Window of the World
Miniature replicas of 130+ world-famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower, Pyramids, Taj Mahal. Grand night light show.
Overview
Shenzhen is China's first Special Economic Zone, known as 'China's Silicon Valley', home to Huawei, Tencent and DJI. Window of the World and Happy Valley are classic tourist attractions. Dameisha Beach and Shenzhen Bay Park are great for leisure. Adjacent to Hong Kong, China, Shenzhen is China's youngest city with average age of just 32. Cuisine is Cantonese-based, blended with flavors from across China. Huaqiangbei is the world-famous electronics marketplace.
Key Facts
Area1,997 km²
Population1,756万
LanguageMandarin primarily, Cantonese
Best timeOct-Apr (avoid summer heat)
Top Attractions
Shenzhen Bay Park
13km-long coastal park, overlooks Hong Kong, China. Stunning sunset views.
Dameisha Beach Park
Shenzhen's most famous public beach, 1.8km golden sand, great for summer swimming.
Huaqiangbei Electronics Market
World's largest electronics marketplace, from chips to complete devices. Tech enthusiast's paradise.
OCT-LOFT Creative Culture Park
Creative park converted from old factories, with indie bookstores, cafes and art studios. Shenzhen's most artistic corner.
Lianhuashan Park
Highest point in Shenzhen's city center, with Deng Xiaoping bronze statue on summit, overlooking entire downtown.
Food & Snacks
Chaoshan Beef Hotpot
Fresh hand-cut beef, cooked in clear beef bone broth, dipped in shacha sauce. Chaoshan beef hotpot shops are everywhere in Shenzhen.
Coconut Chicken Hotpot
Shenzhen specialty hotpot, young coconut water boiled with Wenchang chicken, clear sweet broth, dip in soy sauce with lime. Considered Shenzhen's 'city dish'.
Rice Noodle Roll (Shenzhen Style)
Shenzhen's rice noodle rolls blend Guangzhou and Chaoshan styles, with richer fillings and distinctive sauces.
Cantonese Roasted Meats
Roasted goose, char siu and crispy pork are Shenzhen's most common quick meals, almost every corner has a roast meat shop, good and cheap.
Festivals & Events
Shenzhen Design Week — April
Shenzhen ICIF — May
World & Intangible Heritage
- Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance (2008) — Unique folk dance from Shatoujiao area, using fish-shaped lanterns as props, simulating fish swimming. Shenzhen's only national-level intangible heritage dance.
Practical Tips
Easy Border Crossing to HK
Multiple border crossings to HK, China. Futian and Luohu most convenient, HSR 15min to West Kowloon
Summer Hot with Typhoons
July-September is typhoon season, check weather before traveling
Haggle at Huaqiangbei
Small Huaqiangbei shops allow some bargaining, but large malls have fixed prices
Shenzhen Metro Very Convenient
Metro covers major attractions, use WeChat/Alipay QR code to ride
Dameisha Requires Reservation
Dameisha requires free reservation during peak season, book via 'Dameisha' WeChat official account