12 Must-See Tourist Spots in Shenzhen! China’s Third Largest City Experiencing Remarkable Growth Started

Shenzhen is a city bordering Hong Kong, where foreign cultural influences are strongly integrated. Known for its remarkable recent development, it has earned titles like China's Third City after Beijing and Shanghai and the world's largest tech city.

Shenzhen attracts many migrant workers from other regions, which, combined with its location in Guangdong Province, has resulted in a rich mix of cultures. For tourists, this diversity makes Shenzhen an ideal place to sample cuisine from all over China. Here, we’ll introduce 12 carefully selected tourist spots in Shenzhen.

1. Window of the World

Located in the center of Shenzhen, "Window of the World" is a theme park showcasing miniature replicas of famous landmarks, historical sites, and buildings from around the world. The park covers a vast 480,000 square meters and features 118 miniatures. Visitors can take a monorail around the park to get an overview before deciding which sites to explore more closely.

The scale of each replica varies, but the 108-meter Eiffel Tower is especially impressive, drawing many visitors to stop and take it in. The park also includes a family-friendly amusement area and offers experiences like horseback and camel rides.

At night, the park comes alive with dance and magic shows from around the world, allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere until closing. Conveniently located right by a Shenzhen metro station, it’s easy to include in your travel plans.

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2. Shenzhen Museum

Opened in 1988, the Shenzhen Museum is a tourist spot where visitors can learn about Shenzhen’s history and development from past to present. It offers detailed exhibits on the city’s growth, especially after the Reform and Opening-Up Policy, highlighting Deng Xiaoping’s role in its rapid advancement.

With artifacts dating back around 6,000 years when people first inhabited the region, and about 1,600 years since the establishment of counties and prefectures, the museum houses historical texts and relics of archaeological significance. It also includes numerous fossils and specimens of land and marine animals, making it an enjoyable spot for children interested in wildlife. The museum’s new wing uses advanced multimedia to provide an in-depth look at Shenzhen’s development from various perspectives.

3. Shenzhen Wildlife Zoo

Shenzhen Safari Park is China’s first safari-style zoo. It hosts over 10,000 animals from 300 species, including more than 30 large animal species, living in environments that mimic their natural habitats.

Visitors can tour the herbivore and predator zones by bus, while the walking area allows for a closer view of animals. The main attraction here is the numerous tigers, which can be fed through a wire fence. The park also features acrobatic performances by trained animals.

Combining the zoo with the aquarium provides enough activities for an entire day. Shenzhen Safari Park is a major tourist attraction, especially popular on weekends with both locals and visitors.

4. Splendid China Miniature Park

Located within Shenzhen’s Folk Culture Village, Splendid China Miniature Park consists of two main areas: Splendid China and the Chinese Folk Culture Village. Splendid China features a vast 30-hectare layout with 1:15 scale replicas of historic sites, monuments, and famous attractions from across China. Notable landmarks include the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, and the Stone Forest, all arranged to match their geographical locations on a map of China.

Throughout the day, various shows take place in each area, with large-scale performances held on stage in the evening. Conveniently close to a Shenzhen metro station, it’s an easy and worthwhile addition to any travel itinerary.

5. Chinese Folk Culture Village

The Chinese Folk Culture Village is the second area within the Splendid China Folk Village complex. This theme park replicates 24 life-sized villages representing 21 different ethnic groups from across China. Visitors are greeted by staff in traditional attire, with opportunities to take commemorative photos in ethnic costumes and sample regional dishes, creating the feeling of a journey through China without leaving Shenzhen.

In the evening, the park hosts captivating shows and parades, including horseback performances, Shaolin martial arts, and magic shows. The buildings are beautifully lit, making it worth staying until nighttime. Located right next to Splendid China, visiting both parks together is highly recommended.

6. Shenzhen Bay Park

Shenzhen Bay Park, stretching along Shenzhen Bay, is divided into sections A, B, and C and comprises 13 smaller parks, each with unique themes. This vast space offers scenic coastal views where visitors and locals alike enjoy walking, running, and cycling along the expansive pathways.

