Visitors to Shenzhen Bay Park are voicing frustration over the growing presence of scalpers offering paid parking reservation services — despite the official system showing no availability.
The controversy erupted after a social media post described a visitor’s experience at the park’s No. 1 parking lot. While the official “iShenzhen” app listed only waitlisted parking, the visitor was approached by multiple scalpers offering immediate access for a fee. Upon entering the lot, they noticed several empty parking spaces, sparking suspicions about mismanagement and potential loopholes in the reservation system.
A reporter who visited the site Feb. 2 observed a long line of vehicles waiting to enter. “As soon as I pulled up to the entrance, someone waved me down asking if I needed help parking,” said one driver in line. The individual offered no clear pricing, simply repeating that the service would “skip the wait and get you in right away.” Within 10 minutes, the driver was approached by two more scalpers.
A man offers paid immediate entry to a driver outside the Shenzhen Bay Park parking lot on Feb. 2.
Security personnel at the scene confirmed that the problem is most prevalent during weekends and holidays. “The scalpers charge anywhere from 50 to 90 yuan (US$7–US$13),” one guard said. “They exploit the urgency of drivers unwilling to wait and take advantage of flaws in the booking system.”
Security staff attempt to discourage the behavior through verbal warnings but admit their efforts have had limited effect due to a lack of enforcement authority. “Some drivers knowingly pay scalpers to cut the line, which makes management even harder,” one staff member added.
A scalper approaches drivers willing to pay for parking shortcuts at a Shenzhen Bay Park entrance.
Officials respond with warnings
In response, the Shenzhen Bay Park Management Office issued a statement urging the public not to trust unauthorized intermediaries. Warning signs have been posted around the parking facility, and loudspeaker announcements now repeatedly advise visitors to book only through official channels.
The iShenzhen platform, on which users can reserve parking spaces in public parks, has also added in-app alerts, reminding users to remain cautious and avoid engaging with scalpers.
“We ask all citizens to use only the official reservation system and work with us to maintain orderly access to public resources,” the management office stated.
An in-app alert on the iShenzhen platform reminds users to stay cautious and avoid dealing with scalpers.
Citizens question system loopholes
Online reactions from local residents reflect growing skepticism toward public parking management more broadly. “The real issue,” one comment read, “is how scalpers bypass the reservation system and still get people inside.”
Others alleged systemic collusion between scalpers and parking lot operators — not just at parks, but at hospitals and other public facilities. One user claimed, “At Shenzhen Children’s Hospital in Futian, regular people have to wait or make an appointment. But if you give 50 yuan to a scalper, you’re in immediately.”
(Photo: WeChat account "深圳新闻网")