Shenzhen blog — The fullest Shenzhen travel guide for first-timers

Shenzhen, part of Guangdong province, is one of the most prosperous cities in China, an ideal shopping and entertainment paradise for tourists. Let’s explore what Shenzhen has to offer and have a complete set of self-sufficient Shenzhen travel guide from A – Z. So, is Shenzhen worth visiting, how to visit Shenzhen, what to do in Shenzhen? Let’s check out our Shenzhen blog (Shenzhen travel blog) with the fullest Shenzhen travel guide (Shenzhen city guide, Shenzhen guide) from how to get to Shenzhen, best places to visit as well as top things to do in Shenzhen to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Shenzhen is a city in Guangdong province, located on the east bank of the Pearl River. Shenzhen borders Hong Kong to the south and was formerly a small fishing village in Hong Kong. But now it has become one of the most prosperous and richest cities in China. This city is currently a leading technology center in the world, known as China’s “Silicon Valley”.

Shenzhen is not only a “magnet” that attracts investors, but also a paradise for tourism. Join us to update the latest information about Shenzhen guide to have an easy trip.

Overview of Shenzhen (# shenzhen blog)

Shenzhen does not have many beautiful landscapes, historic sites to visit, but in return is known as a shopping and entertainment paradise that is very attractive to tourists. Tourists will certainly be surprised when they set foot in this city, where you stand at the gateway of China’s trade next to Hong Kong and delight in admiring the impressive designs and art centers surrounding the city.

Although Shenzhen does not have many beautiful sights, it is known as a paradise of shopping and entertainment. Therefore, traveling to Shenzhen will bring you unique experiences, different from other tourist destinations in China.

Shenzhen is not only a young city with new buildings and highways, but especially the dynamic youth class – the new owners of the city. Because this is a special zone, Chinese people must apply for a permit to enter here, and the permit is only issued for a period of 3 months. Young people who come to work here must go through selection regarding education, health… Shenzhen is the main producer of Chinese electronic products. Many products can compete with Japanese and American products…

Shenzhen is a city worth exploring and experiencing. You will admire modern and luxurious architecture, enjoy delicious and attractive food, shop and have fun.

In 2008, Shenzhen was recognized as a UNESCO Creative City. Designs in Shenzhen also received many major awards from many city art centers.

During your trip to Shenzhen, you can combine a visit to Hong Kong or Guangzhou.

When to visit? (# shenzhen travel blog)

Located in a subtropical climate zone, Shenzhen has mild weather with warm sunshine all year round, summers usually last up to 6 months but not too hot, and winters are usually quite short but not too cold. Thanks to this, the city’s tourism industry can operate all year round with many interesting festival programs including traditional festivals and locally organized events to promote the economy and promote tourism.

The climate in Shenzhen is temperate with heavy rainfall and high fresh air quality. However, fog is a limitation of this city. In addition, Shenzhen is often affected by storms from Hong Kong (often twice a year).

Winters are mild and dry but gradually become wetter due to a lot of fog. Spring is the cloudiest time, rainfall is abundant and increases sharply in April, lasting until early October. Summer begins with the monsoon, making the city hot. Fall is a time when the weather is drier and less foggy.

The best time to explore this city is in early summer or late spring, from mid-April to early May. At that time, flowers bloom and the weather is not too hot or cold, good condition for traveling and participate in outdoor activities. During this time, Shenzhen also attracts tourists by organizing many festivals including flower festivals. October is also Shenzhen tourist season with pleasant weather conditions. In July and August, you should avoid going to Shenzhen because it is hot and sunny at that time.

November to early January is also a good time to visit this city.

How to get to Shenzhen? (# shenzhen travel guide)

From Vietnam, you can buy airline tickets to fly directly to Shenzhen, which is very time-saving. Vietnam Airlines; China Southern Airlines; Thai Airways, Air Macau, China Airlines operate this route. Ticket prices from Hanoi are about $206 – $620/way, ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City range from $185 – $309/way.

In addition, trains and cars can also go to Shenzhen from Vietnam.

Getting around Shenzhen

After your flight to Shenzhen lands at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, you should take a taxi or shuttle to get into the city, a distance of about 32 km.

During your trip to explore Shenzhen, there are also many means of transportation for you to choose from:

• Public buses: more than 900 routes
• Subway: lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9.
• Taxi: there are about 16,000 taxis operating in the city. Price: from 6 – 10 yuan/first 2km, and from 2.4 yuan/1km next. Night fares are subject to an additional 30% surcharge.

To reach neighboring cities, domestic planes or trains are the top choices.

What to do and where to go in Shenzhen? (# shenzhen guide)

Window of the World (# shenzhen blog)

Located on Shennan boulevard, west of Shenzhen city, the park of Window of the World is 480,000 square meters in area, invested by a travel company in Hong Kong. This place is not only an entertainment place for local people but also an ideal tourist place for many tourists around the world.

And true to its name – “Window of the World”, where is the convergence of more than 130 models of famous landmarks in the world such as Niagara falls, Angkor Wat, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Egyptian Pyramids, Eiffel tower, Colosseum… The entire masterpiece was built at a ratio of 1: 1, 1: 5 or 1:15.

