Shenzhen Travel Guide

Shenzhen Travel Guide

 From May 15, 2024, foreign cruise tour groups arranged by Chinese travel agencies can enter through Guangzhou and Shenzhen visa-free and spend 15 days exploring 11 coastal areas like Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Shanghai and Tianjin, and Beijing.

Shenzhen Facts

Chinese Name: 深圳 (shēn zhèn)
Population: 13,026,600
Area: Land Area: 1,997.47 square kilometers (771.23 square miles), Sea Area: 1,145 square kilometers (442 square miles)
Location: in the south of Guangdong Province, southern China
Administrative Division: 9 districts (Futian, Luohu, Yantian, Nanshan, Bao’ an, Longgang, Longhua, Pingshan, Guangming); 1 new district (Dapeng)
Area Code: 0755
Zip Code: 518000
GDP (2018): CNY 2,422.2 billion (USD 366.1 billion)
 

China’s Most Competitive & Innovative City

Shenzhen is a coastal city in the south of Guangdong Province, neighboring Daya Bay and Dapeng Bay to the east, Pearl River Estuary and Lingdingyang to the west, and Dongguan and Huizhou to the north and Hong Kong to the south. It is only 41 kilometers (25 miles) from Hong Kong. Benefiting from the superior location and China’s reform and opening-up policy, Shenzhen has become a modern and international metropolis since 1978. Dubbed as ‘China Silicon’, today’s Shenzhen gathers more than 14,000 high-tech companies including Huawei, Lenovo and Tencent. It also becomes the innovation hub as a new generation of start-ups emerging, which makes it the most competitive and innovative city in China.

 Read More: Shenzhen Facts

While Shenzhen does not have as many historical attractions as other famous cities in China, it has created a number of excellent theme parks which entertain while teaching visitors about China and the world. Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages introduces visitors to China's long history and varied cultures, while Window of the World will take you to every corner of the world in one day. Additionally, if you want to make your stay even more luxurious, visit Happy Valley, the largest of its kind in the city, situated on a picturesque coastline. More attractions are: Dameisha Beach, Xiaomeisha BeachMeridian View Center, Overseas Chinese Town East, Shenzhen Safari Park, Universidad Sports Centre,  Xiaomeisha Sea World and Xili Lake Holiday Resort.  Come to enjoy the coastal view, the theme parks, the city, and especially the local people.

Dameisha Seaside Resort, Shenzhen
Dameisha Seaside Resort
Thailand Royal Palace, Window of the World, Shenzhen
Thailand Royal Palace, Window of the World
Other Attractions:
Read More: 

Top 7 Things to Do in Shenzhen

8 Things to Do in Shenzhen at Night

12 Best Places to Visit in Shenzhen for First-time Visitors

In-depth Guide to Top 10 Guangdong Destinations
 

Recommended Tours & Tickets

Shenzhen City Tour: 2 days visit to Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages

 Shenzhen Tours
 More China Tour Packages

 
City Street of Shenzhen
Street Scene

Thanks to its developed economy, it is easy to get there quickly and comfortably by air, train or ship. What's more, Shenzhen is the only city in China that provides three modes of transportations for simultaneous comings and goings. Unfortunately local transportation is not equally convenient; transportation in the city is hit-or-miss due to the large population. However, the number of transportation options available helps to counteract the problems caused by crowding. In contrast, lodging in this city is very easy to do, as there are a number of hotels which frequently host businessmen and visitors from all over the world. Finally, when you visit there, make sure that you plan a day trip to Hong Kong, where you can enjoy the sites and attractions of the famous international metropolis. 
 

Shenzhen Travel Tips

Dining       Nightlife        Shopping
Huaqiangbei Electronics Market        Top 10 Shopping Malls       Top 8 Electronics Malls
Visa on Arrival        144-Hour Visa-Free Transit        

While the city has had to overcome a number of obstacles resulting from this population swell, the city has also benefited from the increased diversity. Workers come to the city from almost every part of china, bringing with them their local traditions and cuisines. Visitors are able to sample foods from each of China's famous eight cuisines. Local dishes are also worth trying - Kejia is one of the many dishes that should not be missed.

Suburban Districts

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- Last updated on Sep. 02, 2024 by Serena Zhou -
Questions & Answers on Shenzhen Travel
Asked by Juliette Oakfield from RESIDING IN FRANCE | Dec. 19, 2024 02:32Reply
Do I need a Chinese visa ?
I hold a British passport and I'm flying from Paris to Shenzen, then move around Danshui, Huizhou, Meizhou ending in Guangzhou fly back to Paris. All in 10 days. Do I need a visa ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Emma | Dec. 19, 2024 18:50
00Reply


Yes, you need. But there is a way to avoid visa application: make it a transit route like Paris - Guangdong (Shenzhen, GZ and all places you mentioned) - a third country or region like nearby HK/Macau, then fly back to Paris to get a 10-day visa free stay in Guangdong. See details: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/visa/free-transit-144-hours.htm
Asked by Po from UNITED KINGDOM | Dec. 18, 2024 10:29Reply
VOA or Chinese Entry permit
I am writing to inquire about the entry requirements for visiting Shenzhen from Hong Kong.

I am a UK citizen with a valid UK passport, and I plan to visit Hong Kong before travelling to Shenzhen for a maximum of 7 days. Could you please confirm whether I need to obtain a Chinese entry permit in advance, or if I can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at one of the Shenzhen entry points such as Luohu Port or Huanggang Port?

Additionally, could you please advise on the necessary documents I would need to bring with me to apply for a VOA?

Thank you very much
Answers (1)
Answered by Bonnie | Dec. 19, 2024 01:28
00Reply


You need obtain a China visa at HK visa center in advance as Shenzhen VOA can only grant you 5 days.

To apply for regular visa, you need to submit visa application form, passport, and brief itinerary. The immigration staff may ask for more case by case.
Asked by Viv from USA | Dec. 14, 2024 09:09Reply
Visa free Shenzhen & Hong Kong
Wonder if we can utilize visa free policy or VOA if we fly into Shenzhen from Thailand, train to Hong Kong and leave from Hong Kong airport back to US. We will only stay for 2 nights in Shenzhen.

One person is US citizen and the other one is German.
Answers (1)
Answered by Amy | Dec. 16, 2024 00:28
00Reply


You can use the 144h visa free transit to stay in Shenzhen for 2 night if travelling on this route and Shenzhen VOA can only be applied at Luohu, Shenzhen or Shekou Port at a cost of CNY130. To be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free stay, you need to have the train ticket to HK in hand even before boarding the flight to Shenzhen.
Asked by Imie from PHILIPPINES | Nov. 28, 2024 07:27Reply
Are train tickets for business class refundable
are tickets for business class refundable
Answers (1)
Answered by Janice | Nov. 28, 2024 18:32
00Reply


Yes, of course, but before the scheduled departure time and please note that there will be a service fee of 5-10% of the ticket fee by the official.
Asked by Sam from AUSTRALIA | Nov. 26, 2024 17:42Reply
Hello, can someone give me the area code for:
1st Industrial Zone, Xinwei, Jiangshi Community, Gongming Office, Guangming New Area , Shenzhen , Guangdong China
Answers (1)
Answered by Emma | Nov. 27, 2024 17:14
00Reply


It's 518106.
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