Shenzhen: China's City of Innovation and Vibrancy

Shenzhen is a dynamic metropolis that has transformed from a small market town into one of China's most exciting and innovative cities in just four decades. Located in Guangdong Province adjacent to Hong Kong, Shenzhen has become a global technology hub, earning its reputation as China's Silicon Valley.

The city is home to some of China's most innovative tech companies, including Tencent (creator of WeChat), Huawei, DJI (world's leading drone manufacturer), and BYD (pioneering electric vehicle company). Shenzhen's vibrant maker culture and manufacturing ecosystem have made it the epicenter of hardware innovation globally.

Beyond technology, Shenzhen offers visitors a blend of ultramodern architecture, lush green spaces, beautiful coastlines, and rich cultural experiences. With its youthful population drawn from across China, the city buzzes with creative energy evident in its thriving design scene, art districts, and innovative cuisine.

Building Sight

1. Ping An Financial Center

The main building height of Shenzhen Ping An Financial Center is 592.5 meters, with a total land area of approximately 18931 square meters. It is a large-scale commercial complex project that includes shopping malls, office buildings, and hotels, and is one of the landmark buildings in Shenzhen.

2. China Resources Building (Spring Bamboo)

China Resources Building, also known as 'Chunsun', is a complex bay area business center that integrates ecology, leisure, sports, business, residential, commercial, and cultural aspects. It is also one of the iconic buildings in Shenzhen. The building covers an area of approximately 67000 square meters, with a total construction area of approximately 270000 square meters and a building height of 392.5 meters. It has 66 floors above ground and 5 floors underground.

3. Tencent Binhai Building

This modern architectural complex consists of two towering towers (248 meters and 194 meters respectively) and multiple aerial corridors. Its exterior design is full of futuristic and technological elements, and is hailed as a model of 'smart architecture'. The design inspiration of the building comes from 'interconnection and collaboration', which symbolizes Tencent's corporate culture and innovation concept as a world leading Internet company.

4. Shenzhen Bay Bridge

The Shenzhen Bay Bridge is a highway bridge connecting Dongjiaotou in Shekou, Shenzhen and Aokanshi in Yuen Long, Hong Kong. It is also known as the 'Shenzhen Hong Kong Western Corridor' and was opened on July 1, 2007.

Traditional Sight

1. Venue: Guanlan Printmaking Village, Longhua District (观澜版画村)

Metro: Line 4 to Niuhu Station (牛湖站), Exit A, then take Bus No. 312 or No. M285 and get off at Printmaking Base Station (版画基地)

Located in Longhua District, Guanlan Printmaking Village is one of the 10 ancient Hakka villages in Shenzhen. It's a place to explore Shenzhen's creative scene, as parts of this 300-year-old Hakka village have been repurposed as a new artist village with workshops and galleries hosted by printmaking artists from home and abroad.

2. Venue: Shenzhen Baishiyuan Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Area

The Baishiyuan Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Area in Shenzhen showcases China's rich intangible cultural heritage through traditional crafts, folk performances, and hands-on cultural experiences. Visitors can explore traditional arts like embroidery, wood carving, and pottery, while enjoying interactive workshops and performances. It's a perfect spot for anyone looking to immerse themselves in China's cultural traditions.

Modern Sight

1. Venue: Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Arts Center

Metro: No. 1187 Wanghai Road, Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Take Line 8 of the Shenzhen Metro to Sea World Station, exit A, and walk a few hundred meters.)

The center spans four floors and is a great spot for photos. The stairway near the museum, the glass windows on the right side of the 2nd floor, and the 3rd-floor viewing area are perfect spots to capture stunning sea views. There are also plenty of exhibits that are worth seeing, and every corner feels like it's made for photos.

Tickets: Most exhibitions are free, but some special exhibitions, like the 'Mirror of Illusions' exhibition, may require a separate ticket.

Reservation: Follow the official WeChat account 'Sea World Culture and Arts Center' and reply with '预约' (reservation) to receive the ** code for booking. (Remember to screenshot and save the code, as early reservation can save you time.)

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM -- 8:30 PM; Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM -- 9:30 PM

2. Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning

The Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning is a dynamic space dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art and the urban development of Shenzhen. The museum features a wide range of exhibitions, from modern art installations to architectural models, highlighting Shenzhen's transformation into a global city. It offers an immersive experience into both the art world and the city's rapid urbanization.

3. Shenzhen Industrial Museum

The Shenzhen Industrial Museum is dedicated to showcasing the city's industrial history and technological advancements. It highlights Shenzhen's rapid transformation from a small fishing village to a global manufacturing hub, with exhibits covering electronics, machinery, and innovation. The museum offers visitors an insightful look into the industrial revolution that shaped the city's economic growth and global influence.

Food & Drink

1. Shenzhen Sea World Bar Street

Located in the vibrant Sea World area of Shekou, Shenzhen, the Sea World Bar Street is a lively hub filled with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes. Known for its international atmosphere, the street offers everything from casual hangouts to stylish venues with stunning sea views. It's the perfect place for nightlife lovers, offering both outdoor terraces and cozy indoor spaces to enjoy drinks, music, and great company.

Address: Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Whether you're looking for a laid-back evening by the sea or a vibrant night out, this street has something for everyone!

Recommend: Shenzhen Gecko Bar