Last updated on November 11th, 2025
Plan your ideal Shenzhen trip with our flexible Shenzhen itinerary, including food options, must-visit spots, and helpful travel tips.
Shenzhen (Chinese: 深圳) is a leading global technology hub in China and a fast-paced metropolitan area. This city is recognized as China’s most innovative city and is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley” of China. Located in the Pearl River Delta, it borders Hong Kong, Huizhou, and Dongguan. Guangzhou lies approximately 100 kilometers to the northeast of Shenzhen. As the first of China’s five Special Economic Zones, Shenzhen has become the fastest-growing city in history. With a well-planned infrastructure, Shenzhen boasts a population of over 20 million people.
In fact, Shenzhen has become a more popular weekend destination for Hongkongers or even international travelers seeking great deals on food, relaxation, and shopping. A visit to Shenzhen offers a captivating blend of modernity and tradition, providing an enriching experience for travelers. You can explore Shenzhen’s futuristic skyline, enjoy its vibrant Cantonese food scene, and discover the diverse cultures it has to offer. The city presents a myriad of experiences for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re visiting for a day, two days, or longer, Shenzhen has plenty of attractions to enjoy.
In this Shenzhen Travel Guide blog, we have compiled everything you need to know to help plan your Shenzhen itinerary. Continue reading to find all the essential information for your trip to Shenzhen.
Shenzhen itinerary: Pre-Trip Essential
Getting to Shenzhen: Shenzhen holds a central position in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, making it easily accessible for travelers. You can reach Shenzhen by air, high-speed train, ferry, or car, so choose the mode of transportation that best fits your schedule and budget.
- By Flight: Most international travelers arrive at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, which offers frequent flights from many domestic and international destinations.
- By High-Speed Train: Taking a high-speed train is a popular and convenient way to travel to Shenzhen. The city is well-connected by high-speed rail, whether you are coming from within Guangdong Province or other parts of China.
Here are the approximate travel times to Shenzhen by high-speed train:
- Guangzhou to Shenzhen: approximately 30 minutes
- Hong Kong to Shenzhen: approximately 15 minutes
- Zhuhai to Shenzhen: approximately 2 hours
- Guilin to Shenzhen: approximately 2 hours
- Shanghai to Shenzhen: approximately 8 to 11.5 hours
Choose your travel option based on your availability and preferences!
From Hong Kong to Shenzhen: Shenzhen is conveniently accessible from Hong Kong, located about 50 kilometers to the north. It serves as an ideal weekend getaway for Hongkongers seeking leisure and culinary adventures. Travelers can take various modes of transportation from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, including the metro, high-speed train, taxi, coach, bus, or ferry.
- By High-Speed Train: A high-speed train journey from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station to Shenzhen North Railway Station takes only 15 minutes.
- By Metro: Alternatively, you can take the Hong Kong MTR East Rail Line to reach either Luo Hu (罗湖) or Futian Port (福田口岸) and cross through Luohu Port or Futian Checkpoint to enter downtown Shenzhen.
- Ferry: Ferries are also available, departing from Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal to Shekou Ferry Terminal and Shenzhen Fuyong Ferry Terminal.
Getting Around in Shenzhen
Once in Shenzhen, public transportation is very convenient for getting around the city. Here are some of the available options:
- Metro: The Shenzhen Metro is efficient and affordable, covering most tourist attractions.
- Buses: The city has an extensive bus network, although buses may be crowded during peak times.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but make sure the driver uses the meter.
- Ride-Hailing: Didi is a cost-effective option in Shenzhen. We often use this service, but be cautious during rush hour, as traffic can be heavy in busy areas.
Best Places To Stay in Shenzhen
Finding accommodations in Shenzhen is relatively easy, depending on your budget and comfort level. The city is fairly compact and well-connected, so no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be able to navigate around easily.
First-time visitors to Shenzhen are highly recommended to stay in the Futian, Luohu, or Nanshan Districts. These areas provide easy access to shopping malls, excellent restaurants, and metro stations, all within walking distance. Here is our recommendation.
- Futian District – IntercityHotel Shenzhen Futian Huanggang is a highly-rated accommodation in Shenzhen, known for its convenience, excellent hospitality, and impressive facilities. The train station is conveniently located right outside the hotel, making it easy to use public transport.
- Luohu – Innogo Hotel Shenzhen (Luohu Port) is a stylish hotel created by hotel management in collaboration with young artists from the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao Greater Bay Area. The rooms are spacious and clean, complemented by excellent hospitality service.
- Nanshan District – Hamps Hotel Shenzhen is perfect for anyone seeking a high-end experience at a reasonable price. Surrounded by universities, the hotel offers beautiful greenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
For more information about accommodation in Shenzhen, read here: Where to stay in Shenzhen – Best Areas and Hotels.
Planning For Shenzhen itinerary
Shenzhen, known for its rapid development and modern skyline, offers a unique blend of innovation, entertainment, and cultural heritage. When planning our Shenzhen itinerary, we didn’t feel particularly adventurous for this trip; we just wanted to spend time relaxing.
