Shenzhen — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Shenzhen.
China's tech and innovation city next to Hong Kong — a key transit point for HK visitors.
🍜 Signature dishes in Shenzhen
- 肠粉Rice Noodle Rolls
- 海鲜Seafood
- 潮汕牛肉火锅Chaoshan Beef Hotpot
- 椰子鸡Coconut Chicken Hotpot
- 沙井蚝Shajing Oysters
- 光明乳鸽Guangming Pigeon
- 盆菜Poon Choi
- 盐焗鸡Salt-baked Chicken
- 酿豆腐Stuffed Tofu
- 及第粥Jidi Congee
🎟️ Top things to do
- OCT Loft
Artsy district & museums
- Hong Kong day trip
Cross the border by metro
- Shenzhen Bay cruise
Coastal night view
- Shenzhen Bay
Tech zone & coastal park
- Ping An Tower
Sky observatory, 599m
- Window of the World
Entry ticket, bookable online.
- Dapeng Fortress
Entry ticket required.
- Sea World
Free, no booking.
- Chung Ying St
Old street on the Shenzhen–HK border; border permit required; small shops for snacks and daily goods
- Guangzhou day trip
1h by high-speed rail
- OCT East
Entry ticket via official account.
- Shenzhen Bay Park
Free, no booking.
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Shenzhen?
Take the metro or a taxi from SZX (Bao'an) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Shenzhen on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Shenzhen. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Shenzhen visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (SZX (Bao'an)) · verify with official sources before travel.