The Best Day Trips from Shenzhen

Hong Kong harbour views are awesome (c) Bernard Spragg / Flickr
Hong Kong harbour views are awesome (c) Bernard Spragg / Flickr
Sarah Karacs

Shenzhen is an extraordinary city with a wealth of sights and activities available. But, positioned in the Pearl River Delta, it’s also conveniently located near several great alternative destinations that take no time at all to visit. Here are our favourite day trips out of the metropolis.

Hong Kong

Of all Shenzhen’s neighbours, Hong Kong should come first on the list of places to visit. The Special Administrative Region is just a border crossing away, but provides a very different experience to that of Shenzhen. The former British colony is a home to unforgettably beautiful outlying islands, a world class art scene, and an extremely foreigner friendly way of life. Bear in mind that you’ll need to convert your cash to Hong Kong Dollars.

Macau

1. Zhuhai

1. Zhuhai

Just across the Pearl River estuary from Shenzhen is up and coming travel destination Zhuhai, which is known for its charming, palm tree lined coasts and tranquil islands. Like Shenzhen, Zhuhai is a Special Economic Zone, though it started off as a group of fishing villages over thirty years ago. It’s also becoming something of a party alternative to pricier Hong Kong and Macau.
Zhuhai, Guangdong, China

Zhuhai (c) C2 Ringo / freeimages.com

2. Guangzhou

Memorial

2. Guangzhou

A few hours away by coach is bustling Guangzhou, China’s third largest city. With a history stretching back millennia, it has long provided a hub for trading and culture exchange, and has also seen its fair share of revolutions and reform. Formerly called Canton, the city has a great memorial dedicated to China’s founding father, Sun Yat-Sen, alongside several other unforgettable sights.
Guangzhou, Guangdong,China

Guangzhou’s old world charms (c) Jakob Montrasio / Flickr

3. Foshan

3. Foshan

Technically a city in its own right, Foshan is connected to Guangzhou by its metro and also warrants a visit. Foshan is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Bruce Lee’s legendary trainer Ip Man started his career in this quirky city. It is also home to the thousand year old Zumiao temple.
Foshan, Guangdong, China

Foshan has a long history with ceramics (c) xiquinhosilva / Flickr

4. Kaiping and Dialou villages

Famous for its towers dating back to the the Qing dynasty, Kaiping is a coach trip out of Shenzhen well worth making. Called dialous, these fortified dwellings, nestled among the verdant hills are UNESCO world heritage sites. Remember to wear comfortable shoes if you plan to get the full experience climbing these towers.
Kaiping, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article