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15 Things to Do in Shenzhen: China's Ultra-Futuristic City
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- Fabio Marcato
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Shenzhen was a fishing village fifty years ago. Now it's the closest thing China has to Silicon Valley, and we spent a week there in December 2025 trying to figure out if the hype was real.
It is. Ryan lived in China through the 2010s and used to visit Shenzhen back then, so he had a baseline for comparison. Even he was stunned by how much has changed. We rode in a fully driverless taxi (no driver, no hands on any wheel, nothing), fixed a cracked phone camera for a few dollars at the world's largest electronics market, and watched a drone drop off our tea order after we'd already botched the order twice.
Don't come for temples or imperial history, as there isn't much. Come because this is a city building its future in real time, and it'll make you ask what actually gets lost when everything becomes faster and more automated. Fewer conversations with strangers and fewer reasons to talk to anyone at all.
I was sick for most of the week (typical), so consider this round one. We're already plotting a trip back.
Things to Do in Shenzhen
Despite it growing superfast, there are a ton of things to do in Shenzhen. We recommend you don't come here really for the history, but come if you want to experience the future. The city's population exploded from roughly 314,000 people in 1979 to over 11 million by 2016 (BBC), and that speed shows up everywhere: in a driverless taxi ride, a drone dropping off your dinner, and the world's largest electronics market at Huaqiangbei.
1. Take a High-Tech Tour
This is single-handedly one of the coolest and most useful tours you can do in Shenzhen if you do not have a lot of time and do not speak Mandarin, but want to do all the high-tech stuff mentioned in this list.
Not only will you go to the Huaqiangbei Electronics Market, but also experience a driverless car, do some drone delivery, and see the robot showroom (in the longer day tour) among several other activities.
We basically did all of these things without the tour guide and by doing all the research ourselves, and it took us almost two days to conquer it all. After we told this to our local friend, they mentioned we should have taken this tour, which consolidates it into a few hours 😅.
Want an extra 5% off? Download the GetYourGuide app and use code THEFABRYK5 for 5% off your first tour/experience... whether it’s this one or any other!
Or if you are in Hong Kong and want to come into Shenzhen for the day (and head back), this similar tour fits the criteria.
2. Explore Huaqiangbei Electronics Market (华强北)
Huaqiangbei Electronics Market is the largest electronics market in the world... a dizzying, overwhelming labyrinth of components, phones, gadgets, and repairs. It's pure Shenzhen.
We went here to fix my broken phone camera and AirPods. The process: go to one of the large malls like Sega Plaza or Huaqiangbei SEG Electronics Market, get 3-4 quotes, negotiate, and watch them work. We fixed our phone for a fraction of what it would cost anywhere else.
Even if you don't need a repair, wandering these halls is an experience. Stalls selling everything from drone parts to vintage game consoles, all stacked floor after floor.
Tip: Don't commit to the first stall you see. Walk around, compare prices, and ask if they use "original pulled parts" for repairs.
AMap Address: 深圳市福田区2号线(8号线);7号线/西丽线
This is the metro stop, but walk outside and you'll be right in the midst of the Huaqiangbei madness.
The market can be overwhelming, and if you want to understand the sheer logistics behind it (supply chain, innovation pipeline, etc.), this tour saves the day.
3. Ride a Self-Driving Taxi with Pony.ai
This is the future, and it's already here. Download the Pony Pilot app and hail a fully driverless taxi. No driver, no hands, nothing.
We tested it, and in reality, it felt much safer and more comfortable than normal taxis. The car navigated traffic, stopped at lights, and dropped us off without a single human intervention I am not a big fan of having conversations with taxi drivers, so this worked out well. Anyway, it's surreal and absolutely worth doing just to say you did it.
Tips:
- The service area covers parts of Nanshan and Futian. Make sure you're within their operating zone before booking.
- You don't need a Chinese number to make this work. However, while most travel is possible without a Chinese number in China, it simplifies things and gives you other advantages like using discount apps such as Meituan. The easiest way to get a Chinese phone number is to pick one up at the airport when you land.