There are many things to do in Shenzhen, but most travelers typically seek out three main experiences: food, entertainment, and shopping. During our visit to Shenzhen, we will only plan for 1 or 2 attractions for each day to explore, and spend the remaining time for food hunting and wandering around. Below is our 3-Days Shenzhen itinerary to help you navigate the city’s attractions. We have also included additional attractions that you can incorporate into your schedule. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests.
3 Days Shenzhen itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Shenzhen and check-in. Explore Futian District.
- Day 2: Visit Gankeng Hakka Town, Dongmen Pedestrian Street, and try local delicacies at the night market.
- Day 3: Explore Nanshan and visit Nantou Ancient City. Shopping in Shenzhen.
Note that there are many attractions in Shenzhen worth exploring!
Day 1: Arrived Shenzhen. Explore Futian District
We flew from our home country to Shenzhen and finally settled into the Intercity Shenzhen Futian Huanggang hotel, located in the Futian district. This area is right in the heart of Shenzhen, making it a convenient base for exploring the nearby districts.
After a quick refreshment, we began our adventure in Shenzhen.
Starting the first day Shenzhen itinerary in the Futian District, which is considered the vibrant center of the city. This district is home to some of the best shopping destinations in Shenzhen, featuring amazing malls like COCO Park, AvenueOne Mall, and InTown. Each mall offers a diverse mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
You’ll find plenty of cafes, bakeries, and dessert shops to refuel between shopping sprees. One could easily spend an entire day here, indulging in delicious food, exploring chic boutiques, and soaking in the local culture.
We enjoyed the leisure stroll through the lively Futian area, wandering through the shops and stopping for coffee and cake at a café. We ended our first day in Shenzhen with a great dinner at the restaurant.
Day 2: Gankeng Hakka Town
Located on the outskirts of Shenzhen, Gankeng Hakka Town (甘坑古镇) is a popular day trip destination for anyone visiting Shenzhen. This well-preserved Hakka town offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Hakka people, featuring unique round houses and beautiful gardens.
With a history that spans over 300 years, it has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Hakka Villages in Shenzhen.
Gankeng Hakka Town is both picturesque and historic, characterized by stunning ancient architecture and lush surroundings that provide a genuine taste of traditional Chinese culture. The town is rich in history, with old buildings that make it a great tourist attraction.
The atmosphere here offers deep insights into the local way of life.
Visitors can explore numerous shops, food vendors, restaurants, and museums throughout the town. Every corner of this charming place is photo-worthy.
There are many Hakka restaurants and street food vendors where you can savor authentic Hakka cuisine.
Stroll through the old streets, admire the traditional structures, and immerse yourself in Hakka culture.
If you’re interested in experiencing Chinese culture and capturing stunning photos, Gankeng Hakka Town is a must-visit. Worth spending a few hours when planning for Shenzhen itinerary.
Gankeng Hakka Town (甘坑古镇)
Opening Hours: Always open.
Admission Fee: but attractions are charged separately.
Suggested Visit Time: 3 to 4 hours.
Getting there: To reach Gankeng Ancient Village, take Metro Line 10 from Futian to Gankeng Station, which typically takes less than an hour. Once you arrive at Gankeng Station, you can either take a shuttle bus to the village for a small fee of RMB 2 or walk for about 10 minutes to get to the village entrance.
Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or use a ride-hailing app for a more convenient transfer. The drive from Shenzhen downtown to the village takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around RMB 50.
Day 3: Nantou Ancient City
Nantou Ancient City (南头古城) is a historical and cultural tourist destination in Shenzhen. This ancient town provides a unique glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage amidst the rapid urbanization of the area. The Nantou Ancient City project has revitalized this 1,700-year-old town, transforming it into a vibrant cultural and creative hub.
Today, Nantou Ancient City features an exciting blend of innovative retail concepts and art exhibition spaces while still preserving significant cultural heritage sites and historic buildings.
During your visit to Nantou Ancient City, you can explore several heritage sites and historical buildings. Notable structures include the Xin’an County Government Office, Dongguan Guild Hall, South City Gate, and Guandi Temple.
Additionally, you’ll find residential buildings showcasing the Lingnan Guangfu architectural style, which were built during the Qing Dynasty.
In contrast to its historical charm, Nantou Ancient City also boasts quaint shops, trendy cafes, and restaurants where you can easily spend half a day strolling. It is a fantastic place to explore. Nantou Ancient City promises an unforgettable experience. It is perfect for a leisurely half-day outing on your Shenzhen itinerary.
Nantou Ancient City (南头古城)
Opening Hours: Always open; however, most shops operate from 11:00 to 21:00.
Admission Fee: Free!
Suggested Visit Time: 2 to 3 hours.
Getting there: Visitors can take Metro Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City station, with a total travel time of approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app. The ride from downtown takes about 40 minutes and costs around RMB30.
