Shenzhen offers an incredible range of attractions, and if you’re looking for the best Shenzhen places to visit, this guide will help you experience the city’s most exciting spots. What if we told you it’s possible to explore all of China in one day, or travel “around the world” the next? Even with a full week in the city, you’d still have days to spare for beaches, art, and tech-inspired adventures.
This modern city blends futuristic skyscrapers with deep cultural heritage, giving visitors endless opportunities to explore. Below are the top Shenzhen places to visit that we recommend for first-time travelers and returning visitors alike.
1. Window of the World
Remember how we said you could visit the whole world in a day? A visit to Shenzhen should not go without seeing the incredible Window of the World (世界之窗). This vast theme park stretches out across 118 acres, offering sights of some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.
Moreover, there are 130 replicas of the most famous landmarks on display. Visitors can take a walk by the 108-meter-tall Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even the Taj Mahal, all within a short distance from one another.
Besides seeing these replicas of the wonders of the world, all visitors can also enjoy a variety of rides, activities, and numerous artistic performances. Those arriving during the Spring Festival or other holiday seasons in China can also attend their festival-related events.
This theme park is one of the most iconic Shenzhen places to visit for families and tourists of all ages.
Open hours: 9 am – 10:30 pm
Price: around $30
Time required: half-day or a full-day visit
2. Splendid China – Folk Culture Villages
We also mentioned you could travel China in a day, if you’d rather keep things local. There are two theme parks that together make up Shenzhen’s Splendid China Folk Village. The Splendid China Miniature Park and the China Folk Culture Village. Visitors planning to visit this theme park can purchase a single ticket to visit both.
The Splendid China Miniature Park showcases China’s most famous tourist attractions and establishments. Whereas the China Folk Village displays many of the ethnic groups present in China. After all, China’s a massive country comprised of 56 different ethnic groups that all have their own individual traditions and cultural background.
While the above-mentioned Window of the World offers a “walk around the world,” the Splendid China Folk Village offers a “walk around China and a deeper understanding of its culture”. You can enjoy the likes of the Great Wall, countless royal palaces, and vast temples.
If the famous sights from around the country weren’t enough, visitors can also enjoy many acrobatic and choreographed dance performances by local performers. The park offers historical architecture, gorgeous scenery, exciting entertainment options, a look at China’s traditional culture, and so much more. As such, it’s the perfect way to spend a half or a full day for visitors of all ages.
Open hours: 9 am – 9 pm (with last entry at 6 pm)
Price: around $20
Time required: half-day or a full-day visit
3. Dafen Oil Painting Village
Here’s where you can show off your refined artistic knowledge! The Dafen Oil Painting Village is located in Buji, a suburb in the Longgang district of Shenzhen city. Funnily enough, this “genuine artist village” is most famous for its creation of copies or replicas of some of history’s most proclaimed works of art.
Visitors can take a casual stroll through the art village’s tight alleyways and see how the local artists replicate some of the world’s most famous artwork. These small streets are lined with artists painting, creating, and crafting the pieces in their art studios, shops, and even on the street.
Many people hire these artists to create original pieces as well; it’s not all replicas. There’s a wide selection of art, from traditional oil paintings to abstract contemporary art printed on glass. You can even bring your own picture to any of these studios, and the artists can recreate the image on an oil canvas.
Even though the prices are already considered pretty affordable, there’s always room for bargaining, which is an intrinsic part of Chinese shopping culture. You even have the option of having your selected art pieces shipped internationally, in case you’d rather not add to your luggage. If you enjoy art, this is one of the most unique Shenzhen places to visit for creative travelers.
Open hours: 10 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 6 pm
Price: No entrance fee
Time required: half-day or a full-day visit
4. Dameisha Beach
Located in Mirs Bay, Dameisha is one of the largest sandy beaches in Shenzhen. This Beach Park was built to provide its visitors with many fun activities to choose from. The park welcomes everyone with plenty of restaurants, shops, and relaxation options.
Here, one can decide to ride a motorbike, lie on the beach, go for a swim, go parasailing, have a barbecue with friends, go for a nice walk, and so much more.