- The app is in English.
- If you are still struggling, again take the tour mentioned above as that is one of the first things you'll do!
4. Order Food by Drone
We saw drone delivery in action quite a bit online, and decided we had to do it. Then we completely messed up our order. But when the drone finally arrived? It was wild. A small aircraft descending from the sky, dropping off a package of tea (complete with a rubber ducky), and flying away. The future is weird and wonderful.
Where to try it: Shenzhen Bay MixC area has drone delivery points. Order through the Meituan app (you'll need a Chinese phone number and payment method set up, as it works with Meituan technology).
AMAP Address: 深圳市福田区滨河大道红树林海滨生态公园内(西侧). This was the location where we tried ours. It is right in the Shenzhen Bay Park, so it is a great place to also do a little run/walk.
This experience is definitely not the easiest to navigate without Chinese-reading skills. I read Chinese, and even I messed it up the first time around. I'll say it one more time, if you are keen to try this and are struggling to figure out how to make it happen, try the high-tech tour.
5. Visit the Robot 6S Store (World's First!)
If you love robots, this is your paradise. Shenzhen is one of the biggest robotics cities in the world, and this place shows all the current and future uses of them... from coffee-making robots to exoskeleton assist suits and brain-computer interface experiences.
What you'll find at Robot 6S:
- Robot piano playing
- Coffee robots making printed coffee (with your face on it!)
- Exoskeleton assist robots
- Brain-computer interface experiences
- Robot dog control experiences
- Health checks
AMAP Address: 深圳市龙岗区雅星路与雅丽路交叉口北100米(雅宝地铁站B口)
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00-18:00; Weekends 10:00-18:30
Robot Performances: Flexible times on weekdays; 11:00-11:20 & 16:30-16:50 on weekends
News: On January 1st, 2026, the entire 4-floor building opened with a robot restaurant and robot scenario exhibition area!
6. Explore Shenzhen Bay Park & Talent Park (深圳湾公园)
This is one of the most livable areas in the city. Shenzhen Bay Culture Square / Shenzhen Bay MixC / Talent Park is a connected stretch of culture, shopping, and green space along the bay. Great for a quarter- or half-day wander. You can do what we did and order tea from a drone, gawk at the skyscrapers, or go for a pretty decent, flat run around there. You'll even see some of the tower blocks of Northern Hong Kong across the bay.
AMAP Address: 深圳市南山区科苑南路2516号深圳湾文化广场
7. Gawk at the Skyscrapers in Houhai & Futian CBD
Shenzhen's skyline is world-class. Head to Houhai to see the amazing building sites of big corporations like Tencent (owners of WeChat). The architecture is futuristic, dramatic, and constantly changing. You can see a lot of this from Shenzhen Bay Park, too, if you are stretched for time.
Futian CBD is another must-see skyscrapers everywhere, with the Ping An Finance Centre towering over everything. Walk around at night when everything is lit up.
If you are anything like us and love going to the top of every city's tallest tower (like we did in Guangzhou and Busan, South Korea)... go ahead and get tickets for some incredible Shenzhen (and beyond) views.
Alternatively, try out this Shenzhen Indoor Tour, where you'll learn more about Shenzhen's history while exploring its futuristic buildings.
8. Visit the Shenzhen Museum (深圳博物馆)
Want to understand how a fishing village became a global tech capital in just 40 years? This is the place for you. The Shenzhen Museum covers the city's rapid transformation, with exhibits on local history, reform-era artifacts, and contemporary development. While there are some temporary exhibitions that require a ticket, it's free, well-curated, and surprisingly fascinating.
