Baoan Guangdong, China Travel Guide
SZX is your main point of coming in and going out. It is positioned directly within Bao'a District, making transfers to local accommodation simple. SZX holds an extensive domestic network, linking Shenzhen to nearly every major city inside China. Internationally, it has routes to major Asian cities and has direct flights to some European and Of North america hubs.
SZX has a comprehensive range of facilities for your travel experience, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs. Free Wi-Fi exists throughout the terminals. Flight costs are generally reach their highest during major Chinese national holidays. Book flights well in advance.
Expect elevated prices in Chinese bank holidays (Lunar New Year, Liberation Day Golden Week) and summer months. Better deals appear in off-season (winter excluding Lunar New Year, spring excluding May Day).
SZX has duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage services, and tourist information. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Download the Shenzhen Metro app and Didi Chuxing app. Set up your mobile payment (WeChat Pay or Alipay). This makes transportation navigation from the airport much smoother.
Find discounted flights with Dollar Flight Club for great savings.
Compare and book flights efficiently using Skyscanner for the best options.
Book car rentals at your destination through DiscoverCars.com for convenience.
Shenzhen North Railway Station (Futian District), accessible from Bao'a via metro, is a key center for China's high-speed rail. From here, take high-speed trains (G and D trains) to Guangzhou, Hong Kong (West Kowloon Station), Beijing, Shanghai, and many other major Chinese cities. Shenzhen Rail Depot (Luohu District) serves conventional and some high-speed routes. High-high-speed train has a comfortable and efficient way to travel long distances within China.
Several long-distance bus stations operate in Shenzhen, including Yian Bus Station and Shenzhen North Long-Distance Bus Station. These present directions to various cities within Guangdong Province and nearby provinces. Buses present a more economical option for shorter intercity travel, or for reaching destinations not served by high-high-speed train.
Foreign nationals cannot legally drive in mainland China with an international driving permit or a foreign driver's license. A valid Chinese driving license is a prerequisite. Car rental is typically available only with a local driver. If you plan to hire a car, it usually comes with a chauffeur.
While air and land transport are the main methods to reach Bao'an, sea connections also exist, mainly via the Shekou Cruise Homeport in neighboring Nanshan District. This is the closest primary cruise and ferry terminal, easily accessible from Bao'an. It has high-speed ferry transportation to Hong Kong special administrative region International Airport (HKIA), Hong Kong special administrative region special administrative region, Macau, and Zhuhai.
Shenzhen has an extensive and modern public transportation system. It makes getting around Bao'an and the broader city efficient and affordable. The Shenzhen Metro serves as the backbone of urban transport. It covers most locations, incorporating a large part of Bao'a District. As of late 2023, the underground network has 16 lines. Line 11 is notably useful, linking Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport directly to the central area Shenzhen.
The Shenzhen Tong Card (rechargeable smart card) offers small discounts on prices for metro and buses. QR Code Payment (via Shenzhen Metro App, WeChat Pay, or Alipay) is the most common and convenient method. Single Journey Tickets are available from vending machines. Metro fares are distance-based, starting from ¥2. Metro lines generally operate from around 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with high frequency.
Bao'a Center Station (Metro Line 1 & 5), Qianhaiwan Station (Line 1, 5, 11), Airport North Station (Line 11 & 20).
Avoid 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM on weekdays; trains and stations can become very crowded.
Ensure WeChat Pay or Alipay are set up and linked to transit codes. This allows for the most seamless and convenient payment method.
Shenzhen has different types of licensed taxis (green, blue, or red). All licensed taxis include meters. You can hail taxis on the street, find them at designated taxi stands (transit hubs, shopping malls), or book them via ride-sharing apps. Licensed you can pay for taxis with cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant ride-sharing service within China. It possesses several options, including "Express" (standard), "Premier" (higher-end vehicles), and booking licensed taxis. The Didi app switches to English and hyperlinks to WeChat Pay or Alipay. It earns a high recommendation for convenience and clear pricing.
Rental options in Bao'a mainly revolve around cycling. Car rentals for foreigners carry complexities. Foreign nationals cannot legally drive in mainland China with an international driving permit or a foreign driver's license. A valid Chinese driving license is a prerequisite.
Dockless bike-sharing services are highly sought-after. Companies like Meituan Bike (美团单车) and Hello Bike (哈啰出行) show extensive operation. Download their apps, register with a local phone number and mobile payment. Fees are low, typically ¥1.5 for 30 minutes.
Bao'an includes many well-maintained walkways and pedestrian areas. The Bao'a Coastal Leisure Belt is ideal for leisurely walks and cycling. Dedicated bike lanes appear more common in Shenzhen.
Embrace bike-sharing for short lengths and local exploration. It is a splendid way to experience neighborhoods at your own pace and is very cost-effective. Ensure your phone has enough battery to unlock and lock the bike.
