Table of Contents
- How to spend one day in Shenzhen?
- A Quick Intro to Shenzhen: From Fishing Village to Tech Megacity
- How to Get Around Shenzhen (and China in general) as a Foreigner
- How I spent one day in Shenzhen
- If You Have an Evening in Shenzhen…
- Final Thoughts on One Day in Shenzhen
How to spend one day in Shenzhen?
If you find yourself with a layover or just one day to explore Shenzhen, China, don’t waste it sitting in your hotel. This ultra-modern megacity is a dream for anyone into technology, photography, or urban culture — especially if you’re into trains or electronics like I am.
In this guide, I’ll share how I spent one day in Shenzhen, focusing on where to go, where to eat, what photos to shoot (especially if you’re into trains!), and how to get around as a foreigner. Whether you’re here for tech shopping or urban exploring, here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Shenzhen.
A Quick Intro to Shenzhen: From Fishing Village to Tech Megacity
Shenzhen was just a fishing village until the ’80s, when it became China’s first Special Economic Zone — right next to Hong Kong. This transformed it into a booming hub for foreign investment, manufacturing, and innovation. Today, it’s home to some of China’s biggest tech companies like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI — and has grown into one of the most futuristic cities in the world.
How to Get Around Shenzhen (and China in general) as a Foreigner
Navigation: Use Amap (Gaode Map)
Google Maps doesn’t work properly in China, but Amap (now available in English) is your best friend. It shows public transport routes clearly and works great for metro and bus directions. While Apple Maps also works in China, but it’s not nearly as extensive as Amap.
Payments: Use Alipay with Your Foreign Card
China is nearly cashless. Link your foreign card to Alipay, and you can:
- Pay in shops, restaurants, and taxis
- Order food by scanning QR codes (built-in translation for menus)
- Pay for metro, buses, and even rideshares via DiDi (China’s Uber)
Tip: set up Alipay before you visit China, as you need some time to verify your account with your passport and phone number.
Hotel & Train Bookings: Trip.com
I cannot emphasise this enough for anyone going to China! Trip.com has the best hotel coverage in China and is also great for booking trains and domestic flights. You can also book tours, attraction tickets and local transport shuttles on Trip.com anywhere in China. I’ve used it a lot on my past trips to China. As a bonus, the more you book, the more perks you unlock like hotel upgrades and lounge access.
Inspiration & Itinerary Planning: Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu)
Chinese social media app Little Red Book is incredibly useful — even if it’s in Chinese. Use the built-in translator to scroll through posts and photos of hidden gems, restaurants, and photography spots. It’s how I plan my China trips!
How I spent one day in Shenzhen
Morning: Electronics Paradise at Huaqiangbei
Metro stop: Huaqiangbei (Line 2)
No visit to Shenzhen is complete without exploring Huaqiangbei Road — the world’s largest electronics market. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, gadget collector, or just curious, this place is a dream. I spent hours browsing the maze of multi-story malls lining the pedestrian street, each packed with every electronic component imaginable.
Start at SEG Plaza, a multi story mall packed with vendors selling everything from cables and tools to cameras, drones, LED lights, and even robot parts. As you walk down the street, you’ll also come across flagship stores of major Chinese tech brands offering phones, tablets, and accessories.
It’s easy to lose track of time here. You could easily spend 2–3 hours just wandering and finding things you didn’t know existed. I left with a retro gaming console shaped like a Gameboy, preloaded with over 10,000 games. Since it was summer, a mini USB-powered fan also made it into my bag — absolutely essential! My colleague? She walked out with a drone she hadn’t even planned on buying.
Midday: Lunch and Local Cuisine
Shenzhen is a migrant city — people have come from all over China, bringing their regional cuisines with them. So whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here: spicy Sichuan hotpot, hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles, Northeastern dumplings, and more.
But if you want something local, go for Dim Sum, which is native to Guangdong province (of which Shenzhen is part).