Shopping in Shenzhen
For our last day in Shenzhen, we decided not to overload our Shenzhen itinerary with too many attractions. Instead, we chose to wander around and explore some shopping options.
Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse shopping landscape, offers a variety of choices ranging from modern malls to traditional street markets. Some popular spots include COCO Park, KK Mall, Dongmen Market, and many more.
Among the many shopping destinations, we opted to visit the newly opened Bantian Vanke Plaza, a large and trendy shopping mall located in the Longgang District. It is conveniently situated near Bantian Station on the Shenzhen Metro, making it easily accessible.
Bantian Vanke Plaza (坂田万科广场) features a unique concept that combines commercial space with a vertical park, incorporating plenty of greenery that creates a tropical rainforest atmosphere, reminiscent of Singapore’s indoor gardens.
We spent the day wandering through the mall and shopping. There were numerous popular local and international brand stores, and unique stores. We also had dinner at one of the restaurants to end our first day in Shenzhen.
More Attractions for Shenzhen itinerary?
For a historical and cultural experience in Shenzhen:
For a historical and cultural experience in Shenzhen, explore the city’s various cultural attractions to learn about its history and immerse yourself in Chinese traditions. In addition to Gankeng Hakka Town and Nantou Ancient City, consider visiting other notable sites such as Splendid China Folk Village, Shenzhen Museum, Dafen Oil Painting Village, and Dapeng Fortress.
Splendid China Folk Village is a theme park that features scaled-down replicas of China’s most significant landmarks and ethnic villages. The park consists of two main areas: the Splendid China Miniature Park and the China Folk Culture Village. It showcases 82 famous tourist attractions from across China, organized according to their geographical locations. Get the Splendid China Folk Village Admission Ticket.
Shenzhen Museum offers insights into the city’s development. This extensive museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and exhibiting artifacts related to Shenzhen.
Visit Dafen Oil Painting Village, the world’s largest center for oil painting reproduction and one of China’s leading suppliers of high-quality oil painting copies. Stroll through the narrow streets filled with art studios and galleries, and feel free to engage with the talented artists.
Explore Dapeng Fortress, where you can walk along ancient walls and enjoy picturesque coastal views.
For a full-filled family outing:
If you are traveling with kids and seeking an enjoyable family outing, Shenzhen offers fantastic options like Window of the World, Shenzhen Safari Park, and Happy Valley Theme Park.
Window of the World is a theme park that showcases famous landscapes, natural scenery, historical sites, and folk performances from around the globe. It features miniature replicas of iconic landmarks along with cultural presentations. Get the Window of the World Admission Ticket.
For animal lovers, the Shenzhen Safari Park is a must-visit! This expansive park is home to a variety of exotic animals and offers interactive experiences that will delight both kids and adults. Check more for the Shenzhen Safari Park.
Happy Valley Theme Park is another great destination. This amusement park is filled with rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Whether you enjoy adrenaline-pumping roller coasters or prefer gentler, family-friendly rides, Happy Valley has something for everyone. Reserve the Shenzhen Happy Valley Admission Ticket.
For fantastic shopping experience:
Ready to shop till you drop? For shoppers, Shenzhen is truly a paradise. In addition to the previously mentioned recommendations, there are several malls and places that provide a fantastic shopping experience to include in your Shenzhen trip.
OCT Loft Creative Culture Park (also known as the Overseas Chinese City Creative Culture Park) is the top destination for creative individuals in Shenzhen. This area showcases a variety of art forms, including design, photography, painting, and animation. You’ll also find numerous charming shops to explore creative arts, along with cafes and restaurants to relax in.
Dongmen Pedestrian Street area and Luohu District are great for shopping and experiencing local life, offering both luxury items and affordable goods.
Known as China’s tech capital, Shenzhen provides ample opportunities to explore its many electronics markets. Huaqiangbei Commercial Street is a renowned electronics market where you can discover everything from gadgets and components to the latest technological innovations, all at competitive prices.
Overall: A Visit to Shenzhen
All in all, we hope this Shenzhen itinerary helps you plan for three wonderful days in the city! While some people might say that Shenzhen is boring and lacks unique cultural attractions. In my opinion, Shenzhen is a highly modernized city with its own distinct vibe, characterized by impressive skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. If you are excited by futuristic urban landscapes, Shenzhen is definitely worth a visit.
Lastly, this Shenzhen itinerary is part of our travel journey that includes Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Continue reading for more travel stories!
- Guangzhou itinerary: A Travel Guide blog
- Where To Stay in Guangzhou: Best Areas and Top Hotels
- Guangzhou Food Guide: Where and What To Eat in Guangzhou
- Where To Stay in Shenzhen: Best Areas and Top Hotels
Travelling to Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou, be sure to check out our travel blog below:
- Shanghai itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Shanghai: Best Areas and Hotels
- Day Trip Suzhou itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Hangzhou itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
- Where To Stay in Hangzhou: Best Areas and Hotels
- Trip to West Lake: A Travel Guide Blog
- Trip to Wuzhen Ancient Water Town: A Travel Guide Blog
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