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Shenzhen (深圳; Shēnzhèn in Mandarin, sam1 zan3 in Cantonese; abbreviation: SZ) is a fast-paced city of ambition and enterprise: engineers on the cutting edge of modern technology, hardscrabble farmers coming to the big city in search of a better life, middle managers who dream of someday opening their own factories, designers looking to sell to a global market, and all manner of entrepreneurs from across China.
Downtown Shenzhen: business, shopping, museums, performances, and a surprising array of parks and nature (including the tallest mountain in the city). The main border crossings with Hong Kong are in this area.
The trendy district and arguably the cultural center of Shenzhen. Nanshan contains the bulk of Shenzhen's amusement parks, the OCT–LOFT art center, Shenzhen University, headquarters of tech companies, Shekou ferry terminal and expat neighborhood, and a handful of historic sites.
Largely residential and industrial, the sprawling suburbs near the airport also include some large, attractive parks and even farmland.
Quiet suburbs, popular beaches, and far-flung mountains, dotted with old Hakka villages.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Held in mid-December annually.
A speakeasy-style cocktail bar accessed through a disguised door. Known for its literary theme and inventive drinks that incorporate Chinese herbs and teas. A favorite for a sophisticated night out.
天虹 Tiānhóng
A chain of large, moderately high-end shopping centers. They have branches in many cities in China, but a lot more in Shenzhen than anywhere else, and indeed their headquarters is in Nanshan District.
A local chain of large bookstores. The flagship store, which claims to be the biggest bookshop in the world, is in the middle of Futian. Various other branches are scattered around Shenzhen. Mostly in Chinese, though you may find a small selection in English too, as well as stationery, art supplies, and postcards.
This British chain offers DIY supplies and goods for the home and garden.
迪卡侬 Díkǎnóng
The French sports supplies retailer Decathlon has several stores in Shenzhen, as well as over 200 stores in the country in all major cities. Store locator.
There are 8 stores of the US chain, but more are being built. Also check out Sam's Club (山姆会员店). Sam's is a favorite shopping choice for Shenzhen's enormous and ever growing bourgeoisie and it's fun watching them. Be warned. They can be scary on a busy Sunday evening. Sam's membership is ¥150. Walmart's China HQ is in Xiangmi Hu (香密湖), above an enormous mall/cinema complex which includes a Sam's Club. Make sure you check out the crocodile of which there is always one at the fish counter.
The Japanese supercenter and supermarkets. It has several locations in Shenzhen, next door to the CITIC Mall (中信广场), Metro: Science Museum (科学馆), exit D, at Coco Park (Metro Gou Wu Gong Yuan) and in Coastal City (海岸城) Nanshan.
By plane
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is the main airport serving Shenzhen.
From Hong Kong
For information of the sixteen checkpoints, see here (in English and multiple foreign languages).
By train
Shenzhen is served by several domestic intercity railway stations, some exclusively served by high speed trains. The most important are:
By bus
There are many long-distance bus stations - the most convenient is Luohu Bus Station, adjacent to the rail station and the border crossing.
By sea
There is a ferry from Hong Kong International Airport. The Shekou Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Fuyong. It is run by SkyPier and note that it only provides service to transfer passengers.
By metro
Shenzhen Metro (深圳地铁) is the most convenient and easy-to-understand method of transport in Shenzhen. Fares are ¥2-15, depending on how far you're traveling.
By taxi
All taxis in Shenzhen now are blue and white. There were red (guannei) or green cars (guanwai); but they have become a part of people's old memory now.
By bus
Local buses run everywhere, with prices ranging from ¥1–10.
By bike
Cycling is not as popular as in Beijing for example but Shenzhen is nearly as cycle-friendly as neighbouring Guangzhou, and much more cycle-friendly than most of neighboring Hong Kong, Macau, and…
On foot
Navigating Shenzhen as a pedestrian can be chaotic, amid the impatient cars, perennial construction projects, and scooters that seem indifferent between road and sidewalk.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Shenzhen · International · SZX
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