- Location: 深圳市福田区福中路市民中心A区(市民中心地铁站B口步行340米)
- Admission: Free (ID required)
- Hours: 10:00-18:00 (closed Mondays)
9. Visit Wenheyou (文和友): Shenzhen's Kowloon Walled City Replica
This is not just a restaurant... it's a massive, immersive installation replicating the dense, gritty aesthetic of 1980s/90s Shenzhen and Hong Kong (inspired by the Kowloon Walled City). You walk through multiple floors of vintage shops, stalls, and eateries. It's a sensory overload—loud, crowded, and incredibly photogenic.
We went for dinner and stayed for hours just wandering. It feels like stepping into a movie set. Just to note, it doesn't replace actual Hong Kong, but we like that it shows you the city using a lens from the past.
AMAP Address: 深圳市罗湖区桂园北路2号雅馨居 Tip: Go early (like 5:30 PM) or be prepared for a queue.
10. Explore the World-Style Wonders: Window of the World or OCT Harbour
Like in many parts of China, there's a reconstruction of World attractions in Shenzhen. Window of the World has miniatures of global landmarks and is a great place to do some cosplay, but OCT Harbour also has a European-style canal district with cafes and boutiques. It's worth a wander if you want a break from the tech.
Our pick: OCT Bay feels more authentic and less theme-park-like.
11. Walk Through Gangxia North Station (It's Massive!)
This is the kind of place you will stumble across in Shenzhen and realize that China puts all other countries' infrastructure to shame. The station, known as the "Eye of Shenzhen", is absolutely enormous and has the best connection to the airport. But beyond its size, it's a fascinating piece of infrastructure. The station itself is worth noting for its scale and efficiency—peak Shenzhen.
AMAP Address: 深圳市福田区10号线/坂田线;11号线/机场线;14号线/东部快线;2号线(8号线)
12. Shop at Coco Park & Coco City
These are two of Shenzhen's most popular shopping and entertainment complexes. Coco Park in Futian is a massive indoor-outdoor mall with restaurants, bars, a cinema, and a lively nightlife scene. Coco City in Longhua is similar but newer. Both are great places to spend an evening if you need a break from the tech.
The Robot 6S Store is near the Xinghe World Square or Coco City area, so it's worth combining.
Coco City AMAP Address: 深圳市龙华区民治街道民泰社区龙华大道1002号
Coco Park AMAP Address: 深圳市福田区福田街道福安社区福华三路268-269号
13. Get Lost in Dongmen Pedestrian Street (东门步行街)
If you're looking for clothes, souvenirs, or just want to experience Shenzhen's chaotic commercial energy, this is the spot. Dongmen is a massive pedestrian shopping district with endless stalls, food vendors, and bargain hunting. It's loud, crowded, and very real.
We ended up getting some really cool jackets from one of the shops, so it is a shopper's dream. It's also just a few stops from Hong Kong's Luohu (Lo Wu) Border Station in case you are just coming over for a few hours of shopping.
Tip: Go hungry... the street food here is excellent.
AMAP Address: 深圳市罗湖区老街地铁站出入口步行70米
14. Take a Day Trip to Hong Kong (Under 1 Hour!)
This is one of Shenzhen's biggest advantages. Hop on the MTR to Futian Station or Luohu Station, pass through a fast security check, and you're in Hong Kong. You do need to take the metro another 45 minutes or so to get to Hong Kong Island, but it's that easy.
We've written a separate guide to Hong Kong (coming soon), but even if you just go for a day, it's worth it.
15. Experience Shenzhen's LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Shenzhen has a small but legitimate gay scene. The nightlife clusters around Futian District, specifically the Chegongmiao area. Before you go, follow Greater Gay Area on Instagram for real-time updates on events and parties.
For the full gay guide to Shenzhen, including more tips, FAQs, and pop-up parties, check out our gay Shenzhen guide.
Planning Your Pearl River Delta Journey
Shenzhen is the tech heart of the delta, but the region has so much more to explore:
🏙️ West of Shenzhen: Zhuhai
A laid-back coastal escape with beaches, islands, and the famous Fisher Girl statue.
