The Top 22 Things to See and Do in Shenzhen

Those wanting to gawp at the breathtaking views of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border would be advised to head to Diwang Mansion, one of the city’s tallest buildings. Located on the 69th floor at a height of 384 meters, the Meridian View Centre supplies telescopes with which you can view the mega-city in all its sprawling glory. You’ll see strips of green entwined with the glimmering skyscrapers and modern architectural wonders.

Like it’s hilly neighbor Hong Kong, Shenzhen is much more than cityscapes and shopping malls. Escaping into the countryside is a must. The Nanshan mountains in Shekou prove to be a particularly pleasurable getaway. With beautiful views of the ocean and moderate climbs, its tranquillity and remoteness provide a wonderful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.

This western-style entertainment zone got a total revamp in 2003 when the government chose to capitalize on the reputation it had garnered as a spot popular for its international scene. With chilled out beer gardens and more raucous clubs, it’s just as good a place to spend a boozy afternoon as it is for going on a heady night out. Sea World is not to be confused with Shenzhen’s marine park in Xiaomeisha.

The economic heart of the city, Futian CBD is a must-see for those fascinated by modern architecture. Home to a gleaming new city government building alongside a vast library, concert hall and youth palace, the district is emblematic of the Shenzhen story – it’s bold, futuristic, impressive and only started to come into its own after the ’90s. Stretching into the sky is the (as yet) unfinished Ping An Finance Centre, which will be one of the world’s tallest buildings when completed.

Shenzhen might be famous for its flashy modernity, but this doesn’t mean it’s devoid of history. In fact, records of human habitation in the region stretch back centuries. Shenzhen museum gives a good overview of the area’s history, ranging from prehistoric times to present day. Highlights of the displays found within include replica streets and extensive information on its boom following 1979’s dramatic policy reforms.

To the east of Shenzhen stretches a coastline that’s 19 kilometers in length. Asides from the beach, Dameisha is abundant in reefs, islands, caves and picturesque cliff sides. With its modern marina alongside traditional seafood restaurants serving live fish plucked from tanks, it’s well furnished, and free, but sometimes gets a bit busy – especially on public holidays. Beach revelers seeking a quieter spot might prefer Xiaomeisha beach, situated further along the coast.

As the world’s largest producer of replica oil paintings, Dafen proves to be a unique experience, consisting of over 1,200 galleries containing masterpieces from Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans and Klimt’s Embrace. Covering less than half a square kilometer, this fine arts workshop was set up as an artists’ colony in 1989, drawing in painters with its low rental prices. Nowadays, it also serves as a springboard for artists showcasing their original works.

While we’d like to impress the diversity of experiences on offer beyond shopping in Shenzhen, no list of activities would be complete without mentioning its vast shopping malls. Of these, Luoho might well be its most popular and famous, boasting designer bags going for high street prices alongside businesses offering tailor-made suit services. While you’re there, you might want to go for a soothing and inexpensive massage, as is customary for travelers visiting Shenzhen.

Mainland China’s economic opening up saw Shenzhen transformed from a series of small villages into a bustling powerhouse over a mindbogglingly short time period. The first stock exchange in China (excluding former British colony Hong Kong, of course) can now be found in an impressive 49 storey skyscraper in Futian district, where it has been located since 2013. The stock exchange itself was officially opened in 1987 and is now the world’s 8th largest.

Fancy an virtual reality headset at a knock off price? Or what about a 3D printer? Whether you’re into innovation and consider yourself a “maker” with strong tech know, or you just want to find the cable that’s been eluding you, a visit this vibrant district will be an experience like no other. The spirit of Shenzhen – a city transitioning from being a electronics manufacturing hub to one of tech innovation – is embodied in this street like nowhere else.

Shenzhen mght be a young city, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of legacies of older times. Wedged between the shiny skyscrapers and massive roads you’ll find a unique slice of city life. These urban villages are found in the locations of the original villages that existed before Shenzhen became a Special Administrative region. It’s evolved organically, frenetically and outside the remit of urban planners and is home to many migrants trying to survive in the city on a shoestring.

China is famous for many things, but what tends to go under the radar is the huge love of books its citizens share. This reverential respect for the written word can be found in Book City, which on a weekend will have a lively vibe akin to that of a music festival. This vast store also boasts a 24 hour book bar, if you want to pull an all nighter with a novel you just can’t put down.

China’s smallest national park boasts coconut palm tree shaded walks and rare sightings of birds making their winter homes. Though there were plans to build a freeway through the habitat, environmentalists protested and the freeway moved north by 200 metres.

A city of young, daring and intrepid types, Shenzhen does not get the attention it deserves as creative, happening place for the offbeat arts. But that is starting to change. Its month long jazz festival is hosted by curators at B10 Livehouse in the converted factory complex OCT Loft. Its success is testament to the increasing demand for cultural offerings in the city.

There are a number of beaches in Shenzhen, but one of the most charming is also home to an ethnic minority village well worth exploring. Meaning “southern inlet” Na’nao is a hamlet of Hakka origins, Hakka being an ethnic minority in China with its own culture and dialect.

Built in 1349 to fend off marauding Japanese pirates, the fortress offers a rare glimpse at South Chinese military history. It later developed into a town during the Ming and the Qing dynasty. Its historic streets are well worth a visit, boasting mansions built for admirals of yore.

While you might be temped to stick to more established watering holes and drinking districts, a trip to underground live music venues will offer a window into the world of local music tastes and subcultures. Hong Tang Guan (Brown Sugar Jar) is known for putting on experimental acts that push musical boundaries and attract interesting people. It has two branches: Those particularly keen on punk music will want to visit their branch in Chenggongmiao for lively night out.

Shenzhen might only technically be less than half a century old, but that doesn’t mean the place itself doesn’t have much history. This small and secluded fort might not be the easiest to find, but it’s worth a visit for those interested in the Opium Wars and military forts. Built in 1717 during the Qing dynasty to protect the Pearl River from the British, what remains is the “left fort” complete with a cannon and a statue of Lin Zexu, the scholar-official who forcefully opposed the Opium trade and such became a catalyst for the start of the First Opium War.

Occupying a 13 kilometre long stretch along Shenzhen’s southern coast, Shenzhen Bay Park proves a popular day out and offers an different slice of Pearl River Delta life away from the high rise hustle and bustle. Nearby you’ll also find an ecological park and nature reserve that’s home to many species of endangered birds and mangroves.

Baishizhou is one of Shenzhen’s largest urban villages. Explore this dense warren of activity that is home to migrant workers trying to scrape together a living in the city of colliding worlds. Urban villages are fascinating facets of Shenzhen life, owing to their history as the locality’s original villages and the unique and the organic ways they have developed.