It’s just one subway ride Line 01 to the Window of the World stop – an ideal spot for panoramic views of Shenzhen Bay. The park has an area of about 480,000 square meters including miniature versions of famous works around the world in many regions such as Asia, Africa, Europe or historical sites of countries around the world,… Visiting each area offers visitors its own unique features.

Dafen Oil Painting Village (# shenzhen travel guide)

Address: Longgang, Shenzhen, China, 518112

Dafen oil painting village is located on the outskirts of Shenzhen city and is considered the world’s “fake” oil painting factory. The village became famous in the late 80s of the last century, when Huang Jiang, a painter and businessman from Hong Kong, came to reside in the village. He connected with other artists and art students to copy famous paintings by Western artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci or Rembrandt to sell to the world market.

Copies of paintings are sold to wholesale buyers, hotels and convention centers, art collectors and owners of reproduction galleries. Currently, although there is much debate about the legality of this work, it cannot be denied that Dafen oil painting village is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shenzhen.

China Folk Culture Village

The folk culture village is part of the Splendid China tourist area in Shenzhen, the other part is a miniature Chinese museum. These two locations were merged together in 2003. It includes 24 other small villages. Each village represents an ethnic group living in China and each has three main parts: a museum, an entertainment center and a staff housing area. All are meticulously built and accurately portray the characteristics of each ethnic group.

There are about 20 ethnic minorities living here. In addition to the Chinese people, there are also many other villages of 21 ethnic groups from many countries around the world. This is the unique cultural feature of this tourist destination.

Festivals held at all times of the year are also a highlight that helps China Folk Culture Village attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists alike. In one day, there are also 3 big shows held, the first is a mock battle on horseback, simulating the ancient battle scene of Genghis Khan. Next is a traditional ethnic fashion show and finally the most unique show called Longfang.

Kingkey 100

Address: 5016 Shennan E Rd, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, 518010

The symbol of the outstanding development of Shenzhen city is the Kingkey 100 building (formerly Kingkey Financial Center). With a height of up to 441m, this is the 9th tallest building in the world and the 2nd tallest building in Shenzhen, after the Ping An International Finance Centre tower.

The 100-storey building. Of these, about 74 floors are used for Grade A offices and 26 floors are 6-star standard hotels. The top 4 floors are the swimming pool area, restaurant, bar and other services.

Wutong Mountain

Wutong Mountain is located 40km east of Shenzhen International Airport and about 11km from the city center. The mountain is considered the roof of the city with its wild beauty and has not been interfered with too much by human hands.

Wutong Mountain is the highest mountain in Shenzhen, where there are many tourist attractions such as Wutong national park, Wutong eco-tourism area, Wutong cultural tourism area, Fo Guang Pagoda, Tianan Pagoda, Shen Nong Shrine…

Wutong Mountain is an ideal tourist destination for those who love adventure and immersing themselves in nature.

Shenzhen Safari Park

Although it only has an area of about 120km2, Shenzhen Safari has a beauty that very few protected areas in China have. One side of the park borders the shore of Xili Lake, the other side borders high mountains, creating picturesque scenery.

The park is planned into 3 areas to help visitors easily explore the wild life of many animals. Among them are the lovely swans and pandas – familiar symbols of China. The large and modern wildlife park in Shenzhen has more than 300 different animal species, including many rare and endangered species such as white tigers, pandas, Asian elephants…

The bus will run around the park to see animals living in their natural environment. You can also watch performances of animals such as dolphins, falcons, monkeys…

• Address: No. 4065 Xili Lake Road, Ninh Hai District
• Ticket price: 220 Yuan
• Opening hours: from 9:30 to 17:30

Shenzhen Contemporary Art and Urban Planning Museum

Designed by famous architect Coop Himmelb. This is a showcase of Shenzhen’s Futian cultural values. The special architecture with spirals of this place is also a great selfie spot for young people.

Dongmen Pedestrian Street

This is the oldest and most traditional commercial district in Shenzhen, having existed for more than 300 years. Here, you can find almost all types of goods from clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, souvenirs to electronic products, audio-visual equipment… at very cheap and affordable prices.

Dongmen Walking Street, also known by other names such as Dongmen market, Dongmen shopping street, is a busy commercial and trading area located in Luohu district of Shenzhen city. This neighborhood with a history of more than 300 years is home to hundreds of stalls selling fashion items such as clothes, shoes, jewelry, handbags, etc. Most of the fashion items here are affordable fashion items, reasonable price but quite good design and quality.

• Address: Dong Mon walking street, Loc Hau district
• Opening hours: from 9:00 to 22:00

Ping Chau Island

This island is located offshore near the coast of Shenzhen. The island has an area of 1.16km2 and is still quite deserted. There are only more than 3,000 residents on the island who live mainly by fishing.

Huaqiang Bei Lu Electronic World

Shenzhen is famous for electronic products, tourists often buy hand-carried goods from Huaqiang Bei Lu, items such as laptops, audio-visual equipment,… very good quality and affordable prices.

Continued reading…