Shenzhen may be known as China’s Silicon Valley, but this city has way more than tech to brag about. Shenzhen is a playground of culture, shopping, and eats. If you only have one day, don’t worry! You don’t have to choose between quirky theme parks and hidden foodie gems. This itinerary packs the best things to do in Shenzhen into a single breezy adventure.

This one-day itinerary covers the best places to eat, see, and explore—and in between, we’ve added a few hourly hotels in Shenzhen where you can rest or recharge without paying for a full night’s stay. Ready? Let’s go!

Table of Contents

1. Window of the World

things to do in Shenzhen — Source: Instagram via @press_cel

Kick off your day with one of the most famous things to do in Shenzhen. Ever dreamt of seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, and the Giza Pyramids all in one morning?

Window of the World makes it happen with more than 130 miniature replicas of iconic landmarks. It’s fun and downright Insta-worthy. Families love the boat rides and nightly performances, while groups of friends get a kick out of snapping “around the world” in just a few hours.

Entrance fee is around ¥229 per adult. Seniors (70+) and children with a height less than 120cm are free of charge. To save a few bucks, book tickets online in advance instead of at the gate. Food inside is pricey, so better to snack outside before you go in.

2. Splendid China Folk Village

Right next door is another must on your list of things to do in Shenzhen—Splendid China Folk Village. This theme park-meets-cultural museum showcases the traditions of China’s 56 ethnic groups. Stroll through detailed village replicas, catch acrobat shows like “Oriental Nerissa”, or watch horse-riding warriors in action through “Legends of the Desert”. It’s like flipping through China’s history book—but live.

Admission is about ¥210 per person. Wear comfy shoes because this place is massive. They open their doors from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. Some days may extend up to 10 PM for special performances or events.

(Hotel Nearby) – True Go Hotel (Futian)

If you want a quick rest after exploring these two theme parks, True Go Hotel in Futian is a comfy choice. Sleek rooms, clean interiors, and right next to transport links (Fumin Station). It’s also bookable by the hour for as low as ¥279 per 2 hours. It’s perfect if your list of things to do in Shenzhen keeps you moving all day long.

3. Lianhuashan Park

Need a breather? Lianhuashan Park offers one of the most peaceful things to do in Shenzhen. With lotus ponds, jogging trails, and a statue of Deng Xiaoping on the hilltop, it’s perfect for a city escape. You’ll even catch kite flyers dancing their colors in the sky—super Shenzhen vibes.

Good news: entrance is free so you don’t have to book anything in advance. Pack some water and snacks, and you’ve got yourself an affordable stop in the city. You can explore the park from 6 AM to 10 PM daily.

4. Dongmen Pedestrian Street

Hungry? Head to Dongmen, the beating heart of Shenzhen shopping and street food. Neon lights, packed alleys, and the aroma of skewers grilling—that’s your welcome here. The area has been buzzing since the Ming dynasty, and it hasn’t lost its edge.

Street eats go from ¥10 skewers to ¥60 noodle bowls, with an average spend of around ¥80–100 per person if you want to feast properly. Saving tip: hit smaller stalls instead of flashy ones; they’re cheaper and usually tastier. Also, if you’re not yet starving, take time to walk around and compare prices.

(Hotel Nearby) – Shenzhen New World Weirui Hotel (Futian)

Source: Shenzhen New World Weirui Hotel via Flow website

A few stone’s throw away from both locations, New World Weirui is your posh spot for a power nap. Modern rooms with crisp white sheets make it an easy choice for travelers who don’t want to waste time on long commutes. Book it for as low as ¥324 per 4 hours.

5. Haidilao Hotpot

Of all the foodie things to do in Shenzhen, dining at Haidilao is a rite of passage. Shenzhen locals swear by Haidilao, and once you go, you’ll see why. The service is legendary—you can get a free manicure or snacks while waiting for your table. The interiors are buzzing, full of laughter and steam rising from bubbling pots.

The hotpot itself is the star. Choose your broth (spicy, tomato, or original) and load it up with beef slices, shrimp, and veggies. You might even see a little noodle performance as strands of dough are flaired right at your table before dropping them into your pot. Average spend is ¥150–200 per person, but trust me, it’s worth every bite.

Related articles: Cafes in Central Hong Kong | Great Sake Bars in Hong Kong

6. OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui — Source: Instagram via @*esther_seah*

If you love design, art, and indie vibes, this is one of the coolest things to do in Shenzhen for creative souls. Once an industrial zone, OCT Loft is now the artsy soul of Shenzhen. Murals, design studios, coffee shops, and galleries dot the old warehouses. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a latte while browsing vinyl or just wander and soak up the creative vibes.

While you can drop by anytime (open 24 hours), shops and markets operate from 1 PM to 7 PM only. So make sure to hit those hours to experience the place fully.

