Your local guide to Shenzhen – 5 must-visit spots for your weekend getaway
Looking to spice up your weekend? Why not hop across the border to Shenzhen?
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Looking to spice up your weekend? Why not hop across the border to Shenzhen, the go-to shopping paradise just a stone's throw away from Hong Kong? With its rapid evolution from a humble fishing village to a UNESCO "City of Design," Shenzhen offers a vibrant mix of culture and excitement for any weekend getaway, whether you're a foodie, a culture buff or a shopaholic. So, pack your bags and read on for our local guide to the best spots to visit in Shenzhen in 2024.
OCT-LOFT
If there's one must-visit spot in Shenzhen, it's got to be OCT-LOFT. Once an industrial hub, this place has transformed into a hip haven for art, coffee, fashion and food. With its low-rise buildings, greenery everywhere and walls covered in Insta-worthy graffiti, it's the perfect vibe for a weekend wander, whether you're solo, with pals or have family in tow. Spend your time here snapping pics, browsing cute shops and soaking in the artsy vibes. And on weekends, dive into the lively markets for some original finds and quirky souvenirs. Be sure to check out the calendar on the official website to plan out your weekend just in time for any upcoming events.
Quick facts
- Where – 2 Jinxiu Beilu, Jinxiu North Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
- Phone – +86 755 2693 4531
- Website
- Calendar
Hongqiao Park
Don't miss Hongqiao Park in Guangming District, Shenzhen, for Instagram-worthy photos and leisurely strolls. Stretching 4 kilometers, the park features the iconic red ribbon bridge, perfect for capturing memorable moments. It also won the Best Landscape Design Award at the 2020 World Architecture Festival China. Visitors can climb the staircase-shaped Little Red House for panoramic views and amazing photo ops. Plus, with facilities like a skate park, basketball court, tennis court and sandpit playground, there's something for everyone to enjoy – and it's all free with no reservations needed.
Quick facts
- Where – Chalin Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen
- Directions – Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station (凤凰城站), Exit B
- Website
Dafen Oil Painting Village
Feeling artsy? Take a trip to Dafen, Shenzhen's vibrant art village. For over 20 years, this place has been the go-to spot for art enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. Once known as the "world's oil painting factory," Dafen is now a bustling hub where artists and craftsmen create stunning masterpieces and replicas of famous works. Wander through the maze-like alleys and discover studios filled with vibrant colors and creative energy. Snag a unique piece for your home or simply just soak in the artistic vibes.
Quick facts
- Where – 301, D Bldg. Zone 2, No. 217, Busha Road, Buji Town, Longgang District, Shenzhen
- Phone – +86 136 3168 2434
- Website
MOCAPE
Check out Shenzhen's coolest architectural gem – the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning in Futian (MOCAPE). Designed by Austrian architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, this museum is like no other. To start, there's a gleaming glass exterior with a massive mirrored installation called "Cloud" dividing the space into a contemporary art wonderland and an urban planning hub. Plus, you can check out the urban planning part for free. So, whether you're into art or architecture or just want to experience something mind-blowing, don't miss the chance to explore this innovative masterpiece at the MOCAPE.
Quick facts
- Where – Shenzhen Museum of History and Folk Culture - District A, Citizen Center, Fuzhong Road, Futian District, Shenzhen; Shenzhen Museum of Ancient Art - No. 6, Tongxin Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
- When – Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Closed on Mondays
- Phone – +86 755 8812 5550
- Website
- More information
Yantian Street Night Market
After a day of soaking in all that Shenzhen has to offer, there's no better place to satisfy your appetite and explore the city's charm than at Yantian Street Night Market. Nestled in the heart of Bao'an district, this bustling market is a feast for the senses, with its vibrant atmosphere and array of street food delights. From savory Changsha stinky tofu to succulent Chaoshan beef offal and spicy Sichuan bobo chicken, there's something for every craving. With its vibrant atmosphere and tempting lineup of food stalls, it's the perfect place to lose yourself in the city's charm after dark.
Quick facts
- Where – Xixiang Metro Exit B, Yantian Street, Xixiang, Shenzhen
- When – Monday to Sunday, 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.
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