Shenzhen is such an underrated city for touristing when you’re in China. Sure, Guangzhou, located right beside, has all the heritage. But as it turns out, there’s a lot more to Shenzhen that we don’t know about. From insanely huge cultural folk villages to a safari where animals aren’t caged, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Shenzhen City.
Our 5D4N Shenzhen itinerary also includes the best cafes and restaurants, and shopping malls!
Best attractions in Shenzhen
1. Splendid China Folk Village
This is our top pick for the best thing to do in Shenzhen.
Splendid China Folk Village comprises two locations. Splendid China houses many miniatures of China’s famous landscapes, allowing you to “travel through China in one day”, while China Folk Village allows you to experience folk customs of 56 ethnic groups. You can even rent a traditional hanfu to enhance your experience, as the attraction is very well furnished and decorated.
The place is so huge that, just exploring the China Folk Village alone could take a full day.
Tickets are priced at $39 on Trip.com.
Location: No.9003 Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
南山区-沙河街道东方社区深南大道9003号
Opening Hours: 9am-9:30pm
2. JiuHao ChaoWan
Do you think you can spend the whole day here?
This indoor playground at Baoqian Shopping Mall features a wide variety of activities, including and not limited to bowling, archery, ice-skating, basketball, arcade games, bumper cars, virtual reality games, and even a racing simulator.
You can purchase a Two-hour Admission, which is ¥109 per person. But you can just top up a bit more (¥139 per admission) to enjoy Unlimited-hours at this attraction. Parents who are accompanying their child can also enjoy a discount.
Location: Baoan, Baoqian Shopping Mall, #B1-146-151
宝安区-西乡街道海城路大仟里购物中心B1层146-151号
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
3. WOWO Cute Pet Paradise
Play with over 50 different animals at this indoor pet cafe in Shenzhen.
WOWO Cute Pet Paradise houses unique animals like raccoons, baby goats, pigs, and a variety of reptiles — very different from your usual dog or cat cafes.
Price starts from ¥50 per person, with discounts available on Tuan Gou.
Location: Baoan, No. 3 Haicheng Road, Qiancheng Binhai Garden, Room L268-270, Building 2,
宝安区-麻布社区海城路3号前城滨海花园2栋L268-270
Opening hours: 10am-9:30pm
4. Dafen Oil Painting Village
An artistic haven where visitors can watch artists create paintings and purchase custom artworks. You can really find all sorts of paintings here, with prices ranging from $2 to over $500.
But beyond being an audience, you can also participate in art jamming for just $6 (¥30). Dafen Oil Painting Village is also home to a few cafes and restaurants, local designer apparels, and Da Fen Art Museum, the largest museum in Shenzhen.
Location: Longgang, Buji Dafen Village
广东省-深圳市-龙岗区-布吉镇大芬村
Opening hours: 24 houts
5. Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden
Explore more than 12 themed gardens at the biggest botanical garden in Shenzhen. In addition to rare plant species, scenic hiking trails, and the serene Fairy Lake, you can also look forward to more unique finds, such as the Shenzhen Paleontology Museum, a petrified wood collection, and cycad collection — all are not commonly found in botanical gardens in other countries.
Tickets are priced at ¥15 per adult, and ¥5 for children. Admission is free if you visit at odd timings — 4-8am and 6-9:30pm.
Location: Luohu District, 160 Liantang Street, Xianhu Community
罗湖区-莲塘街道仙湖社区仙湖路160号
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm
6. Shenzhen Safari Park
An amazing unique wildlife park where animals can actually roam in large, naturalistic enclosures. Yes, most of them are uncaged.
What’s more interesting is that you get to join the park rangers to feed the tigers up close.
Apparently, there are also thrilling Motorcycle and Car Stunt Show at night, where the admission tickets are more only ¥90.
Tickets cost ¥240 for adults and ¥120 for children.
Location: Xili Lake, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm, 6:30-9pm (evening only open in May-Oct)
7. Chun K (Karaoke)
This really might be the best karaoke room in Shenzhen.
A large room with your stage and performance mic, a private toilet, and even free flow jasmine tea and honey date tea to nourish your throat.
Visit during off-peak hours and you’ll be able to get the room for as low as $20 for four hours.
Chun K has multiple outlets in Shenzhen, but we visited their Nanshan branch. Do note that promotions may vary across branches.
Location: Nanshan, 1688 Technological Mall, Block B, 4th Floor
广东省-深圳市-南山区-海德三道1688号航天科技广场B座4楼
Opening Hours: 11-2am
8. Window of the World
Possibly the Epcot of China, Window of the World, a famous theme park in Western Shenzhen, features miniature replicas of iconic landmarks from around the globe, including the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Taj Mahal.
Tickets are available at $40 on Trip.com.
Location: No.9037 Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Opening Hours: 9am-10:30pm
9. Enjoy a picnic at Lianhuashan Park
A popular green space in Shenzhen, Lian Hua Shan Park offers hiking trails, scenic spots, and a statue of Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China’s economic reforms.
