Top 10 Things to Do in Shenzhen

Written by Maren Hamilton | Updated July 04,2025

If you want to experience the modern, high-tech side of China, look no further than Shenzhen. Located in the southeast of China and well connected to both Guangzhou and Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a city that belongs to the internet age, growing from a population of 30,000 in 1980 to over 17 million today. No longer is it a small fishing village; it’s a lively metropolis full of restaurants, shopping centers, and endless opportunities for entertainment. With so much to do in the city, though, it can be hard to know where to start, so here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Shenzhen so you get the most out of your time there!

1. For First-Timers: Nantou Ancient City

If you’ve never been to China before, you’ll doubtless be looking forward to experiencing a country as technologically advanced as it is ancient and cultured. The only issue is that Shenzhen leans towards the former… Which is why Nantou Ancient City is the perfect first place to visit in Shenzhen. Full of unique shops selling everything from records to jewelry and lots of delicious restaurants and cafes, there’s no better place to go on a day trip. Not only is it a great place to go shopping for souvenirs, the buildings’ ancient style makes it a delight to just walk around in too. Plus, it’s free!

• Location: 2 Nantou Jiaochang, Shennan Boulevard, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
• Price: Free
• Hours: Open all day

2. For Techies: Huaqiangbei Electronics Market

If there’s one thing everyone knows Shenzhen for, it’s the city’s bustling electronics industry. But while hearing is one thing, seeing is another, which is why Huaqiangbei electronics market is one of Shenzhen’s must-see attractions, especially for tech enthusiasts. No matter what part or accessory you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it there, as long as you have the patience to find it! Don’t worry if your luddite friends are tagging along, though, since the market doesn’t limit itself to just electronics. By the end of the day, everyone is bound to walk away with something- and at a great price, too!

• Location: All around Huaqiang Road North and South, Futian District, Shenzhen
• Price: Free
• Hours: Open all day

3. For Foodies: Dongmen Pedestrian Street’s Night Market

Looking for something to do in Shenzhen, but not feeling inspired? No worries, you’ll get hungry sooner or later, so just head on over to Dongmen Pedestrian Street! As an economic hub of China, Shenzhen attracts people from all over the country looking for work, and they bring their food with them. Whether you already have a specific delicacy in mind or want to explore everything the country has to offer, Dongmen is sure to have what you’re looking for. And once you’re done eating, why not check out the nearby shops? After all, by the time you’re done exploring them all, you’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite and be ready for a delicious meal.

• Location: Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen
• Price: Free
• Hours: 6PM to midnight

4. For Nature-Lovers: Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve

One of the best underrated attractions of the city, Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve is the perfect stop for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With an area of 368 hectares, it’s the only urban nature reserve in all of China. You can either rent a bike or just explore the area on foot, taking in the carefully protected wildlife preserve and all the diverse plants and animals it contains. It’s a great place for bird watching and makes for a great Shenzhen day trip, especially if you pack snacks and make a picnic out of it.

• Location: Shenzhen Bay, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
• Price: Free
• Hours: Open all day

Related reading: Shenzhen Weather and Best Time to Visit

5. For Families: Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum

One thing you’ll never forget in Shenzhen? The weather. There are few things harder to manage than bored kids stuck in a hotel or moaning about the heat (there’s a reason why Shenzhen is a great place to visit in the winter)… But luckily, the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum has you covered. With bilingual signs and interactive exhibits, it’s the perfect thing to do in Shenzhen with your family. Covering themes like technology, space, and industry, you can rest easy knowing your kids aren’t just having fun, they’re learning too. Who knows, maybe it’ll be the spark that inspires them to become one of the architect’s of the future, too!

• Location: No. 1003 Shangbu Middle Road, Futian District, Shenzhen City, China
• Price: 50RMB for adults, 32 rmb for concession tickets
• Hours: 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 9:30am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays

6. For Hot, Lazy Days: Dameisha Beach

Speaking of the weather in Shenzhen, what better place is there to beat the heat than a beach? Luckily for visitors, Shenzhen is a coastal city, so when things start getting too warm for comfort, you don’t have to stay inside with the AC, since you can always make your way to the beach. It might not be a tropical island, but you’ll get the same experience at the peak of summer. With beautiful views and a variety of restaurants dotting the coastline, it’s the coolest place to visit in Shenzhen- sometimes literally!

• Location: No.33, Yan Mei Road, Yantian District, Shenzhen
• Price: Free
• Hours: Open all day

Related reading: Amazing Facts about Shenzhen

7. For Artists: Dafen Oil Painting Village

One of Shenzhen’s most overlooked tourist attractions, Dafen Oil Painting Village is one of the most unique things to do in the city. If you love art, welcome to heaven. With countless artists and studios, this is the perfect place to buy whatever kind of art you’re looking for. Whether you’re hoping for your own personal reproduction or something original just for you, a traditional work to commemorate your trip or something more modern, you’re sure to find it and many other treasures during your visit.

• Location: Buji Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
• Price: Free
• Hours: Open all day

8. For World Travellers: Window of the World

If you’re dreaming of a trip around the world but looking for things to do in Shenzhen, look no further than Window of the World. With miniature models of famous buildings from around the world, foods from all over the world, and unforgettable shows and cultural experiences, Window of the World isn’t the same as travelling the world, but it’s the next best thing. Even better, it has multiple rides and kid-oriented areas, making it a fun and educational outing for the whole family. There are also themed events around a variety of holidays, making each visit a fun and fresh experience no matter how many times you go.

• Location: 9037 Shennan Ave, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
• Price: Adult all-day tickets 220 rmb; Adult night tickets 120rmb; Children 120-150cm tall 110rmb; Children under 120cm free; Hours: 9:00 am to 10:30 pm

Related reading: Shenzhen Layover Guide 2025/2026

9. For People Missing Home: Sea World

As fun as travelling can be, sometimes you start to miss home a bit, especially in a country as different as China… Which is what makes Sea World one of the best places to visit in Shenzhen! One of the most popular locations among the city’s foreign residents, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the area is full of foreign restaurants that will help chase off any homesickness you’re experiencing. Not only that, there are a variety of interesting shops and entertainment options in the area, including evening water shows and a variety of bars, making it a great place to experience Shenzhen’s nightlife as well.

(P.S.- you might be able to catch a glimpse of Hong Kong across the bay!)

• Location: Sea World Metro Stop
• Price: Free
• Hours: All day, but most of excitement happens from 10AM-10PM

10. For Those Who Wish They Had More Time: Splendid China Folk Park

You might wonder how many days in Shenzhen is enough, and the answer is that even if you spent the rest of your life in the city, there would still be things to discover- so imagine how hard it would be to experience everything China has to offer. Fortunately, Shenzhen has a solution. If you’re running out of time and looking for one last thing to do in Shenzhen, Splendid China Folk Park is an unbeatable option. Featuring a variety of Chinese architectural styles and the cultures of some of China’s ethnic minorities, it’s a great way to enjoy as much of the country as you can before you have to say goodbye- and who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you for your next tour of China!

• Location: No. 9005, Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
• Price: All-day ticket 220rmb; Night ticket 110rmb.
• Hours: 9:00 am to 9:30 pm

Recommended China Tours including Shenzhen

• 4 Days Hong Kong and Shenzhen Tour by High-speed Train
• 5 Days Shenzhen-Guilin Highlights Tour
• 9 Days Guangzhou Guilin Shenzhen Hong Kong Tour