FAQs on Shenzhen Tours
How long should I plan a Shenzhen trip?
2-3 days are enough to cover most highlights. Dedicate one day to a high-tech tour: venture into Huaqiang North Electronics Market and its museum, Gangxia North Metro Station, and flagship stores of DJI, Huawei, and BYD. Cap off the day with a trip up Ping An Finance Center for a stunning skyline panorama. On the second day, explore local history and folk culture in Shenzhen Museum, Splendid China Folk Culture Village, Nantou Ancient Town, Dafen Oil Painting Village, or Gankeng Hakka Town. Reserve your last day for a coastal getaway at Shenzhen Bay Park, Dameisha Coastal Park, or Xiyong Resort.
If you have 4-5 days, extend your trip to Guangzhou or Hong Kong. With even more time, continue to the nearby cultural cities of Foshan and Kaiping.
If you have 4-5 days, extend your trip to Guangzhou or Hong Kong. With even more time, continue to the nearby cultural cities of Foshan and Kaiping.
What is the best time to visit Shenzhen?
November to April is the best time for a Shenzhen tour. With clear skies, limited rain, and pleasant temperatures, these months are perfect for sightseeing both indoors and outdoors. Long-sleeve shirts, light jackets, casual pants, and comfy sneakers work well during your daily visit. Since temperatures can drop to their lowest from late January to February, it’s wise to prepare sweaters, thick coats, and fleece-lined pants.
May to October is dominated by abundant rainfall and muggy weather, making it less favorable for a visit. Especially between July and September, extreme heat and frequent typhoons may disturb your plans. If you have to travel during these months, please stay updated on local weather alerts, bring sun protection and rain gear, and arrange indoor attractions as backup plans.
May to October is dominated by abundant rainfall and muggy weather, making it less favorable for a visit. Especially between July and September, extreme heat and frequent typhoons may disturb your plans. If you have to travel during these months, please stay updated on local weather alerts, bring sun protection and rain gear, and arrange indoor attractions as backup plans.
How to get to Shenzhen?
If you travel internationally, you can fly directly to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX), which offers 61 nonstop routes from key global hubs including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Domestically, thanks to extensive high-speed rail and air networks, the city is easily reachable from popular destinations such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. See below for more details.
By High
Speed Train
|
By High-speed Train
|
Destination | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Guangzhou |
Daily 500+ trains from 06:00 to 23:09 | 0.5-1.5 hours | |
|
Hong Kong |
Daily 100-140 trains from 07:01 to 23:00 | 14-32 minutes | |
| Shanghai | Daily 17-22 trains from 06:52 to 20:15 | 7-11.5 hours | |
| Beijing | Daily 8-11 trains from 03:49 to 23:53 | 8-11.5 hours | |
| Xi’an | Daily 10 trains from 09:27 to 23:30 | 9.5-10.5 hours | |
| Hangzhou | Daily 19-23 trains from 07:20 to 21:15 | 6-10.5 hours | |
|
Chengdu |
Daily 5 trains from 10:41 to 20:36 |
8 hours |
|
By Flight
|
|||
|
By Flight
|
Shanghai | Daily | 2.5 hours |
|
Beijing |
Daily | 3.5-4.5 hours | |
| Xi’an | Daily | 3 hours | |
How can I get to Shenzhen from Hong Kong?
The fastest most convenient choice is the high-speed train, which takes only about 20 minutes, with first-class tickets costing USD 16-33 and second-class USD 10-11. For a budget-friendly yet flexible option, cross-border buses run daily from 7:00 to 22:30. A one-way trip usually takes 1.5-2.5 hours and costs USD 6-26 per person. Should you wish to enjoy sea views without getting seasick, consider the high-speed ferry. There are 5 daily sailings from 9:00 to 20:45, each lasting about 1 hour with fares starting at USD 10. For family travel, a private car charter with cross-border permits offers greater comfort and convenience, though it costs upwards of USD 100 for a single journey of one hour.
How do I get around in Shenzhen?
There are 4 main ways. The metro is highly recommended, as it covers most key attractions and features signs and announcements in both Chinese and English, with fares ranging from USD 0.3 to 1.5. Public buses, priced at USD 0.3 per person, are great for budget travelers with ample time. If you’re carrying heavy luggage or prefer to avoid transfers, taxis and online ride-hailing services work best. The former starts at USD 1.5 for the first 2 km (1.2 mi), while the latter begins at around USD 2. Bike-sharing suits short trips, with single rides costing USD 0.4-0.7. Fancy a completely hassle-free trip? Pick our curated Shenzhen tour packages for seamless transfers and one-stop convenience.
Where to stay in Shenzhen?
Accommodation here falls mainly into six popular areas. For first-time visitors, Futian District is the top recommendation. Located in the city center, it boasts dense landmarks, convenient public transport, rich nightlife, and plenty of 4- and 5-star hotels. If you’re seeking authentic local treats and old-fashioned city charm, Luohu District is an ideal choice. Nanshan District, home to the headquarters of tech giants like Tencent and DJI, is perfect for tech lovers. Longing for a seaside getaway? Both Dapeng New District and Yantian District are good choices. If you’re simply in transit or catching a flight, Bao’an District is the most convenient, thanks to its proximity to the airport.
Is it better to visit Shenzhen or Guangzhou?
It all depends on whether you want to embrace the traditional profound heritage or the modern pioneering energy. Guangzhou stands out for its graceful fusion of ancient Cantonese culture with contemporary city life, where centuries-old temples and colonial architecture sit alongside a legendary food scene and a bustling urban core. As the permanent home of the China Import and Export Fair, it serves as the primary window into China for numerous international visitors. Shenzhen, by contrast, is a fast-paced, futuristic metropolis that has risen in merely 40-odd years, driven by tech innovation, youthful energy, and constant reinvention. With its widespread English proficiency and convenient payment systems, it is also regarded as a newcomer-friendly city.
Do I need a visa to visit Shenzhen?
You can travel here visa-free, provided you meet any of the following criteria: eligibility for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, citizenship of a country with unilateral visa exemption with China, entry as part of a Hong Kong or Macau registered tour group, or arrival by cruise ship. If ineligible under these conditions, you can apply for a Shenzhen 5-Day Special Economic Zone Visa on Arrival at designated entry ports, though this visa is valid only within the city limits.
Does Shenzhen accept international credit cards and cash?
Yes, international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are generally accepted at star-rated hotels, high-end restaurants, large shopping malls, and tourist attractions. However, for greater convenience, it’s advisable to download Alipay or WeChat Pay, the most popular mobile payment methods in China, from your app stores and link them to your credit cards. While RMB cash is still accepted, it’s becoming less common.