Most galleries are free, while some exhibitions may charge extra. Check out Old Heaven Books for good reads and small trinkets, Lianwu Store if you’re into decorative items, and Shan Chi Coffee for that quick caffeine recharge.

(Hotel Nearby) – Grand Skylight Garden Hotel Shenzhen (Futian)

Source: Grand Skylight Garden Hotel Shenzhen Hotel via Flow website

Feeling a little tired after all the exploring? Grand Skylight Garden Hotel is nearby. Spacious rooms with garden views offer a relaxing pit stop before your night continues. Book by the hour so you only pay for the rest you actually need (for as low as ¥371 per 4 hours). It’s a top pick for travelers squeezing in multiple things to do in Shenzhen within a single day.

7. Shenzhen Bay Park

Stretch those legs at Shenzhen Bay Park, a 13km-long waterfront trail with skyline and sea views. Locals jog, cycle, or just sit and enjoy the breeze. At sunset, the park turns golden—perfect photo ops, la.

No entrance fee here, so it’s a freebie on your itinerary. Grab a bike rental if you want to cover more ground (you can do this via a local bike-sharing app). Make sure to also check out the following spots within the area:

Mangrove Boardwalk
Marina
Flower Clock
Bird Museum
Sunset Platform

8. Baia Burger Concept

Source: Baia Burger Concept via social media

Switch up dinner with something Western at Baia Burger, one of Shenzhen’s trendiest dining spots. Think cozy wooden interiors, warm ambient lighting, and a lively cocktail bar buzzing with an international crowd. The menu adds a refined, Italian-inspired touch to classic American comfort food—making it a top pick for unwinding after a full day of sightseeing.

Go straight for their Signature Baia Burger (¥135), stacked with 180g of juicy Aussie Wagyu and crowned with sweet, caramelized onions that melt in every bite. Pair it with a classic mojito (¥83) or a glass of Italian wine if you’re feeling indulgent, or keep things light with their lemon mint tea (¥45)—a crisp, refreshing finish that cuts right through the meaty richness.

(Hotel Nearby) – South Union Hotel Shenzhen (Luohu)

Source: South Union Hotel Shenzhen Hotel via Flow website

After Baia Burger, rest easy at South Union Hotel Shenzhen. Just minutes from Luohu’s buzzing nightlife and shopping areas, this sleek, business-style hotel spells convenience.

Rooms are spacious, modern, and perfect for a short recharge between adventures. You can even book by the hour, starting from ¥239 per 3 hours, so you only pay for the time you need—a solid win for travelers who value flexibility.

9. COCO Park

Source: Instagram via @murray_family_escapes

When night falls, COCO Park is the undisputed hub of nightlife and one of the most energetic things to do in Shenzhen. What’s a mall by day transforms into a neon playground after sunset.

Explore local favorites like Pepper Club (open till 3 AM) for chart-topping beats and dance floors that don’t quit. Most places kick off around 6 PM and stay lively well past midnight.

10. Maan Coffee (Futian)

If loud beats and flashy lights aren’t your scene, wind down the night at Maan Coffee—a cozy Korean-style café that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Soft lighting, plush couches, and the sweet aroma of freshly made Belgian waffles set the perfect mood for late-night conversations or a quiet moment to yourself.

Expect to spend around ¥100 per person. It’s a little more than your average corner café, but worth it for the calm ambience and comfort that make you want to linger just a bit longer.

(Hotel Nearby) – Shenzhen Huaqiang Plaza Hotel (Futian)

Source: Shenzhen Huaqiang Plaza Hotel via Flow website

Huaqiang Plaza Hotel is your last recharge spot. Book for as low as ¥433 per 4 hours and rest before heading back out or catching your train.

Related articles: Things to Do in Tsim Sha Tsui | Best Breakfast in Hong Kong

Exploring all these things to do in Shenzhen in one day is a rewarding challenge. This city will keep your senses busy from sunrise to midnight. You’ll be hopping between parks, shops, and food stops, so it’s important that you recharge every once in a while.

FLOW offers hourly hotels in Shenzhen, so you can take well-timed breaks without paying full-day rates. Take a quick nap, have a refreshing shower, or recharge before the next adventure.

Our reviews and recommendations are honest and not influenced by compensation or sponsorship. Unless stated otherwise, we do not receive payment or free products for positive reviews. Any compensation or products received for reviews will be disclosed in the relevant post.

FAQs

What’s the best way to get around Shenzhen in one day?

Use the Shenzhen metro—it’s clean, cheap, and super efficient. Taxis are fine but traffic can be brutal. Metro rides cost between ¥2–9 depending on distance.

Is one day enough to explore Shenzhen?

One day gives you the highlights, but the city deserves more. With theme parks, shopping hubs, and food, you could easily spend 3–4 days exploring.

Are there hourly hotels in Shenzhen?

Yes! You’ll find hourly hotels in Shenzhen via the FLOW app. They’re ideal for travelers needing a short nap, a shower, or a quiet workspace in between sightseeing or transit connections.

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