Shenzhen walking tour & city guide
From fishing villages to China's city of the future.
Video by Walk In Progress 4K and Walking Mission in Asia on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗
Shenzhen was a group of fishing villages until 1980, when it became China's first Special Economic Zone. In just a few decades it grew into a city of more than 17 million people and a global center of technology, with gleaming towers, electric buses, wide parks and a young, fast-moving energy.
Futian and the skyline
Futian is the city's central business district, with the Ping An Finance Center, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and its observation deck. The Civic Center and Lianhuashan Park sit on a central axis, and from the hill in the park there's a wide view over the skyline.
Huaqiangbei is the world's largest electronics market, a maze of malls selling every component imaginable. Shenzhen Bay Park runs along the water, with views of Hong Kong across the bay.
Culture and the coast
OCT Loft, a former factory district, is a creative area of galleries, cafés and design shops. The theme parks of Window of the World and Splendid China show famous landmarks in miniature.
To the east, the coast of Dapeng has beaches, hiking trails and the old walled town of Dapeng Fortress. Dameisha and Xiaomeisha are popular city beaches.
Visiting tips
Shenzhen borders Hong Kong, with several land crossings and a high-speed train. Payment is almost entirely by mobile phone, so set up a payment app before you go. The city is warm all year and best from October to April.
Top sights in Shenzhen
- 1
Ping An Finance Center
One of the world's tallest skyscrapers.
- 2
Lianhuashan Park
A hill with views over Futian.
- 3
Huaqiangbei
The world's largest electronics market.
- 4
Shenzhen Bay Park
A long waterfront park.
- 5
OCT Loft
A creative district in old factories.
- 6
Dapeng Fortress
An old walled town by the sea.
Food markets & where to eat in Shenzhen
Dongmen Pedestrian Street
Street food in the old shopping district.
Shekou
An international area with seafood and cafés.
Nanshan malls
Food halls with dishes from across China.
Seafood markets in Dapeng
Choose your seafood and have it cooked.
Food to try in Shenzhen
Dim sum
Cantonese morning tea.
Shajing oysters
A local oyster tradition.
Roast goose
A Cantonese specialty with crispy skin.
Hakka dishes
Salt-baked chicken and stuffed tofu.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Shenzhen
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in ShenzhenCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Shenzhen.
- eSIM for ChinaStay online from the moment you land.
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