Shenzhen is located along the South China Sea, at the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, neighboring Hong Kong. In 2019, Shenzhen achieved an impressive feat by securing the second position on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list, becoming the only Chinese city in the top 10. Additionally, the World Travel and Tourism Council recognized Shenzhen as one of the top 10 tourist cities globally.

1. Natural Environment and Coastal Resources

Shenzhen features approximately 1,145 square kilometers of sea area, over 260 kilometers of coastline, and more than 50 islands, offering diverse coastal tourism resources. The coastlines of Dongchong and Xichong in the Dapeng New District have been recognized as one of the Eight Most Beautiful Coastlines in China by the Chinese National Geography magazine. The city’s unique layout, where mountains connect seamlessly with the sea, allows visitors to enjoy nature and ocean landscapes throughout Shenzhen.

2. Transportation and Accessibility

Shenzhen has a robust transportation network. Currently, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport’s third runway is operational, and the airport serves international passenger routes to over 60 cities worldwide, with more than 900 planned flights entering and exiting each week. Additionally, Shenzhen boasts a well-connected rail transit system, with 18 metro lines and four high-speed railway stations providing access to a national high-speed railway network of 25,000 kilometers, allowing for a direct 14-minute high-speed rail trip to Hong Kong. 

3. Parks and Ecological Spaces

Shenzhen is widely known as the “City of a Thousand Parks.” There is a walking trail that runs east to west, connecting mountains and the sea. This 300-kilometer-long natural corridor links 20 parks, numerous waterfronts, and reservoirs, providing a picturesque experience. Shenzhen also boasts a mangrove wetland near the city center, which serves as a habitat for various rare bird species, attracting photographers and environmentalists from all over the world. The city now has over 1,300 parks.

4. Culture and Historic Sites

Shenzhen is not only a modern city with a history of reform and opening up, but also a city with profound ancient cultural roots. The well-known Zhongying Street, Dapeng Fortress, Qing Dynasty Hakka architecture, Song Dynasty Young Emperor's Tomb and Chiwan Left Battery form an important part of Shenzhen’s cultural relics. Shenzhen’s cultural heartbeat has always been in sync with the city’s growth. With Shenzhen Bay Culture Square and the “Eyes of the GBA” opening in 2025, new cultural landmarks are reshaping the skyline with an artistic flair. From west to east, world-class cultural venues—Qianhai Museum, the Shenzhen Opera House, Shenzhen International Art Museum and Shenzhen Natural History Museum—are gearing up to become the defining cultural icons of this city of the future.

5. Theme Parks and Leisure Experiences

As one of the most important revenue-generating tourist cities in China, Shenzhen is regarded as the “Capital of Theme Parks” and a “City of Tourism Innovation”. The city boasts over 100 diverse attractions, ranging from theme parks and natural ecological parks to coastal resorts, shopping malls, and historical cultural relics. From Window of the World, the early city landmark; Happy Valley, one of China’s top three most-visited attractions; and Splendid China • China Folk Culture Villages, the world’s largest theme park; to the Bay Glory Ferris Wheel, Xiaomeisha Sea World, and the world’s largest indoor ski resort Qianhai Snow World, Shenzhen's status as the capital of theme parks continues to be solidified. The city boasts luxury hotels such as Park Hyatt, Marriott, InterContinental, and Mandarin Oriental, as well as seaside boutique guesthouses.

6. Shopping and Night Economy

From Huaqiangbei's electronics empire and Shuibei's jewelry hub, to the Luohu, Futian, and Qianhai-Bao'an Center core business districts — all ranked among the world's top 30 emerging commercial zones for 2025 — and on to K11 ECOAST where art meets coastal charm, Shenzhen now boasts multiple internationally influential retail landmarks, making shopping a novel way to discover the city's vitality. The city’s vibrant night economy features light shows, traditional night markets and international neighborhoods, creating a distinctive nightlife experience. Bar streets, including those in Shekou Sea World, Window of the World and Coco Park, are top choices for nighttime leisure and entertainment among visitors.

7. Food Paradise

Shenzhen serves some of the best food in the world. With thousands of eateries, visitors can taste delicious food representing diverse cultures. Restaurants listed on renowned listings such as the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide and the Michelin Guide attract food enthusiasts from across the country each year. From high-end Japanese and French cuisine to Cantonese dishes and Chaoshan flavors, Shenzhen’s inclusive environment allows north-south differences, east-west distinctions, and even the clash between old and new to coexist, each maintaining its uniqueness and popularity.

8. Technology and Innovation

Shenzhen is a major hub for technological innovation and creative design in China, nurturing numerous Fortune Global 500 companies like Tencent, Huawei, and BYD. The new Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum opened to the public in 2025. Costing 2.8 billion yuan and covering 128,300 square meters, it even includes the world’s first exhibition displaying two samples of lunar soil. This spaceship-like landmark is one of the city’s new major cultural facilities in the new era and the world’s first science museum themed around “Digital Civilization · Innovation · Future”. It carries the Greater Bay Area’s mission for tech innovation and brings future scenarios to life.

9. Recommended Travel Time

With longer summers and no winters, Shenzhen is perfect for a vacation in all seasons. And the period from November to April is the best. From November to April: The city has short spring and autumn seasons, and mild and sunny winters. The average temperature is around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, offering optimal comfort for travel. The lowest temperature in winter often occurs between the end of January and February, therefore it is recommended to wear a sweater and a thick coat. From May to October: Shenzhen has a long summer, and public spaces such as buses, metros and shopping malls turn on the air conditioner from March to December. The highest temperature of Shenzhen normally occurs in July.