All these activities make this the perfect location for visitors of all ages and groups of all sizes. Friends, family, couples, seniors, etc. can all enjoy the sun and sea fun just an hour’s car ride away from the busy life of Shenzhen city.
Note:
Dameisha Beach tends to get very busy during evenings and weekends, so take this into account before visiting. Especially if you’re planning on arriving by bus, because these can be very crowded at peak hours.
Open hours: All day
Price: Free, except for the entertainment activities
Time required: half-day or a full-day visit
5. Light shows
Last, but certainly not least, a trip to Shenzhen wouldn’t be complete without seeing at least one of its famous light shows. There are plenty of small light shows around the city; however, the 3 must-see light shows in Shenzhen city are:
Sea World Light Show
The picturesque ocean-themed Sea World was one of the first locations in Shenzhen to hold a light show. It’s unique as it not only happens on the water, making the show a combination of lights and fire, but it also takes place near the area’s iconic landlocked Minghua ship.
Near the observing area, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from that offer a beautiful view of the show from your table. This might arguably be the best way for visitors to watch the show, as the designated standing area tends to get a bit overcrowded before and during the spectacle.
SeaWorld is a popular hangout place for many expats living in the city. Besides enjoying a variety of food and drinks and seeing the light show, visitors can also go for a nice stroll next to the Shekou seaside.
Open hours: All day
Show Hours: 7 – 8 pm on weekdays and 8 – 9 pm on weekends/duration 10 minutes
Price: Free
Time required: 2 – 3 hours
Talent Park
Located near the Shenzhen Bay border crossing is one of Shenzhen’s newest parks.
The Talent Park stands in place of what used to be an ocean area, and it has now been turned into the biggest piece of urban green land in Shenzhen’s Houhai zone.
The light show here is a step up from Sea World’s because the lights are displayed across Houhai’s many beautiful skyscrapers. Adding to this, the lights also reflect on the water surrounding the buildings, making this one of the most incredible experiences for all visitors.
Open hours: All day
Show Hours: Every evening after 8 pm
Price: Free
Time required: 2 – 3 hours
Lianhuashan Park
Located in Futian’s Central Business District, the Lianhuashan Park Light Show or the “Shenzhen Civic Square Light Show,” might offer the most memorable experience of the Top 3 Shenzhen light shows. This is thanks to its location, making it possible to enjoy from more than one angle.
These different angles include the massive concrete Civic Center Square and an urban park with its own hill. Those wishing to see the “full picture” can hike up the Lianhua hill and watch the show from the viewpoint at the top. The hike is not too long; however, there are plenty of stairs, and it tends to get tiring, especially during the warmer months.
We recommend taking a bottle of water with you and preparing to wait at the top at least half an hour before the show begins, as it can get pretty crowded. Visitors can also watch the show from the Civic Center square below, which offers the unique experience of being surrounded by the lit-up buildings during the light show.
Recommendation:
The two viewing areas are within a short distance of one another. We recommend you watch one light show at 7:30 pm in Lianhua Hill and then take a walk down to the Civic Center Square to catch the next show. This way, you can experience the light show from “above and within.”
Open hours: All day
Show Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and National Holidays (3 Shows per night, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 pm)
Price: Free
Time required: 2 – 3 hours
A Perfect Way To Sight-See in Shenzhen
Those planning a visit to Shenzhen and wishing to see as many places as possible can consider booking a reliable Shenzhen car hire service. A private car service makes it easy to explore all the top Shenzhen places to visit without the stress of public transport.
After all, Shenzhen is a big and fast-paced city that can be confusing at the best of times, especially for first-time visitors.
By reserving a private car service, visitors have a car and driver to take them to and from the areas they wish to explore. No pre-planning and extensive research needed. With a car service, passengers can enjoy a smooth ride by a professional, English-speaking driver familiar with the best route to their chosen destination(s).
If there are other attractions we didn’t mention in this blog post that you’d wish to see or share, feel free to leave us a comment. Thank you and safe travels!
If you’re planning a trip to China, take advantage of our online discount (click the image below) and book your private car and driver now! Make your journey stress-free and contact our 24/7 team at bookings@asiacarservice.com.
