Shenzhen City Guide Shenzhen is a modern and vibrant coastal city full of surprises. As a bustling metropolis and a hub of many highly-developed industries, Shenzhen attracts workers from all over China and visitors from around the world...
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Shenzhen is a modern and vibrant coastal city full of surprises. As a bustling metropolis and a hub of many highly-developed industries, Shenzhen attracts workers from all over China and visitors from around the world, thus bringing together diverse cuisines, shopping offers and entertainment.
Visit Shenzhen and you might feel as if you have been all over China and the rest of the world.
Two of the most popular attractions in Shenzhen are replica parks. The first one, Window on the World, holds miniature displays of popular landmarks from around the planet. Visit on a sunny day and you can pose for a selfie in front of replicas of the Eiffel Tower or the White House.
The Splendid China Park, on the other hand has a firm focus on China and its most cherished cultural sites. In one short walk you can see the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, in much smaller scale than the originals but in great detail. You can also stroll through gardens which recreate natural wonders from around the land, such as the Huangguoshu Waterfall.
The nearby Folk Culture Village is an open-air museum showcasing Chinese art, culture, architecture and traditions. It is a fantastic place to experience the diverse cultures that exist within one country, as well as to buy handmade souvenirs and see traditional dance, music and performance.
When you are done with sightseeing, you can indulge in a shopping spree.
The shops in Shenzhen sell everything from luxury brands to luxury replicas
Coco Park is one of the trendiest shopping hotspots in the city. This massive mall with a large open-air courtyard houses numerous shiny shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars. If you enjoy less formal experiences, haggle over prices in the Luo Hu Commercial City. This five-storey market, across the street from Shenzhen Railway Station, is notorious for its replicas of famous brands.
The Dongmen Pedestrian Street combines the best of both worlds. Home to two malls and many markets, this bustling area, always busy with crowds of shoppers, is chock-full of shops and street-food vendors. You can haggle here, too, at one of the many lower-end establishments selling bargain clothes and electronics, or head to some of the higher-end stores and browse for high-quality branded goods. Dongmen is also a great spot for street food – the variety of snacks and meals is mouthwatering and the aromas wafting off the numerous stalls is irresistible.
Art lovers have their own shopping favourite in Shenzhen, too. The village of Dafen on the outskirts of town has garnered a reputation for its art replicas. You can buy a Van Gogh or Picasso for a few dollars here, or if you prefer, you can also get original artwork by local artists.
Your inner foodie will feel right at home in Shenzhen as you can try food from all over China and sample different world cuisines without leaving town.
From fancy restaurants to street-food stalls, the variety of culinary temptations and offers is truly overwhelming. One truly unique aspect of local dining are the so called food streets. These avenues lined with endless rows of affordable, open-air eateries attract diners from all walks of life, from ordinary workers to businessmen.
One such food street, Bagua Road, has a concentration of restaurants serving specialities from different corners of China, while the Yantian Seafood Street offers what the coastal city is best at – seafood. Visit Yantian in the evening and you will find plenty of informal, street-side eateries serving freshly caught delicacies. Watch as your order is being pulled out of a fish tank to be prepared right in front of you, and then enjoy your meal under the stars.
Rich as local cuisine might be, is just one of the many dining options in the city. You can stuff yourself with western fast food (KFC, Pizza Hut and the likes) in the Hua Qiang Bei area, indulge in Korean dishes in the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) or sample meals from many different world cuisines in the Shekou area.
Shekou is the best place to experience the cosmopolitan side of the city
This modern quarter holds a lot of appeal to foreign visitors and is always full of tourists and expats. The numerous dining and shopping outlets allow you to eat your way around the world or browse for popular international brands. Be it Italian, Mexican or Indian food, Shekou has it all. Best of all, staff speak English, so you won't have problems with the language barrier.
When you tire of the city, you can unwind by the seaside. Dameisha Beach is a favourite of locals and a lovely sandy stretch to enjoy the sun, sea and surf.