Once you arrive, you are a local in Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is a city you may not know well but one you will find intriguing to explore.
You may know her as China's most successful special economic zone, a trailblazer in reform striving towards
becoming a leading demonstration zone. Likewise, you may recognize her as China's most welcoming city for
immigrants and a hub of innovation that has fostered numerous renowned brands.
Recommended itineraries for independent visitors
1. Beautiful Central Axis
Visit the Shenzhen Museum to explore the city's history, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning to
discover cutting-edge works, and the Central Book City and Shenzhen Library to immerse yourself in the joy of
reading. From the Central Book City corridor, ascend Lianhua Mountain to pay tribute to the Deng Xiaoping
bronze statue and gain a panoramic view of the city center. This journey is substantial and enriching,
allowing you to experience the spirit of reform and opening up, and to discover and fall in love with
Shenzhen's present and future.
Recommended route:
Civic Center, Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, Central Book City,
Shenzhen Library, Shenzhen Concert Hall, Lianhua Mountain Park
2. Relaxing Seaside Tour
The Yantian Waterfront Boardwalk perfectly embodies Shenzhen's laid-back charm. This boardwalk stretches for
19.5 kilometers, linking the history of Zhongying Street with the stunning mountain and ocean vistas.
Strolling here, accompanied by the sound of waves and under a clear blue sky, is truly relaxing. The
crescent-shaped Xiaomeisha, the ethereal Yunhai Park where mist flows like jade, the Enshang Wetland for
admiring mountains and sea, and the uniquely designed Lighthouse Library—these beautiful sights along the way,
I want to share with you.
Recommended route:
Xiaomeisha & Dameisha Seaside Park, Yunhai Park, Yantian Seafood Street, Enshang Wetland Park, Lighthouse
Library
3. Artistic Trip
While taking a city walk in Shenzhen, be sure not to miss OCT (Overseas Chinese Town). Here, people,
cityscapes, mountains, forests, and lakes blend harmoniously, as if they've always belonged together. Beneath
dappled tree shadows and leafy greenways, savor a poetic moment with a cup of coffee, or explore a special
exhibition to experience the richness of everyday life. We discover that the most beautiful poetry arises from
life itself.
Recommended route:
Xiangshan Middle Street, OCT O·Power Culture and Art Center, Yanhan Mountain Countryside Park, OCT
Creative Cultural Park
4. Non-stop Shopping and Meal Planning
Nestled between mountains and the sea, adjacent to bustling commercial districts yet uniquely guarding a
tranquil enclave—this is the daily rhythm of Shekou. As you linger in this leisurely journey, don't forget to
seek out the placards reading "Time is money, efficiency is life" and "Empty talk harms the country, while
hard work makes it flourish". These slogans, which originated in Shekou and spread nationwide with the dawn of
reform and opening-up, mark the very beginning of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.
Recommended route:
Shekou Seafood Market, G&G Creative Community, Nanhai Yiku, Sea World, Sea World Culture and Arts Center
5. Light of the Bay Area
To experience the new era of Shenzhen, step into the dynamic Qianhai district. This route follows the
shoreline of Qianhai Bay, connecting the expanded Qianhai area and showcasing the beauty of the new city along
the way. "Qian" symbolizes pioneering and exploration, while "Hai" represents inclusiveness and integration.
Qianhai is where real scenes of cutting-edge reform and exploration unfold, and where Shenzhen people let
their imaginations of the future soar. At OH BAY and Xiwan Mangrove Wetland Park, watch planes fly from the
Bay Area into the sky, look out to sea, and embrace the future.
Recommended route:
OH BAY, Xiwan Mangrove Wetland Park, Shenzhen Talent Park, Shenzhen Bay Park.
6. Rejuvenation of Nantou
History lovers will be pleasantly surprised. Discover traces of ancient Shenzhen and witness the
reinterpretation and revitalization of the historic city. Stroll through a vibrant sea of tulips at Dutch
Flower Town. The expansive lawn at Zhongshan Park is perfect for jogging, relaxing, or soaking up the
sunshine. Explore the streets and alleys of Nantou Ancient City—perfect for photography, shopping, and
strolling. This is Shenzhen's cultural and creative hub and experimental testbed.
Recommended route:
Dutch Flower Town, Zhongshan Park, Nantou Ancient City
7. Shenzhen Festival Avenue
Experience Shenzhen's unique style of shopping—Festival Avenue has reached a whole new level. Indulge in
dining, recreation, sightseeing, and shopping at the mall; admire innovative artworks along the streets; and
pass through the underground Liancheng Xintiandi directly to the CBD hub. Every step here is imbued with a
festive spirit, reminding us of the city's original purpose—a place for people to gather and interact with
ceremony.
Recommended route:
One Avenue, Greater China International Exchange Plaza, Wongtee Plaza / Link REIT Central Walk, Coco Park