Port Guide | China | Worth a Wander
Shenzhen
David Nakamura | Editor
Published on 2025-04-03
Welcome to Shenzhen, a turbocharged tech-utopia that barely existed 40 years ago-a fishing village that won China's capitalist lottery and gleefully traded wooden sampans for sleek skyscrapers and smartphone factories. Yes, you're docking in a city younger than Mick Jagger's favorite shoes, where innovation pulses through gleaming streets lined with shopping temples and neon-lit noodle bars. While Hong Kong next door flaunts colonial charm and dim sum nostalgia, Shenzhen counters with dizzying theme parks, futuristic museums, and malls vast enough to swallow several city blocks (and quite possibly, your wallet). Stretch your sea legs by strolling Futian's eclectic bars, testing your haggling skills (and deodorant) at Luohu Commercial City, or diving into street eats at Dongmen Night Market, where culinary bravery is rewarded with steaming bowls of noodles and spicy BBQ skewers. Embrace the unexpected-after all, you're in the city built by dreamers, schemers, and tech-savvy hustlers.
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Notes from the Editor
Shenzhen is a modern, rapidly expanding city known for its technology industry, shopping, and attractions such as Theme Parks, and is adjacent to Hong Kong for easy excursions.
Where do cruise ships dock in Shenzhen?
Port Name Shenzhen
Country China
Region Southeast Asia
Ship Terminal Shenzhen Cruise Homeport
Port Type Dedicated Port
Accessibility The terminal is approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Shenzhen city center, accessible via taxi and public transport. Major landmarks in the city are reachable within 30-45 minutes.
What's the weather like in Shenzhen?
Best Season to Visit Autumn (September to November)
Climate Subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
Weather Notes The best time to visit is during autumn, avoiding the summer heat and monsoon season. Typhoon season typically occurs from July to September, so it's advisable to check forecasts during those months.
Temperature Range 68F to 86F (20C to 30C)
High Temp 95F
Low Temp 39F
Average Temp 75F
What do I need to know about Shenzhen?
Language Mandarin Chinese
Currency Renminbi (CNY)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population Over 13 million
Timezone China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8)
How do I get around Shenzhen?
Taxis, metro, and buses are available near the terminal. The Shenzhen Metro Line 2 has a nearby station (He Xiangning Art Museum), with further connections to other lines in the city.
What are The Best Things to do in Shenzhen?
Discover what you should do while you're in Shenzhen.
Historical and cultural landmarks
Splendid China Folk Village
9003 Shennan Ave, Nanshan, Shenzhen
A miniature representation of China's landmarks and ethnic village exhibits.
Distance from Terminal: 13.7 miles
Shekou Sea World Culture and Arts Center
Hai Shi Jie, Shekou
Waterfront cultural hub featuring design, art exhibitions, and performances.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Window of the World
9037 Shennan Ave, Nanshan, Shenzhen
Experience global landmarks recreated meticulously in miniature models.
Distance from Terminal: 13.6 miles
Huaqiao Cheng Cultural and Creative Park
OCT Loft, Nanshan
Explore artistic studios, galleries, and cafes.
Distance from Terminal: 14 miles
Eat Durian at Lok Ma Chau
Lok Ma Chau Durian Market
Brave the smell and savor the king of fruits at this infamous durian market.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
Lantern Festival at Splendid China
9003 Shennan Ave, Nanshan, Shenzhen
Experience illuminated night paths in an annual event each autumn.
Distance from Terminal: 13.7 miles
Tea Discourse in OCT Harbour
OCT Harbour, Nanshan
Become deeply immersed in the subtle art of Chinese tea ceremonies.
Distance from Terminal: 14 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
OCT East Tea Stream Valley
Overseas Chinese Town East, Dameisha
A scenic valley to explore local tea culture and spectacular autumn views.
Distance from Terminal: 19 miles
Dapeng Peninsula Kayaking
Dapeng Peninsula
Paddle the scenic coastlines and discover hidden sea caves.
Distance from Terminal: 35 miles
A Little Extra
Seafood BBQ at Dongmen Night Market
Dongmen Street, Luohu
Indulge in freshly grilled seafood and street snacks.
Distance from Terminal: 9 miles
Shenzhen Book City Read-a-thon
Futian District
Join an immersive reading marathon amid Shenzhen's vibrant literary outskirts.
Distance from Terminal: 14 miles
Boutique Cafe Hopping
N/A
Discover the city's thriving cafe culture offering locally inspired brews.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Overnight Trips
Overnight hike at Wutong Mountain
Wutong Village, Luohu
Trek to Shenzhen's highest peak with overnight camping options.
Distance from Terminal: 17 miles
Hot Spring Experience in OCT East
OCT East, Yantian
Relax in soothing natural springs surrounded by spectacular autumn foliage.
Distance from Terminal: 20 miles
Shenzhen's Abandoned Village Bicycle Tour
Various locations
Explore ghostly abandoned urban villages on a guided cycling tour.
Distance from Terminal: 20 miles
China Regional Tip
Selective strictness with jaywalking enforcement depending on city and district While jaywalking might be casually overlooked in some areas, in cities like Shenzhen, facial-recognition technology publicly shames offenders on digital billboards.