These are the best places to travel this summer

Shenzhen

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Shenzhen Futian urban landscape; Shutterstock ID 1007229214; Your name (First / Last): Megan Eaves; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Destination page image: Shenzhen (BiA)

Shutterstock / HelloRF Zcool

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Shenzhen

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

The gleaming manifestation of China's economic miracle, Shēnzhèn (深圳) has risen from the marshy Pearl River Delta into one of the world's most mega megacities in less time than it took London's St Paul's Cathedral to be built. Millions of migrants have been drawn to its golden gates from the Chinese countryside since the 1980s; now, Shēnzhèn attracts high-flying tech graduates and global corporations.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • x-default

    OCT-LOFT

    Shenzhen

    By far the best place for strolling or simply hanging out in the city is the breezy OCT-LOFT complex, a warren of repurposed communist-era factories criss…

  • x-default

    Design Society

    Shenzhen

    China's first dedicated museum of design, this architectural landmark opened with media fanfare in 2017 on the Shekou shore with its famous founding…

  • Dafen Oil Painting Village

    Dafen Oil Painting Village

    Shenzhen

    This folksy urban village of narrow lanes and alleys is a pleasure to visit in itself, but what makes Dafen simply unmissable is the hundreds of art…

  • Lianhua Shan Park

    Lianhua Shan Park

    Shenzhen

    It's an easy half-hour amble up to the top of this tropical hill in the heart of Futian District for Shenzhen's best skyline photographs. Appropriately,…

  • Window of the World

    Window of the World

    Shenzhen

    It's 'Around the World in 80 Minutes' (OK, more like half a day) at this endearingly kitsch theme park set in well-tended gardens. From the Houses of…

  • Sunrise Art Center

    Sunrise Art Center

    Shenzhen

    Built from the vestiges of a century-old Hakka home, this idyllic courtyard gallery was created by Chen Qiuzhi, a contemporary ink artist from Anhui…

  • SHENZHEN, CHINA - MARCH 28, 2016: Dapeng Fortress on March 28, 2016 in Shenzhen, China. Dapeng Fortress is a historic landmark walled village in Guangdong..; Shutterstock ID 544612273; Your name (First / Last): Megan Eaves; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Destination image - North Asia

    Dapeng Fortress

    Shenzhen

    This Ming dynasty walled town was erected 600 years ago to shore up the coastline against marauding Japanese pirates, and later became embroiled in the…

  • Shenzhen, China, April, 3rd, 2016, Editorial: Tourists visiting Guanlan Engraved Printing Painting Village, Shenzhen, China; Shutterstock ID 541482490; Your name (First / Last): Megan Eaves; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Destination image - North Asia

    Guanlan Print Village

    Shenzhen

    Parts of this 300-year-old Hakka village have been preserved and repurposed into workshops and galleries showcasing printmaking artists from China and…

Advertisement

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Shenzhen

Advertisement