👉 Things to Do in Zhuhai: A Complete Guide to China's Coastal Escape
🏛️ Northwest of Shenzhen: Guangzhou
The heart of Cantonese culture and one of our favorite food cities in China.
👉 Your Perfect 3-Day Guangzhou Itinerary
🎰 Right Next Door: Hong Kong & Macau
Hop on a train and be in Hong Kong in under an hour. Macau is just across the bridge or even a direct ferry ride from Shenzhen.
👉 COMING SOON
How to Get to Shenzhen
Shenzhen is extremely well-connected: high-speed rail puts Guangzhou 30 minutes away, land crossings put Hong Kong under an hour away, and Bao'an International Airport covers the rest.
By high-speed rail: Direct connections from Guangzhou (about 30 minutes!), and onward to cities like Changsha, Shanghai, and Beijing. This is how we arrived—fast, comfortable, and efficient.
By air: Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) handles international and domestic routes. The airport is well-connected to the city via metro.
From Hong Kong: The Lok Ma Chau/Lo Wu border crossings (and the XRL high-speed rail) make crossing between Shenzhen and Hong Kong fast and easy... often under an hour door-to-door. The security check is quick, and you're in another "country" before you know it.
By ferry: Direct ferries run from Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai to Shekou Ferry Terminal in Nanshan District.
Trip.com is a one-stop shop for both flights and high-speed rail bookings in China.
Where to Stay in Shenzhen
We stayed in Nanshan District for its local character, but Futian District is the better home base for most travelers thanks to its central location, metro access, and proximity to the Hong Kong border.
Where We Stayed: Nanshan District (HUB Apartment)
We stayed in Nanshan District, which locals from Hong Kong recommended for its restaurants and more local vibes. We were staying for a week, so we wanted something more apartment-style and opted for HUB Apartment. It was inexpensive, had a super cozy bed, and was located just off a massive wet market.
The area feels very local, but we also understand that might be a bit much for some people (particularly the views and smells of lamb carcass as soon as you walk out of the hotel). It was a memorable experience (and closer to airport for when we had to leave), but for the proximity to LGBTQ+ venues and the Hong Kong border, we'd probably stay in Futian next time.
Where We Would Stay: Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Futian District is the sweet spot: central, well-connected by metro, close to the Hong Kong border crossing, and close to the nightlife cluster around Chegongmiao. If you have a bit to splurge, treat yourself to something like The Langham, Shenzhen or the Crowne Plaza.
Where to Eat in Shenzhen
For food, prioritize Cantonese dim sum, the multi-floor food stalls inside Wenheyou, and the street-food chaos of Dongmen Pedestrian Street.
Dim Sum (You're in Guangdong!)
You may not be in Guangzhou or Hong Kong, but being in Guangdong province means you still have access to amazing dim sum. Steamed dumplings, rice rolls, siu mai... all the classics. We found a spot near Coco Park and ate until we couldn't move.
Wenheyou Food Hall
As mentioned above, Wenheyou isn't just a visual spectacle... it's packed with food stalls serving everything from grilled skewers to traditional sweets. Eat your way through the floors.
Dongmen Street Food
Dongmen Pedestrian Street has endless food options. Try the grilled squid, stinky tofu (if you're brave... although, I don't think it hits as hard as the stinky tofu in Taiwan), and bubble tea.
For some unique food experiences in Shenzhen, you can dine at home with a local or even do a dim sum making class.
Practical Tips for Shenzhen
Here's what you need to know before you go: best times to visit, how to get online, how to pay, and how to get around.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (October–December) and spring (March–April) offer the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot, humid, and typhoon-prone, while winter is mild but can feel gray. We came in December and loved it... chilly mornings but sunny afternoons.
Internet & VPN
Many Western apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook) are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before you arrive. Alternatively, a Trip.com eSIM can bypass the firewall without a VPN for many services.
