rom the moment I arrived in Shenzhen, the first thing I noticed is “Wow, this city resembles Singapore as it’s cooler and technologically advanced.”
The blend of tall skyscrapers, large malls, and highly efficient transport made me feel right at home yet somehow different. Shenzhen is an energetic city with a laid-back vibe, which is modern, innovative, and most of all, surprisingly affordable.
Shenzhen’s climate may be hot and humid, like Singapore’s. The best time to visit the city would be between October and December when there’s mild weather and low humidity.
Here's the list of places to visit in Shenzhen!
The moment I stepped out of the lift on the 116th floor, I was really amazed. The glass walls stretched from floor to ceiling, giving a panoramic view of Shenzhen’s endless skyline.
I could see the shiny skyscrapers of Futian, the calm of Shenzhen Bay, and even Hong Kong on a clear day. It was very quiet up there, just the occasional camera click and gasps from visitors.
As I walked across the glass floor panels, my legs wobbled a bit, but the view was too amazing to resist. It’s a surreal, floating feeling like standing at the top of the world.
As one of the best landmarks in Shenzhen, Ping An Finance Center is the city’s second-tallest building and home to one of the world’s highest observation decks.
Ping An Finance Center Observatory | |
✅ Opening hours | Monday-Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday-Saturday:10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Clearing time: Sunday to Thursday 7:45 PM Friday to Saturday 8:45 PM |
📍 Location | 116/F, Ping An IFC, Futian District, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | ¥200 (about S$36) per person (discounts for children & seniors) |
Late afternoon for sunset views or night for city lights.
Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Shopping Park Station, then a short 5-min walk.
Yes! Ideal for families with kids and elderly visitors—there’s elevator access and seating areas.
As I walked through Sea World Shekou, I felt an electric buzz in the air. The area’s mix of modern architecture and maritime-themed buildings caught my eye, with glass facades reflecting the shimmering water nearby.
The streets were lined with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries. The sound of chatter and live music filled the air. The large, illuminated “Sea World” sign standing tall above the area added a playful charm as night fell.
Located in Shenzhen’s Shekou district, Sea World Shekou is a popular cultural and entertainment hub, known for its international atmosphere, maritime heritage, and eclectic mix of dining, shopping, and nightlife options.
Sea World Shekou (蛇口海上世界) | |
✅ Opening hours | 24/7 (Individual shops and cafes may vary) |
📍 Location | 1128 Wanghai Road, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | Free to explore, but budget for food and shopping |
Late afternoon to evening for a vibrant atmosphere.
Take the Metro Line 2 to Sea World Station, Exit A. It’s just a short walk.
Yes, it’s perfect for families with kids, couples looking for a relaxing evening, or solo travelers exploring the arts and culture scene.
As soon as I stepped into Nantou Ancient City, it was as if I was transported back in time. The tiny stone lanes dotted with old-style architecture from the Qing Dynasty reminded me of the historical significance of Shenzhen.
The air smelled like the earthy scent of aged wood and incense from the nearby temples. As I looked around, I passed bustling markets, small tea houses, and artisans crafting traditional goods.
Established in 331 AD, Nantou Ancient City is the birthplace of Shenzhen, once serving as the capital of Dongguan Prefecture. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's deep cultural roots.
Nantou Ancient City (南头古城) | |
✅ Opening hours | Open 24 hours; Museum: Tue–Sun, 10:00–17:00 |
📍 Location | 8 meters north of Nantou Bridge, Nanshan District, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | Free to explore |
Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and clear skies.
Take Metro Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station and Exit D; it's an 8-minute walk to the city.
Absolutely! The area is ideal for families, offering a mix of cultural experiences and leisurely exploration.
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As I strolled in Lianhuashan Park, I experienced a great deal of serenity. Rustling leaves and the smell of grass and fertile soil were all around me.
I walked beside the calm lake, where ducks peacefully cruised over the water, through the thick green lawns adorned with various beautiful flowers.
