Summary after 3 trips to Shenzhen: A complete travel guide to Shenzhen, absolutely worth it!
Shenzhen, known as the “City of Innovation,” is simply like a treasure city containing endless wealth!
Here, you can instantly switch from the skyscrapers of a modern metropolis to the natural secret realm where mountains and seas meet; you can also experience rich local culture amidst the bustling city life.
During my three recent visits to Shenzhen, I discovered that this city truly has too many fun places to visit, delicious foods to eat, and great accommodations to stay. Today, I’m here to share this comprehensive Shenzhen travel guide with you all.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Shenzhen or a local looking to discover new ways to explore the city, you can find inspiration from this guide.
I. Distribution of Attractions and Itinerary Planning
The distribution of attractions in Shenzhen is quite distinctive and can be divided into three major categories based on regions: urban scenery, cultural history, and natural ecology.
For urban scenery, you must visit the Ping An Finance Centre in Futian CBD. Ascend to the 547-meter cloud observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of Shenzhen’s bustling cityscape.
Shenzhen Bay Park in Nanshan is absolutely beautiful. Riding a bicycle at a leisurely pace, feeling the gentle sea breeze, and quietly watching the waves continuously lap against the shore – such a scene is truly super pleasant.
There’s also the “Bay Area Light” Ferris wheel at OH Bay, taking a ride on it offers a breathtaking night view that’s absolutely beautiful.
In terms of culture and history, Nantou Ancient Town is a place where Ming and Qing dynasties blend with modern art. Strolling leisurely through it feels like traveling through a long span of time and space.
Dapeng Fortress, a coastal defense site from the Ming Dynasty, is where we witness Shenzhen’s long and storied past.
Gankeng Ancient Town allows you to deeply experience Hakka culture, with its quaint architecture and traditional handicrafts, every step is filled with surprises.
When it comes to natural ecology, Shenzhen is truly exceptional. Cycling at Yangmeikeng in Dapeng Peninsula offers picturesque scenery throughout the journey, and at Xichong Astronomical Observatory, you can even stargaze—it’s incredibly romantic.
At Wutong Mountain, you can take a helicopter to overlook the seas of flowers. From above, the flower seas stretch out in patches, creating a spectacular view.
After getting a bit tired from walking along the Yantian Coastal Walkway, you can head to the Lighthouse Library to check in. The place is filled with a strong artistic atmosphere.
If you have five days, you can arrange it like this: On the first day, head to Futian CBD to fully experience the magnificent urban skyline;
On the second day, go to Dapeng Peninsula to explore the secret landscapes of mountains and sea; On the third day, take your children to the Science Museum or Happy Valley for a parent-child technology exploration;
On the fourth day, visit places like Nantou Ancient City and Dapeng Fortress for cultural roots exploration; On the fifth day, go to Wutong Mountain or Shenzhen Bay Park for natural healing, and then return home.
If you’re short on time and only have one day, then follow this route: OCT-LOFT, Shenzhen Bay Park, Window of the World, and Sea World. This will allow you to see the best of Shenzhen in one go.
II. Food Map and Must-Try Experiences
When it comes to Shenzhen’s cuisine, the options are truly dazzling. Local specialty foods are absolutely not to be missed. Among the Cantonese classics, the Guangming squab is marinated with 30 herbal spices, featuring crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
Shajing oysters are even more impressive. Whether charcoal-grilled or marinated raw, served in three different ways, each preparation is explosively delicious.
Run Yuan Si Ji Coconut Chicken Hot Pot, with rich coconut aroma and tender chicken, you’ll fall in love at first bite.
Places full of local life and atmosphere, the 1 yuan skewers at Shuiwei Night Market, the oyster omelet and yogurt dessert at Dongmending Food Street, as well as the Puning fried tofu and marinated rice sausage from Ya Liu Chaoshan Delicacies, these foods all contain the most authentic flavors of Shenzhen.
Of course, as an international metropolis, Shenzhen also has many popular internet-famous restaurants and exotic cuisines. Muwu Barbecue is the top choice for locals’ late-night snacks, with its spicy and delicious grilled skewers.
