Shenzhen 深圳
Young tech city next to Hong Kong
Good forModern city, Food, Nightlife
Suggested stay1–3 days
Best timeOctober–December and March–April
A fishing area turned major city since becoming China's first Special Economic Zone in 1980. Visitors come for technology, electronics markets, design and coastal parks. Many enter from Hong Kong.
Highlights
- Huaqiangbei electronics markets
- OCT Loft — creative park with galleries and cafés
- Shenzhen Bay Park — long coastal walk facing Hong Kong
- Dameisha and Xichong beaches on the east coast
- Ping An Finance Centre observation deck
Food to try
- Cantonese dim sum
- Chaoshan beef hotpot
- Shunde-style fish dishes
- Seafood at Nanao or Shekou
Getting there
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX). About 30 minutes by high-speed train from Guangzhou; under 20 minutes from Hong Kong West Kowloon; about 3 hours to Xiamen.
Train times are typical; check current timetables on 12306 or Trip.com.
When to go
Best: October–December and March–April. Avoid or plan for: Hot, wet May–September with possible typhoons; Chinese New Year when many businesses close.
Good to know
- Several land crossings link Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Lo Wu, Futian, Shenzhen Bay); check opening hours for each.
- Shenzhen North is the main high-speed station.
Visa notes
- Visa-free entry: citizens of 79 countries can visit China for up to 30 days or more without a visa. Check your passport →
- 240-hour transit: Shenzhen is inside the area you may visit on China's 240-hour visa-free transit (for 57 nationalities, flying on to a third country).