While not the most touristy spot, it’s a great spot for picnics and panoramic city views, offering a respite from your typical attractions.
Free admission.
Location: 6030 Hong Li Lu, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, 518036
Opening Hours: 6am-10pm
10. Watch a movie
It might sound like we’re kidding, but you should definitely include a cinema experience in your Shenzhen itinerary. Not only are the cinemas spacious and clean, each (alternate) seat comes with a built-in massager that costs less than $5 per hour.
Exhibitions & art galleries in Shenzhen
11. Shenzhen Museum
Shenzhen Museum offers a deep dive into the city’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis. It features historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and displays on economic reforms.
With 12 permanent exhibitions, and a handful of temporary ones, a full day is required to fully browse through. However, if time is of the essence, our personal highlights are Historical Markets in Shenzhen and
Location: 6 Tongxin Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, China
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm
12. OCT Art & Design Gallery
Just the facade of this gallery is impressive enough as an attraction.
OCT Art & Design Gallery features a glass curtain wall built with hexagonal pieces, making it look like a futuristic honeycomb.
Inside, you’ll find a contemporary art space showcasing avant-garde designs, installations, and experimental exhibits. The gallery frequently hosts exhibitions featuring local and international artists
Tickets are ¥15 per person, with free admission on every Tuesday, except for national holidays and special exhibitions.
Location: 9009-1, Shennan Boulevard, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Opening Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 10am-5.30pm
13. He Xiangning Art Museum
Dedicated to modern Chinese art, this museum features works by He Xiangning and other prominent artists. It provides insight into Chinese revolutionary art and contemporary pieces.
Location: 9013 Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Opening Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 9:30am-5pm
14. Guan Shanyue Art Museum
A tribute to renowned artist Guan Shanyue, this museum hosts exhibitions on traditional Chinese ink painting, contemporary art, and sculpture.
Location: No.6026 Hongli Road, Futian District
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm
Best cafes in Shenzhen
15. Puzzle Cafe
You might be a little confused when the taxi drops you off in the middle of an industrial complex, but that’s usually where the hidden gems are located right?
Head up to the 9th floor, and you’ll find yourself transported all the way to Morocco, which is odd, because the cafe is in Shenzhen, and they specialise in Thai-Hong Kong fusion cuisine.
Either way, the drinks here were great, and you’ll probably find that you’ll take the most unique shots here during your trip.
Location: Longgang, 901 Longjing Science and Technological Zone, Block F
广东省-深圳市-龙岗区-龙景科技园F栋901
Opening hours: 10am-8:30pm
16. L’amant Manor
Step foot into this cosy cottage that’s tucked away in the back alleys of a flower market.
L’amant Manor was designed specially for the best photos — we’ve seen customers fully equipped with different costumes and LED lights.
Every customer has to order an Afternoon Tea Set (¥118), comprising of one drink and one cake or sandwich.
Location:
广东省-深圳市-南山区-西丽街道沙河西路4811号深港花卉中心E15
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
17. Fufuland
No-frills cream pancakes in Shenzhen, Fufuland can be found in most popular shopping malls such as Huang Ting Guang Chang.
Made fresh daily, the pancakes were super soft and the cream was so light — you can literally vacuum this down in one bite.
Prices ranges from ¥15-25, with flavours like Original Cream, Matcha, Pistachio, and more.
Location: Multiple locations
18. The Rolling
This isn’t your ordinary swiss roll.
The Rolling uses a special kind of whipped cheese. We’re not sure how they do it, but it’s somehow creamy and rich and light at the same time. One little slice is definitely not enough to satisfy, so it’s fortunate that each roll is only priced from ¥39.
Available flavours include Original Cheese, Matcha, Tiramisu, and more. As everything is made fresh within the hour, each hourly slot only has 2-3 flavours to choose from.
Best restaurants and bars in Shenzhen
19. Xie Yi Pin (蟹一品)
Roughly translating to “First-ranking Crab”, Xie Yi Pin, specialises in crab roe — the viral ones on TikTok where you pour a generous amount onto a steaming bowl of rice or noodles.
Prices can go as low as ¥4 ($0.8), especially when you’re purchasing on any of their “Group Buy” apps like Tuan Gou or Baidu Maps.
Location: Futian, 118 Huang Ting Mall, #L1-57A
广东省-深圳市-福田区-福华三路118号皇庭广场L1-57A
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
20. Xian Tan (鲜潭蒸汽石锅鱼)
When you’re in Shenzhen, you have to try the TikTok-viral fish hotpot.
A whole fish is poured into a stone pot, and steamed with a bamboo hat till it releases its collagen to form a creamy fish soup. Not only is it a unique way to hotpot, it tasted divine.
The most affordable package is the Set Meal for 2 at ¥183 ($36), including a whole fish, choice of soup, vegetable platters, and choice of noodles. Other packages also include different types of meat.
