This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival overlaps with the National Day break, and it is the perfect opportunity to visit our neighbor, Shenzhen. As the official “Golden Week” holiday kicks off from September 29 to October 6, prepare for a thrilling surge of travelers exploring the major cities. Find out the latest hotspots in Shenzhen to spend the long weekend!
Hongqiao Park – Scenary Park
Hongqiao Park in Guangming District is Shenzhen’s most popular park for Instagram-worthy photos. Stretching 4 kilometers, the iconic red ribbon bridge starts from Xincheng Park and winds its way to the Marathon Shanhulu Greenway. This year, Hongqiao Park has introduced two exciting new areas: the Emerald Lake Zone and the Forest Zone. Climb the staircase-shaped Little Red House and capture the perfect shot! The park also offers other facilities such as a skate park, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a sandpit playground for the kids, all free and requiring no reservations.
Where: Intersection of Guangming Kelin Road and Chalin Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Take Metro line 6 to Guangming Main Street station, then take bus or taxi to Hongqiao Park station
Ticket: Free
HOP-DX – Newly Opened Indoor Playground
The brand-new HOP-DX officially opened its doors on September 23, featuring a massive 15,000㎡ space filled with sports arenas, arcade games, and a dedicated area for families. With over 100 attractions, including golf, bowling, roller skating, and billiards, HOP-DX guarantees non-stop entertainment for all ages. Plus, stay for live houses and bars while enjoy the performances during the National Day holiday.
Where: Qianhai HOP City, 19 Xinhua 1st Road, Bao’an District, Shenzhen
Getting there: Depart from Shenzhen Bay Port and take the M507 bus to Bao’an Administrative Center
Price: from RMB 198/person
KK Time – Hot New Shopping Mall
Nestled beside the Honghu Park, the hottest new mall in Luohu spans an impressive 100,000 square meters and sits at the crossroads of two subway lines. KK Time officially opened its doors in early September, with plenty of restaurants, jewelry and entertainment options. To celebrate, KK Time has an exclusive offer for Hong Kong residents. Simply present your Hong Kong ID card or Home Return Permit at the customer service center, become a member, and receive a RMB200 shopping voucher to use at designated dining outlets and stores.
Where: Intersection of Shuibei 1st Road and Shuitian 1st Street, Shuigang Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen.
Getting there: Shuibei Station Exit B on Metro Line 3 or Honghu Station Exit D on Metro Line 7
Mission Hills Ecological Sports Centre – Indoor Ski Hall
Set within Mission Hills Resort, this massive theme park blends ecotourism, sports, leisure, and entertainment. Step into a world of natural wonders where lush greenery, forests and reservoirs surround you. Make sure to visit the Karoo Ice and Snow World, which house an indoor ski hall, ice skating rink and snow entertainment area. The indoor ski hall spans an area of 5,400 square meters, making it the largest ski resort in Shenzhen and also serving as the winter sports training base in Guangdong Province. The temperature is maintained between -3℃ and -5℃, and simulated snow-making technology is employed to create snow of a quality similar to natural powder snow. Families will also be enchanted by the open-air children’s castle, mini zoo, and botanical garden, while sports lovers can check out the world-class tennis facilities and a variety of thrilling activities.
Where: 15 Gold Avenue, Longhua District, Shenzhen
Getting there: From the Lok Ma Chau border, take Metro line 4 to Mission Hill Station
Tickets: Visit Klook for packages and more information
OCT-LOFT – Revitalized Cultural District
Once an industrial estate, it has blossomed into a thriving hub for creativity and innovation. Explore the transformed industrial lofts that house animation studios, art spaces, and avant-garde design brands. Stroll around the exhibitions, book stores like Old Heaven Music & Books, and the Little Thing concept store. On weekends, don’t miss the lively markets offering original and quirky finds.
Where: Jinxiu North Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: 5-minute walk from Qiaocheng East Station (Exit A) on Metro Line 1
Overseas Chinese Town East – Theme Parks & Resort
Overseas Chinese Town East in Yantian District is a familiar name among tourists. This sprawling destination is home to several theme parks, including Knight Valley and Tea Stream Resort Valley. Brave the surging down the Rapids ride and witness from the all-glass observation deck hanging precariously over the cliffs, or explore the collection of miniature landmarks at the Window of the World. At night, hit the barbecue skewer street food stalls in the village of Baishizhou. You can expect a handful of National Day celebrations throughout the place.
Where: OCT East, Dameisha, Yantian District, Shenzhen
Getting there: During festivals or holidays, take the East Line Holiday Express 2 or the East Holiday Express 2 to reach Overseas Chinese Town East.
Tickets: Visit Klook for packages and more information
Shenzhen Bay Mixc Mall
The vibrant mall is a favorite among the locals that combines cafés, cultural vibes, delectable cuisine, and a number of international shops. Snap a selfie with the iconic Bubblecoat Elephant art installation at the main entrance, and explore over 300 stores, including trendy concept shops and must-visit cafés. From now until September 28, simply register as a member of Shenzhen Bay Mixc Mall and make a purchase to receive a fabulous newcomer gift package. Hong Kong and Macau users will receive one ticket to the “Art·Construction Contemporary European Art Exhibition” and first-time shoppers can enjoy a RMB50 consumption voucher with no minimum spending requirement (valid for the next day).
Where: 2888 Keyuan Road South, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Getting there: 3 minutes walk from Houhai Station on Metro line 2 or 11
Ye En Indoor Animal Playground – Up Close With 100+ Animals
Breaking away from traditional zoo experiences, Ye En Indoor Animal Playground 野恩動物樂園 (海雅繽紛城店) is home to 100+ adorable and fascinating creatures who are ready to meet you up close and personal. With multiple locations in the city, the flagship store in Haiya Mega Mall, Bao’an, sprawls over a massive 4,400m² (around 47,000 sqft), making it one of Shenzhen’s largest indoor animal playgrounds. The park is divided into enchanting zones like Dreamy Rainforest, Parrot Kingdom, Cave Exploration, Wings of the Sky, Reptile Trail and Cat Pavilion, which houses Blue-and-Gold Macaws, Fennec foxes, llamas, pygmy goats, mini pigs, raccoons, spotted deer and more. The park also offers other attractions such as high-speed go-karts and sand pits, ensuring that kids can have a blast while bonding with their furry friends.
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
Header image credit: Wirestock via iStock
