Your Ultimate City Guide To Shenzhen

Shenzhen calling! Discover our ultimate guide on how to get to there, what to do and where to shop in our neighbouring megacity…

Whether you’re living in or just visiting Hong Kong, Shenzhen is too close to miss! A day trip might visiting a viral spa, splurging at Costco, dining at one of Shenzhen’s many restaurants or checking out some of the main tourist attractions. If you’re not keen to dish out on a hotel, the city is also close enough to take a day trip. Below, we’re covering how to get to Shenzhen from Hong Kong, plus how to spend a day in the Chinese megacity.

Read More: Where To Stay In Shenzhen – The Top 10 Hotels

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How To Get To Shenzhen
What To Do In Shenzhen
Where To Shop In Shenzhen

How To Get To Shenzhen From Hong Kong

Looking to travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen? The quickest and most comfortable option is the high-speed train departing from West Kowloon Railway Station, but you can also easily get to the city by bus.

Read More: Essential Things To Know Before Travelling To China

High-Speed Rail From West Kowloon

Hong Kong Public Transport & Coach Services

Taking a bus or coach is a budget-friendly and flexible way to travel to Shenzhen. Just note that the journey can take up to three hours depending on your starting point, chosen border crossing and traffic. To take a bus to Shenzhen, you have two options:

Book A Cross-Border Express Coach

These depart regularly from major hubs in Hong Kong (Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok) directly to Shenzhen ports or city centres. Operators like Eternal East (永東直巴) and CTS (環島旅運) run these services, with prices ranging from $80 to $150. Once on board, you’ll remain on the same bus, but must get off twice to clear immigration.

Take Public Transport To The Border & Transfer

This is the most affordable method. You can take public buses like B1 from Yuen Long (to Lok Ma Chau Station) to enter the Futian Port or Bus 73K (to Lo Wu Station) for the Luohu Port. Alternatively, the MTR East Rail Line will take you directly to either port. Once you cross the border, use Shenzhen’s metro or taxis.

Things To Do In Shenzhen — Sites, Spas & Trendy Neighbourhoods

Get Pampered At A 24-Hour Spa — Tangquan Life TENZ, Queen Spa & More

The best spas in Shenzhen really are worth crossing the border for! Whether you’re looking to book into Tangquan Life TENZ, a viral Japanese-inspired 24-hour spa and wellness complex near Futian Port (¥300 for an eight-hour bath ticket), the multi-storey Queen Spa & Dining in Lo Wu (¥98 for a 24-hour entrance fee) or trendy, urban and affordable Heat Joy Spa in Chegongmiao (¥250 for entry and amenities), you’re sure to get pampered in this city.

Read More: The Best Spas In Shenzhen — Your Cross-Border Pamper Guide

Visit Creative Hubs — OCT Loft, Upper Hills & Dafen ‘Oil Painting Village’

Nashen and Dafen are the city’s creative districts, filled with galleries, studios and local artisan shops. Nashen boasts the Overseas Chinese Town Creative Culture Park, home to the factory-turned-cultural-hub OCT Loft, along with Upper Hills, a major mixed-use development and shopping mall packed with galleries. Meanwhile, Dafen is dubbed ‘Oil Painting Village’ for having streets lined with artists selling — and creating! — oil paintings.

Read More: Where To Buy Affordable Art Prints In Hong Kong

See Major Attractions — Window Of The World, Sea World & Theme Parks

The city is full of major tourist attractions and theme parks, perfect for wholesome trips or family outings. Our favourites include Window Of The World, a replica park of global landmarks, the massive roller-coaster filled Happy Valley Theme Park and Shenzhen Sea World, a massive complex brimming with dining, entertainment and culture (including Sea World Culture and Arts Centre!). 

Read More: The Top 7 Things To Do In Shenzhen — Our Favourite Attractions

Explore Historic Neighbourhoods — Nantou Ancient City & Gankeng Hakka Town

If it’s history and culture you’re after, Shenzhen has you covered. Explore remnants of the former county government via Nantou Ancient City, which boasts historic architecture, traditional streets and the Museum of History and Folk Culture. Alternatively, immerse yourself in rich Hakka cultural heritage through the GenKeng Hakka Ancient Town, best known for its sprawling, lantern-filled Twenty Four Histories Academy attraction.

Sassy Tip: While there’s great food all over the city, save room for the ancients towns — these are foodie paradises!

Read More: The Best Restaurants In Shenzhen — Fine Dining & Hidden Gems

Where To Shop In Shenzhen — Costco, Shopping Malls & Outlets

Shenzhen Costco — Major Warehouse In Longhua District

From supplement multipacks to frozen American classics, Costco truly has everything your heart desires. Thankfully, the superstore’s nearby branch means stocking up on major goods, clothes or food is never too far away.

Costco, 68 Mindalu Road, Longhua District, Shenzhen, China, www.costco.com

Read More: What To Buy At Shenzhen Costco —The Ultimate Shopping Guide

Uniwalk — Shenzhen’s Largest Shopping Mall

The city’s largest shopping destination rises across eight expansive floors, housing over 400 retail brands and 100 dining venues. Beyond its impressive scale, the mall also features Reading Mi, celebrated as one of the city’s most beautiful bookstores, alongside a multiplex cinema.

Uniwalk, 9 Xinhu Road, Bao’an District, Shenzhen, China

Read More: The Best Bookstores In Hong Kong

MixC Shenzhen Bay — 10-Storey Shopping Mall

The MixC complex organises its retail journey into three distinct worlds. Shoppers can explore the MixC Collection for curated lifestyle brands (boasting 300 shops!), plus a MixC Kitchen dining precinct and MixC Arts gallery. Don’t miss the Haus Nowhere shop by Gentle Monster, which features with a quirky Insect Kingdom theme.

​​Mixc Shenzhen Bay, 9668 Shennan Road, Nantou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China