The path was lined with tall trees, offering ample shade as I made my way to the top of the hill, where I enjoyed a stunning panoramic view of the city below.
The serenity of the park was a pleasant departure from the busy life of Shenzhen's city environment.
Lianhuashan Park is a popular green space in Shenzhen, known for its scenic walked trails, peaceful lake, and expansive views from Lianhua Hill.
Lianhuashan Park (莲花山公园) | |
✅ Opening hours | 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM |
📍 Location | No. 6030, Hongli Road, Futian District, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | Free |
Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and quieter surroundings.
Take Metro Line 2 to Lianhua West Station (莲花西站), Exit D, and walk 10 minutes to the park entrance.
Yes, it’s perfect for families, with plenty of open spaces, shaded areas, and walking paths. Kids can enjoy the playground, while adults can relax in the tranquil environment.
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Fairy Lake Botanical Garden welcomed me with sounds of birds and leaves that harmoniously mixed with each other in a beautiful orchestra. There were also smells of fresh soil and blooming flowers. I wandered through themed gardens, each a world of its own.
The Cacti and Succulent Garden amazed me with its unique plant species housed in a transparent hemispherical greenhouse. I enjoyed visiting the miniature trees of the Bonsai Garden and relaxing by the serene Fairy Lake.
The highlight was the majestic Hongfa Temple, where the scent of incense and the sound of chanting monks added a spiritual touch to my visit.
With an area of 546 hectares, the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is among China’s biggest botanical gardens. It has more than 12,000 different plants, which have been grouped into 17 gardens. The garden also has the Hongfa Temple, a Buddhist landmark.
Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (仙湖植物园) | |
✅ Opening hours | 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
📍 Location | 160 Xianhu Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | ¥15 (about S$2.85) for adults; discounted rates available for eligible children and students; Free for children under 1.2m and seniors aged 60+. |
Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Take Metro Line 2 to Xianhu Road Station, Exit C2. Walk approximately 500 meters to the main entrance.
Yes, the garden is suitable for families, offering educational experiences and ample space for children to explore.
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As I walking along the promenade of Shenzhen Bay Park, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore created a soothing soundtrack.
The park has a lot of open spaces where people were sitting on blankets and eating food together. Some people were running on the paths and others were riding bikes along the water.
I stopped to look at a group of seagulls soaring overhead, their calls adding to the park's tranquil ambiance. The skyline of Hong Kong loomed in the distance.
Shenzhen Bay Park is a nice place that goes on for about 13 kilometers along the southern coast of Shenzhen.
It is a beautiful spot offering enjoyment of nature and recreation from various activities provided.
Popular activities in this park include walks, bike rides, bird watching and enjoying scenic views of the bay and Hong Kong from afar.
The park consists of numerous facilities such as Mangrove Coastal Ecological Park, Zhongwan Viewing Plaza and Sea-viewing Bridge among others.
Shenzhen Bay Park (深圳湾公园) | |
✅ Opening hours | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
📍 Location | Along Binhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | Free |
Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting.
Take Metro Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station (深圳湾公园站), Exit D2. The park is a short walk from the station.
Absolutely! The park offers playgrounds for children, wide open spaces for family activities, and shaded areas perfect for relaxation.
Arriving at Xichong Beach, I was immediately captivated by its natural beauty. The expansive 4.5 km shoreline stretched before me, with soft golden sands meeting the clear blue waters of the South China Sea.
The gentle waves lapped at the shore, creating a soothing rhythm. Surfers dotted the horizon, taking advantage of the consistent swells.
I found a quiet spot to set up my beach mat, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the refreshing sea breeze. As the day turned to evening, the sky painted hues of orange and pink, offering a breathtaking sunset over the water.
Located in the southern part of the Dapeng Peninsula, Xichong Beach is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility. Often referred to as the "Oriental Hawaii," it boasts the longest and largest beach in Shenzhen. Surrounded by lush hills and facing the South China Sea.
