Shenzhen

Shenzhen is located in southern China, in Guangdong Province, next to the Hong Kong border. In just a few decades it has gone from being a small fishing village to becoming one of the country's most modern and innovative cities. Considered one of China's main technology hubs, Shenzhen stands out for its impressive skyline, dynamic atmosphere and rapid economic development. The city combines futuristic skyscrapers, urban parks, creative districts and coastal areas, offering a clear picture of China's most modern and technological side.

What to see?

Futian District
The modern financial heart of Shenzhen, full of skyscrapers, shopping centres and wide avenues that showcase the city's dynamism.

OCT Loft Creative Culture Park
A former industrial complex transformed into an artistic space full of galleries, cafes, design shops and cultural events.

Window of the World
A theme park where you can see scaled reproductions of some of the world's most famous monuments.

Recommended experiences

Going up to the Ping An Finance Centre viewpoint
From one of the world's tallest buildings you can enjoy an impressive view of Shenzhen's skyline and, on clear days, even Hong Kong.

Strolling along the Shekou coastal area
A very lively area with international restaurants, bars and a pleasant waterfront promenade.

Visiting cultural theme parks
Parks like Window of the World or Splendid China Folk Village let you discover monuments and cultures from China and the world in one place.

Culture & fun facts

A city that grew in just a few decades
Until the late 20th century, Shenzhen was a small fishing village. In 1980 it was designated as one of China's first Special Economic Zones, which drove its rapid growth and development.

China's technology capital
Shenzhen is today one of the main innovation centres in the country and headquarters of major technology companies such as Huawei, Tencent and DJI.

One of China's youngest cities
Most of its inhabitants come from other regions of the country, making Shenzhen a dynamic and multicultural city.

Local cuisine

Shenzhen's cuisine reflects the city's cultural diversity, as much of its population comes from different regions of China. Therefore, in Shenzhen you can find a wide variety of culinary styles, from traditional Cantonese cooking to Sichuan, Hunan or northern Chinese dishes. Thanks to its proximity to Hong Kong, it is also very common to enjoy specialities of Cantonese cuisine, such as dim sum, fresh seafood and mild soups. The city also has numerous international restaurants and modern food districts, making Shenzhen an interesting destination for those wanting to discover China's culinary variety in one place.

Tips for travellers

Shenzhen has one of China's most modern transport systems, with an extensive metro making it easy to get around the entire city. It also has an international airport and high-speed rail connections with cities like Guangzhou, Hong Kong or Shanghai. To see the main places of interest it is recommended to spend one to two days, especially if combined with a visit to Hong Kong or Guangzhou. The climate is generally warm and humid for most of the year, so it is advisable to wear light, comfortable clothing.