Just across the water from Hong Kong, since 1979 Shenzhen has grown from being a tiny rural village into one of China’s most affluent cities frequented by businessmen and investors and dominated by the soaring skyscrapers that sparkle in their riches. That said, for the majority Shenzhen is far from being an amicable city to visit and, due to warnings of high crime rates, an overload of beggars and no walking solo at night, rarely makes it to anyone’s must see destinations.
Nevertheless, for anyone that should find themselves holed up in the city for a night or two then all is not lost. Shenzhen is the proud possessor of some innovative art galleries and a host of intriguing theme-parks that can fill up a few spare hours plus a vibrant nightlife scene. What visitors will notice are the groups of Hong Kongers making their way north to Shenzhen looking to take advantage of the cut-price shopping opportunities ranging from chaotic clothing markets to the chance to snap up a bargain Ipod.
The final saving grace of landing in Shenzhen is that those looking to move further in to China can benefit from cheaper transportation than from Hong Kong. With four harbors, ferries and boats regularly depart for both Hong Kong, Macau and nearby Haikou. Shenzhen’s airport is also becoming increasingly busier with flights available to the vast majority of Chinese cities. Theme Parks in Shenzhen - The highlight of Shenzhen’s attractions are the collection of theme parks, some extremely dated, some interesting and other just odd. Within the city are the Splendid China Folk Culture Village, a mini-world of China’s most famous sights and reconstruction of 24 villages and 56 clans, and Window of the World, collection of scaled down world landmarks loved by snap-happy Chinese visitors. Out of town visitors will find OCT East, a sparkling theme-park, golf complex, tea valley and luxury hotel resort all rolled in to one. The most bizarre of them all is perhaps Minsk World, a military theme-park showcasing former Russian fighter planes and helicopters and hosting interesting dance performances.
Shenzhen Museums & Galleries - Should theme parks not be your cup of tea then the city also has a handful of museums that are worth investing a few hours.
Shenzhen Museum - Excellent insight into the history and transformation of the city plus a collection of 1940s propaganda art.
He Xiangning Art Gallery - Large collection of the obscure water paintings by Chinese contemporary artist, He Xiangning. Make sure to grab a copy of the English guidebook.
Shenzhen Nightlife - As a modern forward-thinking city those looking to party in Shenzhen tend not to be disappointed with the array of drinking options. Within the city there are three main nightlife zones; Luohu District, the place for clubs and celebrity spotting; Shekhuo, popular expat hangout therefore boasting a large selection of bars; and CiticCityPlaza (Fultan),a lively strip of bars all with outdoor terraces.
Bars in Shenzhen
Base Bar - A short walk south of CiticCityPlaza is Shenzhen’s best spot for live blues and punk rock.
C-Union - This converted warehouse is another blues and punk bar frequented by students and bohemian types.
Coko Club - Lively restaurant and party-bar on the CiticCityPlaza strip.
Clubs in Shenzhen
Suzy’s Late Night Lounge - Adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel, this lounge bar and club is by far the hottest spot in town.
True Color - Easily one of the best spots for late night revelry drawing in young, affluent Shenzhenians.