Location: Futian, One Avenue Mall, #B1-191
福田区-福华一路卓悦oneavenue商场东区b1层191号
Opening hours: 11am-10pm
21. Sushi Jyukan Omakase (十貫)
Omakase for just $60?
Sushi Jyukan is not only famous for their affordable, yet quality omakase course, but also their indulgent Uni Hotdog — a hand roll topped with layers of fresh uni.
Every dish was good, no complaints. If you’re a purist who values the craftsmanship and philosophy behind each dish, you might find Sushi Jyukan a bit commercialised. With a menu designed by a central kitchen, it prioritizes consistency over the artistry and individuality of a traditional sushi chef’s touch. But if you’re just here for the food, you’ll love it!
We highly recommend making a reservation as the queue was really long on a weekday.
Sushi Jyukan has multiple outlets.
Location: Nanshan, Poly Cultural Plaza, Block A
南山区-文心六路保利文化广场A区1楼内场
Opening hours: 11:30am-4pm, 5:30pm-10pm
22. Ichiraku Canteen (一楽の食堂)
This isn’t your ordinary Japanese restaurant.
Matcha udon, sushi tacos, and even the cheesiest cheese burger served on a hotplate — this place takes stunt food to the next level, but boy, do they do a good job.
Highlights include the Cheeseburger (¥39), Matcha Latte with Cheese Foam (¥20), and Wagyu Sushi Taco (¥39).
Location: Futian, One Avenue Mall, #B1-1102
福田区-福华路OneAvenue卓悦中心东区B1层B1102商铺
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
23. Mojie Mushroom Chicken Hotpot (蘑界-野生菌石鍋雞)
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine in a mushroom cave? This hotpot restaurant in Shenzhen is decorated in a rustic, vibey look, specialising in the most exquisite mushroom pots. Not only is the soup earthy and meaty, extracted from a variety of mushrooms, you’ll also have the chance to savour less-commonly found species.
Don’t be surprised to find mushrooms as expensive as beef. These are a special variety of mushrooms that aren’t commonly found elsewhere.
Location: Futian, One Avenue Mall, #02-240
福田区-岗夏社区卓悦中心东区L2层L240号
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Best places in Shenzhen for shopping
24. Wanxiang Tiandi (万象天地)
One of the most popular malls in Shenzhen. Beyond a good mix of international and local brands, the mall is also spruced up to look like an art exhibition, with Instagrammable spots on every level.
Location: Nanshan, 9668 Ou Hai Road, Da Chong Community
南山区-粤海街道大冲社区深南大道9668号
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
25. Nanyou Fashionable Dress Wholesale Center
For shoppers who love cheap thrills, you’ll be able to find original designs at more than 50% off of what’s priced in shopping malls.
It covers an area of 150,000 square meters, so you might want to allocate more time here when planning your itinerary
Location: Nanshan, 2011 Nanhai Street, Xinjie Market F1
南山区-南海大道2011号(南油地铁站F1口步行380米)新街口广场F1
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
26. COCO Park
A trendy shopping mall with international brands, restaurants, and bars. The items here are more catered towards the masses, so you’ll be able to find more affordable, as well as trendy and quirky things to shop for.
Location: Futian District, 268 Fu Hua 3rd Road
福田区-福华三路268号
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
5D4N Shenzhen itinerary
Day 1
- Afternoon tea: Puzzle Cafe (拍手)
- Check in
- Dinner: Huiji Charcoal Grill Seafood (輝記炭燒海鮮)
- Massage or shopping at COCO Park
Day 2
- Breakfast at Baoan Daqianli Shopping Mall
- WOWO Cute Pet Paradise (Zhuli Zoo) @ Daqianli
- JiuHao ChaoWan (就好潮玩) @ Daqianli
- Lunch: Cai Lan Dian Xin 蔡瀾點心Pro
- Lan Tou Museum (南头古城博物馆)
- Afternoon tea: L’amant Manor (已聞花名关於藍)
- Dinner: Xian Tan @ One Avenue (鲜潭蒸汽石锅鱼探店 @ 卓越中心)
Day 3
- Breakfast and shopping at Wanxiang Tiandi (万象天地)
- Lunch: Lion 3 Grilled Eel (獅子三-脆鳗魚烤肉 @ 信和购物广场)
- Chun K Karaoke @ Aerospace Science and Technology Square (航天科技广场)
- Shopping @ Aerospace Science and Technology Square (保利文化广场)
- Dinner: Sushi Jyukan @ Poly Cultural Plaza (十貫 @ 保利文化广场)
Day 4
- Shenzhen Museum (深圳博物館)
- Lunch: Xie Yi Pin @ Huang Ting Square (蟹一品 @ 皇庭广场)
- Snack: Fufuland @ Huang Ting Square (皇庭广场)
- Massage at 泰适养生馆
- Dinner: Bingsheng Pinwei @ One Avenue (炳胜品味 @ 卓越中心)
- Movie at One Avenue (卓越中心)
Day 5
- Splendid China Folk Culture Village (锦绣中华民俗村)
In China?