Luding Ji Sauerkraut Fish perfectly blends traditional flavors. The Russian Goods Market is truly a paradise for Russian snacks, with various imported options that will leave you spoiled for choice.
III. Accommodation Options and Value Recommendations
When it comes to accommodation in Shenzhen, there are plenty of choices. Futian and Nanshan are the top choices for high-end business travel, where you can enjoy five-star service and luxurious environments.
If you want to stay in a sea-view homestay, Dapeng and Yantian are both excellent options. The sea-view homestays in Jiaochangwei start from 300 yuan, offering affordable prices and allowing you to see the ocean anytime.
Luohu and Longgang offer excellent value for money. Luohu has a superior location and extremely convenient transportation. Around Longgang, there are also family-friendly amusement parks, making it very convenient to visit with children.
IV. Transportation and Practical Tips
There’s no need to worry about transportation when visiting Shenzhen, as the subway covers all major attractions. The “Shenzhen Metro” APP for scanning codes to ride is extremely convenient.
If you’re going to Dapeng Peninsula, it’s recommended to drive yourself. Renting a car is convenient and flexible, allowing you to better explore the beautiful scenery of the peninsula.
Inter-city transportation is very convenient. From Hong Kong West Kowloon to Shenzhen North Station, the high-speed rail takes only 18 minutes to reach directly.
The Cross-border Bus can also directly reach Sam’s Club and Costco, making shopping extremely convenient.
However, when traveling to Shenzhen for sightseeing, some places still require attention. For locations such as the ‘Observatory’ and ‘Chung Ying Street’, it is best to make reservations one or two days in advance, so that you can plan your itinerary more smoothly.
When it comes to electronic products in Huaqiangbei, although there are many options, you need to be careful when purchasing. Compare prices from different sellers to avoid getting a bad deal. In Dongmen Old Street, with so many people around, be sure to take good care of your personal belongings.
Summary: The “Speed and Warmth” of Shenzhen Travel
The charm of Shenzhen lies in its inclusivity and diversity. Here, you can touch the future from 547 meters in the clouds, and also dive into fishing villages to savor the local life;
You can both feel the pulse of international business and trace back history in the ancient city with thousands of years of heritage.
This perfect fusion of “speed and warmth” makes Shenzhen a city that people never want to leave once they’ve come.
Shenzhen is a city full of vitality, carrying the historical accumulation of past years.
Here you can see modern skyscrapers rising from the ground, and also feel the ancient Hakka culture settling through the years.
This unique charm makes Shenzhen a place full of many surprises.
Whether it’s a family trip, a couple’s vacation, or solo exploration, as long as you plan your itinerary reasonably and make good use of local resources, like reservation platforms and transportation apps, you can make the travel experience more efficient and in-depth.
Every side of Shenzhen is worth discovering; every landscape hides a different story.
Shenzhen’s “speed” is reflected in its modernization and internationalization. This is a frontier of technology, with skyscrapers standing in close proximity; the subway network extends in all directions. Everything appears so efficient and convenient.
Shenzhen’s “warmth,” on the other hand, is reflected in its atmosphere full of lively, everyday vibes and the human touch it contains.
Here you can find the most authentic Cantonese cuisine, the most bustling night markets, and also feel the traces left by time on those ancient streets.
If you ask me about my impression of Shenzhen, I would say it’s a city that the more you get to know it, the more you’ll like it.
Its charm lies not only in the famous attractions but also in the small shops hidden in the streets and alleys, the beautiful scenery discovered unexpectedly, and the warm and hospitable people of Shenzhen.
If you also want to visit Shenzhen, why not follow this guide to start your “Mountain-Sea Connected City” journey.
Believe me, you will discover more surprises here and be deeply attracted by the charm of this city. Shenzhen is truly a place where once you come, you never want to leave!
If reprinted, please indicate the source:https://www.nhtour.com/travel-blogs/summary-after-3-trips-to-shenzhen-a-complete-travel-guide-to-shenzhen-absolutely-worth-it/
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