Where I Ate:
点都德 (Dian Dou De) — A well-known Cantonese chain serving excellent traditional dim sum in a stylish setting. Steamed buns, shrimp dumplings, rice rolls — everything was fresh and delicious. English Menu is available when you scan the QR code on the table with your Alipay app. They have multiple branches spread all over the city. One of them is located walking distance from Huaqiangbei road.
Afternoon: Cyberpunk Vibes and Trains at Dongmen
Metro stop: Laojie (Line 1)
Next up: Dongmen Old Street, a chaotic shopping area that’s also a hidden gem for urban photography.
Photo spot: Near Laodongmen station, you’ll find an overpass where high-speed pass by, framed by gritty high-rises and neon signs. It’s got a cyberpunk feel, especially in the evening. Unfortunately I had to be back in the hotel by night, so I didn’t get the chance to explore this area at night. Nevertheless I really enjoyed taking photos of the different trains passing by here. It is close to the main station, so the trains pass by really slowly here. This makes it extra easy to take pictures of them!
Other things to do around Shenzhen Dongmen Old Street:
- Explore old-school malls, arcades, and street markets
- Snap photos of urban scenes and street life
- Grab snacks or a bubble tea from a nearby modern mall above the station
Late Afternoon: Chill at Nantou Ancient City
Metro stop: Taoyuan (Line 1)
After the buzzing chaos of Dongmen, I headed Nantou Ancient City to wind down for a bit. Nantou Ancient City in Shenzhen is a pedestrian-only area full of charm and character.
What I liked:
- A mix of historic architecture, modern coffee shops and quirky cocktail bars
- Narrow alleys filled with local boutiques, gift shops and design stores
- A quiet park behind the main street — perfect for relaxing
Nantou is a great example of gentrified heritage done right — still local, but trendy and creative.
If You Have an Evening in Shenzhen…
Shenzhen lights up beautifully at night — if you’re staying a bit longer, here are a few options to end your day:
Futian CBD Light Show
Watch futuristic towers sync lights and animations to music. Happens regularly in the CBD area near Civic Center Station. The Futian CBD light show at Shenzhen Civic Center is free and runs regularly, but only on Fridays, Saturdays. You can also enjoy the show from nearby areas like Lianhua Hill.
Metro: take Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station, use exits B or F for the plaza
Show timings:
- November to March: shows at 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 9:00 pm
- April to October: shows at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm
Each show lasts around 15 minutes.
On Sunday through Thursday (non‑holiday weekdays), bridge façades display static lighting from around 7 pm to 10 pm, but not the synchronized dynamic show. There is no dynamic light show on Sundays at all.
Drinks with a View at the St. Regis
The bar at the St. Regis has one of the best views of the city — perfect for high tea or a nightcap.
Other Places Worth Visiting in Shenzhen (If You Have More Time)
I didn’t get to visit these spots, but they’re top-rated and still on my list:
- MixC Mall – High-end mall with shops, restaurants, and even an ice rink
- Fairy Lake Botanical Garden – Lush escape with temples, trails, and lake views
- Wu Tong Mountain – Best hiking in Shenzhen, panoramic views
- Xichong Beach – Beautiful sandy beach if you’re craving the ocean
- Dafen Oil Painting Village – Buy or watch oil paintings being made
- OCT Loft – Creative arts district, very photogenic
- Shenzhen Bay Park – Seaside path for walking and biking
- Shenzhen Museum – Free museum to understand the city’s rapid rise
- Window of the World / Splendid China – Quirky theme parks for miniatures and culture
- Tianhou Temple / Phoenix Mountain Temple – Local temples with historic value
- Bars, arcades, karaoke, and gaming cafés – Easy to find across the city
Final Thoughts on One Day in Shenzhen
Shenzhen is often overlooked as just a border city or transit point, but if you’re into technology, trains, or discovering modern China — even one day here is worth it. I came for electronics and train photos, and left with gadgets, full memory cards, and a new appreciation for this dynamic city.
Whether you’re here on a layover or short visit, Shenzhen will surprise you.
