lanes, soak up the artsy vibe from street art, and explore unique finds at weekend markets and festivals.
Where: South Gate, Jinxiu North Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 1 to Qiaocheng East Station, or Line 2 to Qiaocheng North Station
Price: Free admission. Head to website for more info
OH Bay (歡樂港灣)
OH Bay is located along Qianhai Bay, close to Shenzhen Bay checkpoint. This expansive 380,000 m² space combines modern art, culture, and leisure with stunning sea views, and one of the major attractions is a 128m-tall Ferris wheel, a hot tourist spot for photos. There are also over 300 shops, including a beautiful bookstore, a massive kids’ playground, and a seaside cultural park for a leisure stroll.
Where: 8 Baoxing Road, Bao’an District, Shenzhen City
Getting there: Take Metro Line 5 to Linhai Metro Station and exit at Exit B2
Price: Free admission. Bay Glory Ferries Wheel Ticket at HK$152.10 on Trip.com
Party Day Shenzhen (Party Day運動超樂場)
A day in Shenzhen but it’s raining or simply too hot to walk outside? No problem! Party Day Shenzhen is a massive indoor sports and entertainment complex in Longgang District, offering over 50 exciting activities across 10,000 m² of space. From go-karting and real snow ice skating, to bowling, rock climbing, and VR experiences, there’s something for everyone. With a themed sports playground, dining areas, and even a Livehouse for events, indoor fun is guaranteed!
Where: Shop 6F-A, Wanda Plaza, Huanan 2nd Road, Longgang, Shenzhen
Getting there: Approximately a 13-minute walk from Mugu Station Exit B on Metro Line 10
Price: Unlimited Time ticket from HK$286 per person. View ticket options on Klook
Shenzhen Art Museum (深圳美術館)
Museum lovers cannot miss the Shenzhen Art Museum, an architectural masterpiece by German studio KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten. This new cultural landmark in Longhua District occupies over 66,000 m², slightly larger than Hong Kong’s M+ Museum, and features 18 exhibition halls, a semi-outdoor sculpture area, and other state-of-the-art facilities across four levels. The museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions, from large-scale installations to delicate collections — visit now for free.
Where: 30 Tenglong Road, Longhua District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 4 to Hongshan Station and exit at Exit A1
Price: Free admission
Shenzhen Safari Park (深圳野生動物園)
Shenzhen Safari Park is China’s first zoo where over 300 species roam freely in uncaged environments. This 640,000 square meter park is home to rare creatures like South China tigers, giant pandas, and the unique tigon and liger. Enjoy entertaining animal performances and explore Ocean World, filled with sea creatures. Don’t miss the adrenaline-pumping Motorcycle and Car Stunt Show!
Where: East side of Xili Lake, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 7 to Xili Lake Station and exit at Exit B
Price: One-day ticket at HK$128 per person. Head to website for more info and view ticket options on Klook
Shenzhen Window of the World (世界之窗)
Another famous theme park to check out in Shenzhen is Window of the World. This family-friendly park features over 130 stunning replicas of iconic landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal to the Sydney Opera House and the Pyramids of Egypt. The park’s eight distinct zones offer a variety of cultural performances, thrilling rides, and even light and fireworks shows.
Where: 9037 Shennan Road, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 1 to Window of the World Station and exit at Exit J
Price: Day time ticket at HK$239 per person. View ticket options on Klook
Shui Wei 1368 (水圍1368文化街)
Shuiwei 1368 International Street is one of the hottest night markets in Shenzhen, but its charm extends to the daytime too. This cultural area was transformed from the historic Shuiwei Village and now blends traditional Lingnan architecture with modern vibes. This charming arcade-style street consists of 11 alleys, each named after historical figures, where you can find stylish bars, local eateries, and shops, drawing crowds from near and far.
Where: 1368 Shuiwei Village, Futian District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 4 to Futian Checkpoint Station and exit at Exit B
Price: Free admission
Splendid China Folk Village (錦綉中華民俗村)
If you want to explore different Chinese cultures and travel through China in one spot, head to Splendid China Folk Village! Imagine discovering over 100 miniatures of China’s iconic landmarks, like the Great Wall, Qin Terracotta Warriors, and Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, while immersing yourself in the unique traditions of 56 ethnic groups. Wander through the mini Great Wall, enjoy live performances, and admire historic architecture. Remember, the large-scale performances in the Folk Custom Village are all in the afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly!
Where: Overseas Chinese Town, West End, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro Line 1 to Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) Station and exit at Exit D
Price: From RMB 99. View ticket options on Klook
The Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (深圳市當代藝術與都市計畫館)
Shenzhen’s Museum of Contemporary Art and Planning Exhibition (MOCAPE) is the best place to visit if you’re an architecture fan. Known for its bold design with futuristic elements, this cultural landmark in Futian District houses two distinct sections: the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Planning Exhibition. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and detailed models that showcase Shenzhen’s urban planning and artistic innovation, making MOCAPE a key cultural destination in the city.
Where: 184 Fuzhong Road, Lianhua Street, Futian District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace station and exit at Exit A2
Price: Free admission. Visit Facebook for latest exhibition
Looking for more things to do locally in Hong Kong? Head to the following guides:
- The best things to do in Hong Kong
- The best free things to do in Hong Kong
- The best things to do at night in Hong Kong
- The best events for all in Hong Kong
- The best events for families and kids activities in Hong Kong
- The most beautiful places to visit in Hong Kong
Header image credit: William Markezana via Canva
