Shenzhen

Shenzhen, a metropolis in southern China's Guangdong province, has grown from a small fishing village to a global technology hub in just four decades. This coastal city borders Hong Kong and is known for its innovative tech companies, modern skyscrapers, and numerous theme parks. You can ride miniature replicas of world landmarks at Window of the World, practice tai chi in Lianhuashan Park, or enjoy a night out at COCO Park.

Shenzhen's Tech Scene

Shenzhen is often called "China's Silicon Valley" due to its rapid growth in technology and innovation. Many major tech companies, including Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, have their headquarters here. You'll find Huaqiangbei, a vast electronics market, spanning several city blocks. As you walk through its maze-like corridors, you'll see everything from smartphone components to the latest gadgets, giving you a firsthand look at the city's tech-driven economy.

Theme Parks in Shenzhen

Shenzhen's theme parks combine entertainment with cultural education. At Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages, you can explore miniature replicas of China's famous landmarks and watch performances that showcase traditions from various ethnic groups. Window of the World takes you on a global tour, featuring scaled-down versions of international icons such as the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. These parks offer an engaging way to learn about world cultures and architecture.

Parks and Green Spaces

Shenzhen has over 1,000 parks covering nearly 40,000 hectares, despite its rapid urban growth. You can visit Lianhuashan Park in the Futian District, where you'll get a clear view of the city skyline from its hilltop. Many locals come here for morning tai chi sessions, or you can simply take a walk among the trees and plants. If you prefer coastal scenery, head to Shenzhen Bay Park. This long stretch along the water is ideal for cycling or watching the sun set over Hong Kong in the distance.

Food in Shenzhen

Shenzhen's restaurants reflect its population from all over China. You can try a wide range of regional dishes, from spicy Sichuan food to light Cantonese dim sum. Given its location on the coast, Shenzhen is particularly known for seafood. Visit Seafood Street in Yantian District, where you can pick your dinner from live tanks and have it cooked how you like. For local flavors, try Shenzhen's Kejia cuisine, which includes hearty clay pot dishes and stuffed tofu.

Getting Around Shenzhen

Shenzhen has a modern and expanding metro network that connects major districts and attractions. For trips to Hong Kong or Macau, you can take a ferry from Shekou Cruise Center. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport connects to major cities across Asia and beyond. If you're coming from Hong Kong, the high-speed rail from West Kowloon station will get you to Shenzhen in just 15 minutes.