Shenzhen sits right next to Hong Kong, making travel between the two cities easy. Its skyline resembles Hong Kong’s, with towering skyscrapers that symbolize China’s recent economic rise. What makes Shenzhen especially attractive is that prices are lower than in Hong Kong—many Hong Kong residents come here just to shop!
So what souvenirs should you bring back from Shenzhen? Here are three perfect picks for you.
1. Traditional Sweets of Guangdong Province
In Shenzhen you’ll find many shops specializing in Guangdong’s traditional confections, some of them long-established.
One of the busiest shopping streets is Dongmen Pedestrian Street, where you’ll discover the renowned bakery Yuen Long Heng Heung Old Pastry Shop. Inside, all kinds of treats are displayed—each with slightly different packaging, shapes, names, and flavors. Prices range from inexpensive bags to pricier boxed sets. Because they’re lightweight, they’re easy to carry home as gifts.
Staff at the entrance offer free samples; if you ask, they’ll let you try a wider variety.
Among the most famous are Almond Cookies (“Xingren Bing”) and Egg Rolls (“Jidan Juan”). Almond Cookies which is a subtly sweet with a delicate almond aroma, perfect alongside tea. Egg Rolls have a crisp texture and a rich flavor of milk, butter, and egg.
Name: Yuen Long Heng Heung Old Pastry Shop
Address: Pedestrian St, Dongmen, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518000
2. Melamine Tableware
Shenzhen offers tableware that looks like fine porcelain but sells at shockingly low prices—because it’s made of melamine, a type of plastic. Melamine dishes are lightweight, nearly unbreakable, and don’t transfer heat as quickly as ceramic, so they stay cool to the touch.
They’re designed to look like ceramic, come in a wide variety, and are affordably priced. You might find yourself buying lots of them as souvenirs.
Just be aware that many melamine pieces aren’t microwave- or dishwasher-safe.
3. Tieguanyin Tea
No trip to China is complete without exploring local teas. Tieguanyin is a variety of oolong tea famous in Fujian province, but neighboring Guangdong province—home to Shenzhen—also produces excellent Tieguanyin. It’s known for a rich flavor and a sweet, floral aroma that lingers on the palate.
At the Shenzhen Tea Leaf World wholesale market, you can buy a huge selection of teas at bargain prices—not only Tieguanyin but also Pu’er and many others. Pick up several varieties to compare when you get home!
4. Where to Shop: Luohu Commercial City
For a one-stop shopping experience, head to Luohu Commercial City, a massive shopping complex where both Hong Kong dollars and Chinese yuan are accepted.
Prices here beat Hong Kong’s, making it ideal for souvenirs. You’ll find everything from watches and brand-name goods to traditional Chinese clothing and custom-ordered silk dresses. They even carve seals on the spot.
If you need a break, the mall has massage parlors and nail salons. Nearby you’ll also find Kung Fu tea shops selling authentic Chinese teas—perfect for souvenir shopping and relaxation in one place.
Name: Luohu Commercial City
Address: No. 25 Guangchang Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
◎ Summary
We’ve introduced three top souvenirs from Shenzhen—Guangdong’s traditional sweets, melamine tableware, and Tieguanyin tea—as well as the premier shopping spot, Luohu Commercial City.
With its affordability and variety, Shenzhen rivals Hong Kong for shopping appeal. Enjoy choosing the perfect gifts on your next visit!