Shenzhen Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Maximize your budget while enjoying Shenzhen's offerings.

Discount Cards & Passes

Consider a Shenzhen Tong smart card for public transport fares.
Look for online deals or package discounts for theme park tickets.
Explore local Chinese apps for potential ticket savings.
Economical daily commutes with public transport passes.

Free Activities & Attractions

Shenzhen Museum: entry with passport.
Lianhuashan Park: city views and green spaces.
Shenzhen Bay Park: walking, cycling, coastal views.
Public parks and green spaces across the city welcome visitors.

Dining Deals

Mid-range and high-end restaurants feature lunch sets.
Happy hour deals are an affordable way to experience quality dining.
Local eateries, noodle shops, and street food are budget-friendly.
Delicious meals are available at economical prices.

Transportation Savings

Shenzhen Metro and public buses are very affordable.
Metro and buses are efficient and cover most of the city.
Shared bicycles for short distances offer an economical way to get around.
These options contribute to a budget-friendly travel experience.

Time-Saving Tips

Optimize your exploration and minimize waiting times.

Skip-the-line Options

For popular theme parks, purchase tickets online in advance.
Online ticket acquisition saves time queuing at the booth.
Platforms like Trip.com or local Chinese apps facilitate advance purchase.
Meituan or Dianping are local apps for pre-booking.

Efficient Routing

Group attractions by geographical area to reduce travel time.
Combine Futian CBD attractions for a single day.
Ping An, Shenzhen Museum, and Lianhuashan Park are in Futian.
Nanshan theme parks like Window of the World group well together.

Optimal Visiting Times

Visit popular attractions early in the morning after opening.
Consider visiting later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Avoid major Chinese public holidays for popular attractions due to high numbers.

Express Transport

Shenzhen Metro offers the fastest navigation.
The Metro helps avoid traffic congestion.
High-speed rail for quick trips to Guangzhou or Hong Kong is very efficient.
Pre-book high-speed rail tickets and popular theme park entries.

Local Insights

Insider knowledge for a better trip.

Common Tourist Missteps

Operating without a VPN blocks international apps.
Relying solely on Google Maps might mean inaccuracies.
Not setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay limits transactions.
Exclusively using cash is not practical for many vendors.

Local Customs

QR code prevalence for payments, menus, and more.
Informal queuing practices may be seen.
Chinese cities can be lively with higher noise levels.
Children might wear open-crotch pants in public.

Unofficial Rules

Polite bargaining is customary in markets with non-fixed prices.
Department stores have fixed prices.
Travel during Chinese New Year or National Day Golden Week has challenges.
Overwhelming crowds and closures mark major holidays.

Impress Local People

"Nǐ hǎo" (hello)
"Xièxie" (thank you)
"Duìbuqǐ" (excuse me/sorry)
"Bùyào là" (don't want spicy - useful for food!)

Traveler-Specific Advice

Tailored recommendations for different travel styles.

Solo Traveler Tips

Shenzhen is generally safe for solo travelers.
Maintain awareness, especially at night.
Hostels are good for meeting other travelers.
Didi ride-hailing offers a reliable and safe transport option.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Many attractions are inherently family-friendly.
Consider serviced apartments for more space and kitchen facilities.
Pack familiar snacks and comfort items.
The Metro system is stroller-friendly in modern stations.

Managing Group Logistics

Book accommodations and high-speed rail tickets in advance for groups.
For larger groups, consider hiring a private van or bus.
WeChat for group communication and real-time location sharing.

Accessibility Considerations

Newer infrastructure in Shenzhen is increasingly accessible.
Older areas or smaller establishments may present challenges.
Research specific venue accessibility beforehand.
The Shenzhen Metro app highlights accessible routes.

Mobile Payments are

Setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay upon arrival offers local deals and better exchange rates compared to cash.

Digital & Physical Tools

Essential resources for navigating Shenzhen and staying informed.

Essential Apps

WeChat, Alipay, Didi Chuxing, Baidu Maps, Shenzhen Metro, Translation Apps, and a VPN are must-haves.

Useful Websites

Official visa sites, airport information, Trip.com, and Travel China Guide offer further planning assistance.

Reading Materials

Guidebooks, local street maps, and books on Shenzhen's history enhance your visit.

Offline Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

General guidebooks for China, with detailed Shenzhen sections.
Local street maps for offline navigation or city layout.
These offer comprehensive overviews of attractions and dining.

Local Publications

Shenzhen Daily, an English-language newspaper for current events.
Local magazines often available in hotels or bookstores.
These publications offer insights into local trends and events.

Stay Connected

A reliable VPN subscription and local mobile payment apps are fundamental for a smooth experience.

Shenzhen Travel Hacks