For tourists, the availability of rental bikes adds a convenient option for exploring. The park’s mangrove-lined shallows attract a variety of wild birds, including egrets, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visiting at sunset, as the lights of Shenzhen start to glow, provides a beautiful view to wrap up a day of sightseeing.

7. Shenzhen Lianhuashan Park

Located in the heart of Shenzhen, Lianhuashan Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Just a short walk from Shaonian Gong and Civic Center metro stations, it’s an easily accessible spot.

The park's namesake, Lianhua Mountain, stands at a modest 106 meters. A gentle 20-minute climb leads to the summit, where visitors are greeted by a striking bronze statue of Deng Xiaoping, standing approximately 6 meters tall and weighing 7 tons. Within the park, diverse landscapes including lakes, peach gardens, and mountains provide an enjoyable escape and scenic walking trails. With sweeping views of Shenzhen’s skyline, it’s a perfect place to relax. Known as “Kite Plaza,” many people can be seen flying kites here, making it a charming sight.

8. Dafen Village

Did you know that 80% of the world’s reproduction oil paintings are made in China? Of that, Dafen Village alone produces three-quarters, giving it a 60% share of the global market for reproduction art. Located northeast of central Shenzhen, Dafen Village was established by a Hong Kong art dealer who brought 200 artists together. Today, the village is home to over 10,000 people.

Walking through the village, one encounters artists painting indoors and outdoors, with works known worldwide for their quality. Dafen Village also attracts aspiring painters, who move here from across China, as earning a professional artist certification in Dafen opens up many career opportunities. With a wide range of works available—from original pieces to reproductions, and affordable to high-end—Dafen Village is a fantastic place to find a piece of art to take home.

9. Wutong Mountain

Wutong Mountain is the go-to hiking spot for Shenzhen locals. Standing as the highest peak in Shenzhen at around 943 meters, its well-maintained trails allow even beginner hikers to reach the summit in about two hours. However, with some steep steps along the way, proper hiking footwear and gear are recommended.

At the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views, extending as far as the sea. The Wutong mountain range includes three peaks: Great Wutong, Middle Wutong, and Little Wutong, making it popular among hiking enthusiasts. The route through these peaks can be completed in a day, offering an unforgettable Shenzhen adventure and a unique experience of hiking abroad.

10. Dameisha Beach

Located about an hour from Shenzhen’s city center, Dameisha Beach is a popular spot for swimming and relaxation among locals and tourists. During peak summer, the beach is lined with countless umbrellas and filled with beachgoers. In addition to swimming, a barbecue area is available for picnics, making it an ideal place to spend the day.

In China, nighttime swimming is common, and the beach often sees more visitors in the cooler evening hours than during the day. The area is lit up, and food stands are open, creating a unique and lively atmosphere. Restrooms and changing rooms are available for visitor convenience.

11. Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

For those looking to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy nature, Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is a perfect choice. Located within an hour from downtown Shenzhen, this botanical garden covers around 600 hectares at the foot of Wutong Mountain. It features a variety of plants, including a desert plant area with unique cacti and a garden filled with beautiful crepe myrtles. A path circles Fairy Lake, offering a lovely route for a leisurely walk or a relaxing moment on the lakeside benches.

12. Happy Valley Shenzhen

Located within walking distance from the Window of the World subway station, Happy Valley Shenzhen is a large amusement park. With attractions that often involve splashing water, it’s especially enjoyable on hot summer days—though waterproof clothing is recommended. Traditional thrill rides like roller coasters and haunted houses add to the excitement.

Besides the amusement park, Happy Valley also features a shopping mall, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping after a day of fun, making it a great all-in-one destination.

◎ Summary of Shenzhen Tourist Spots

Shenzhen is a city filled with fascinating tourist attractions, from grand theme parks and zoos to botanical gardens, parks, and a village dedicated to reproduction art. Each destination offers a unique experience, making it a truly captivating city to explore. Shenzhen is constantly developing, with new skyscrapers and attractions rapidly changing its skyline. When visiting to see and experience the dynamic city of Shenzhen, be sure to use this as a reference to make the most of your trip.