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3 Days in Shenzhen Things to Do and Must Sees, Hotels and Where to Stay

Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis in southern China, is known for its modern architecture, shopping malls, and vibrant food scene. For travelers planning a trip to this dynamic city, here are some essential travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.

  1. Visa – Make sure to check the visa requirements for your country before traveling to Shenzhen. In most cases, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for a visa in advance online.
  2. Transportation – Shenzhen has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and the metro. The metro is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city, with signs in English to help foreign travelers navigate.
  3. Language – While Mandarin is the official language in China, many locals in Shenzhen also speak Cantonese and English. It’s helpful to learn some basic phrases in Mandarin to communicate with locals.
  4. Currency – The currency used in Shenzhen is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Make sure to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, as not all establishments accept credit cards.
  5. Safety – Shenzhen is generally a safe city for travelers, but it’s always wise to take precautions like avoiding risky areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

Top Sites and Monuments in Shenzhen / Things to Do in Shenzhen

  1. Window of the World – A theme park featuring miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. Pricing: Approximately $30 USD. Easily accessible by metro.
  2. Lianhuashan Park – A beautiful park with lush greenery and hiking trails. Free admission. Take a taxi or bus to reach the park.
  3. Dafen Oil Painting Village – An artistic community where you can watch artists at work and purchase paintings. Free to visit. Take the metro to Dafen Station.
  4. Shenzhen Museum – A museum showcasing the history and culture of Shenzhen. Admission is free. Located in the Futian District.
  5. Shenzhen Bay Park – A waterfront park with stunning views of Shenzhen Bay. Free admission. Take a bus or taxi to reach the park.
  6. Shenzhen Safari Park – A large zoo with a wide variety of animals. Admission: Approximately $20 USD. Take a taxi or bus to reach the park.
  7. OCT Loft Creative Culture Park – An artsy district with galleries, shops, and cafes. Free to visit. Take the metro to Qiaocheng East Station.
  8. Dapeng Fortress – A historic fort dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Admission: Approximately $5 USD. Take a bus to Dapeng Old Town and then a taxi to the fortress.
  9. Fairy Lake Botanical Garden – A botanical garden with diverse plant species and scenic views. Admission: Approximately $10 USD. Take a taxi or bus to reach the garden.
  10. Shenzhen Sea World – A lively entertainment district with shopping, dining, and nightlife options. Free to visit. Take the metro to Sea World Station.
  11. Dameisha Beach – A popular beach destination with golden sand and clear waters. Free admission. Take a taxi or bus to reach the beach.
  12. Shenzhen Concert Hall – A venue for classical music performances and cultural events. Ticket prices vary. Located in the Futian District.
  13. Guanlan Print Village – An artistic community known for its printmaking traditions. Free to visit. Take a taxi or bus to reach the village.
  14. Honghu Park – A peaceful park with a lake, pagodas, and walking paths. Free admission. Take a bus or taxi to reach the park.
  15. Luohu Commercial City – A shopping center known for its electronics and counterfeit goods. Free to visit. Take the metro to Luohu Station.
  16. Xili Lake – A scenic spot with a lake, gardens, and walking trails. Free admission. Take a taxi or bus to reach the lake.
  17. Dongmen Pedestrian Street – A bustling shopping district with a wide range of shops and street food vendors. Free to visit. Take the metro to Lao Jie Station.
  18. Nanshan District – A district known for its tech industry and upscale residential areas. Free to explore. Take a taxi or bus to reach the district.
  19. Mangrove Nature Reserve – A protected area with mangrove forests and birdwatching opportunities. Free admission. Take a taxi or bus to reach the reserve.
  20. Shenzhen Bay Sports Center – A modern sports complex hosting events and concerts. Ticket prices vary. Take the metro to Keyuan Station.

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3 Days in Shenzhen Visit Day by Day

Day 1 Itinerary:

  1. Morning: Visit Window of the World
  2. Afternoon: Explore Lianhuashan Park
  3. Evening: Dinner at Shenzhen Bay Park

Day 2 Itinerary:

  1. Morning: Discover Dafen Oil Painting Village
  2. Afternoon: Tour Shenzhen Museum
  3. Evening: Visit OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

Day 3 Itinerary:

  1. Morning: Explore Dapeng Fortress
  2. Afternoon: Visit Fairy Lake Botanical Garden
  3. Evening: Dinner at Shenzhen Sea World

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Top Hotel Bookings in Shenzhen / Where To Stay in Shenzhen

Best Reviewed Hotels in Shenzhen, China priced over $300 per night:

  1. The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen
  2. Futian Shangri-La
  3. The St. Regis Shenzhen
  4. Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen
  5. Park Hyatt Shenzhen

Best Reviewed Hotels in Shenzhen, China priced between $200-$300 per night:

  1. Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel
  2. Crowne Plaza – Shenzhen Futian, an IHG Hotel
  3. Shenzhen Futian Wyndham Grand
  4. JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen
  5. Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Landmark Shenzhen

Best Reviewed Hotels in Shenzhen, China priced between $100-$200 per night:

  1. Hyatt Place Shenzhen Dongmen
  2. Huaqiang Plaza Hotel Shenzhen
  3. Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhen
  4. Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel
  5. Shenzhen Futian Wyndham Grand

Best Reviewed Hotels in Shenzhen, China priced between $50-$100 per night:

  1. Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Airport
  2. Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Futian Center, an IHG Hotel
  3. Jingju Hotel Shenzhen
  4. Fietser International Residence
  5. Moxy Shenzhen North Station

Best Reviewed Hotels in Shenzhen, China priced under $50 per night:

  1. Connar Hotel – Shenzhen Futian
  2. Overseas Chinese Town Nanyang Inn
  3. Shenzhen Shangyuan International Hotel Longhua Metro
  4. Plaza Residence Apartment – Shenzhen Futian Convention & Exhibition Center
  5. WESU Weisu Service Apartment – Shenzhen University Nanshan Science and Technolog Park

Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.

For more about China, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Guilin, Chengdu, Xi’an, Xiamen and more China travel destinations read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.

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