Payments
WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. Even street food vendors prefer mobile payment. You can link international cards to both apps before arriving. Cash is accepted but barely needed—we scrambled to use ours at the end. Make sure to also give Meituan a go for major discounts:
Getting Around
- Metro: Excellent, modern, and covers the whole city. You can pay with WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash at kiosks.
- DiDi: The go-to for ride-hailing (available inside Alipay). Great for late nights.
- Pony.ai: Self-driving taxis! Download the app and try the future.
Health & Safety
Shenzhen is one of China's safest cities. Violent crime is rare. Standard precautions apply: watch your belongings in busy areas, drink bottled water, and carry any prescription medications.
Make sure to grab travel health insurance from a reputable provider like Genki before you go.
Do I Tip in China?
Tipping is not expected or customary in China... in restaurants, taxis, or hotels. No need to stress about it.
What Else Should I Know?
- Language: Mandarin is the official language; Cantonese is also spoken. English is more common here than in many Chinese cities.
- Toilets: Public toilets are common but may be squat-style and lack toilet paper—carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
- Electricity: China uses 220V / Type A, C, and I plugs. Bring an adapter if needed.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 110 | Ambulance: 120 | Fire: 119
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Shenzhen?
The top things to do in Shenzhen are riding a fully driverless taxi with Pony.ai, browsing the world's largest electronics market at Huaqiangbei, watching a drone deliver food or tea, and visiting the world's first Robot 6S Store. Add in the skyline views around Houhai and Futian, the immersive food stalls at Wenheyou, and a day trip across the border to Hong Kong, and you've got a packed itinerary. See the full list of 15 things to do above.
How many days do you need in Shenzhen?
We spent a full week in Shenzhen and still didn't run out of things to do, but 3 days is enough to hit the highlights: Huaqiangbei, a self-driving taxi ride, Wenheyou, and the skyline views around Futian. Add a fourth day if you want to squeeze in the day trip across the border to Hong Kong.
Is Shenzhen worth visiting?
Yes, but for different reasons than most Chinese megacities. Shenzhen doesn't have imperial history or ancient temples, but it's the closest thing China has to Silicon Valley: driverless taxis, drone deliveries, and the world's first Robot 6S Store, all within a single week-long trip. It's also less than an hour from Hong Kong, which makes it an easy add-on to a Pearl River Delta itinerary. See our full thoughts above.
What is Shenzhen known for?
Shenzhen is known as China's tech and innovation hub, home to Tencent's headquarters and the world's largest electronics market at Huaqiangbei. It grew from a fishing village of roughly 314,000 people in 1979 into a metropolis of over 11 million by 2016 after becoming one of China's first Special Economic Zones in 1980 (BBC).
How do you get from Shenzhen to Hong Kong?
The fastest way is the MTR via Futian or Luohu Station, which gets you across the border in under an hour including the security check. Ferries also run from Shekou Ferry Terminal in Nanshan District to Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai.
Final Thoughts: Is Shenzhen Worth Visiting?
Yes, but not for the reasons you might expect. It doesn't have ancient temples or imperial history. Its charm is different: it's a city building its future in real-time, right in front of you.
If you love tech, innovation, and the feeling of being somewhere on the cutting edge, Shenzhen will blow your mind. If you're traveling the Pearl River Delta and need a dose of futuristic energy, Shenzhen is your answer.
Come for the robotaxis, stay for the electronics markets, and cross into Hong Kong when you're ready for a different flavor.
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About the Author
Fabio Marcato
Blogger and Co-Founder of The Fabryk
Born and raised in Venice, Italy (not the California one), Fabio studied art, media, and design before moving to Germany in 2014. What started as an Erasmus stay turned into a life abroad, with dozens of countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas along the way.
At The Fabryk, he uses storytelling, photography, and video to help travelers find places beyond the obvious. As a gay traveler himself, he's especially drawn to destinations where LGBTQ+ visitors feel welcome without having to sacrifice the culture and history that make a place worth visiting.
When not planning the next trip, you'll find him building Spotify playlists, singing karaoke, or adding to his Pokémon collection.
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