Xichong Beach (西涌沙滩) | |
✅ Opening hours | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
📍 Location | Nan’ao Town, Longgang District, Shenzhen 518120, China |
💰 Cost | ¥30 (about S$6.20) per person |
Afternoon to evening for optimal beach conditions and sunset views.
From downtown Shenzhen, take bus E11 to Nan’ao, then transfer to a minivan heading to Xichong. Alternatively, drive via Luosha Road and the Yanba Expressway.
Yes, Xichong Beach is suitable for families, offering ample space for children to play and explore.
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As I stepped onto Judiaosha Beach, the soft, powdery white sand cradled my feet, and the gentle waves kissed the shore with a rhythmic lullaby.
The beach, shaped like a crescent moon that covers a length of 1,000 meters and a width of 50 meters, offering ample space for relaxation and play.
The air was fresh and had a salty smell of the ocean, and the only sounds were the soothing whispers of the wind and the distant calls of seabirds.
Located in the Nan’ao Subdistrict of Dapeng New Area, Judiaosha Beach is often referred to as the "Silver Beach" due to its fine, soft sand and clear, gentle waters.
Judiaosha Beach (桔钓沙) | |
✅ Opening hours | Open year-round, 24 hours |
📍 Location | Nan’ao Subdistrict, Dapeng New Area, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | ¥30 (about S$6.20) per person |
Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting.
From downtown Shenzhen, take bus E11 to Nan’ao, then transfer to a minivan heading to Judiaosha. Alternatively, drive via Luosha Road and the Yanba Expressway.
Yes, Judiaosha Beach is suitable for families, offering ample space for children to play and explore.
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With the first sunset behind Shenzhen’s skyline, Coco Park Bar Street sprang to life. The neon lights were switched on the streets while sounds of deep house and acoustic strumming could be heard from every corner of the bars.
I got a cocktail and people-watched from an open-air bar as the night swirled around me.
The Coco Park Bar Street is a famous spot of nightlife in Shenzhen, China, which is located right at the center of the Futian district. It is characterized by the existence of both stylish lounges, as well as international bars and clubs.
Coco Park Bar Street | |
✅ Opening hours | Most bars open from 5pm till late |
📍 Location | Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen |
💰 Cost | Free to enter; drinks from ¥40–¥80 (about S$7–S$15) |
Weekends after 7pm.
Take Metro Line 1 to Shopping Park Station, Exit D—it’s just across the street.
Best for adults and couples. It gets loud and crowded after 8pm, so not ideal for kids.
As I walked through Shekou Old Street, I felt the vibrant energy of the market. The small lanes were lined with colorful storefronts, where local vendors eagerly displayed their handmade crafts, traditional snacks, and unique souvenirs.
I tried some of the food while I was there and each taste was full of strong flavors that really summed up Shenzhen. I kept finding something new to discover be it antique decorations, local artwork, or stylish clothes.
Shekou Old Street blends modern Shenzhen with its historical roots. The street, full of charming local shops, offers a perfect mix of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary urban life.
Shekou Old Street | |
✅ Opening hours | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
📍 Location | Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China |
💰 Cost | Free to explore; shopping and food prices vary |
Weekend afternoons or evenings for a lively market atmosphere.
Take Shenzhen Metro Line 2 to Shekou Station (蛇口站), Exit A. It's a short walk to the street.
Yes, it's perfect for families with kids, offering plenty of space for strollers and a variety of snacks and toys to keep little ones entertained.
As I reflect on my time in Shenzhen, it’s clear there're so many things to do in Shenzhen than its towering skyscrapers and futuristic vibe.
The city has got some hidden treasures that can be found in the local neighborhoods, the unique finds one comes across in the bustling markets, and peaceful parks that give the city its heart and soul.
If you’re thinking of going, check out the latest travel promotions for Shenzhen there are some great deals on flights to Shenzhen right now! And don't forget to browse for amazing hotels in Shenzhen to make your stay comfortable and memorable.
In fact, every single place within the city offers something special to the visitor. You will surely enjoy discovering this city just as I have enjoyed visiting this city. May God bless your trip!
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