Day Trips · Shenzhen
One Day in Shenzhen: An Hour-by-Hour Plan
A detailed one-day plan for Shenzhen, including how to book tickets, set up payments, and navigate the city. Follow these steps to make the most of your day.
· 7 min read
Overview
Shenzhen is a vibrant city that can be explored in a single day. The most efficient itinerary includes visiting Huaqiang North (hardware market) in the morning, followed by either the Nanshan seaside or a creative park in the afternoon, and ending with a view of the skyline in the evening. Each location is connected by 30-40 minute metro rides. The key to a successful day is preparation the night before, including booking, setting up payment methods, and downloading essential apps.
Preparation the Night Before
- Book Tickets for Venues: Many museums, parks, and exhibitions in China require real-name reservations. Use your passport number to book tickets 1-7 days in advance. Double-check the passport number to avoid issues at the entrance. For detailed instructions, see how to book park or museum tickets in China.
- Download Amap: Google Maps does not work in China. Download Amap Global from App Store or Google Play. Use the English interface and search for locations using their Chinese names. For a guide on using Amap, visit the official Amap usage guide.
- Set Up Payment Methods: Download Alipay from Alipay's official website. In Alipay, tap Me > Bank Cards > add card, then upload your passport photo for verification. This process usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 72 hours. For WeChat Pay, follow this step-by-step guide for foreigners.
- Fill Out the Entry Card: Starting November 20, 2025, you must fill out the entry card online. Use the official entry form at the National Immigration Administration's website. Be cautious of phishing sites; for more information, see the immigration bureau's tips.
Morning: Huaqiang North (华强北)
Huaqiang North is a famous electronics market. The market is generally open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with component counters closing around 3-4 PM. To get there, use the metro (Line 2 or Line 7) and search for 华强北 in Amap. For a detailed guide, read bunnie Huang's free guide to Shenzhen. If you want to see how others have shopped here, check out this story about making an iPhone in Shenzhen.
- Arrive at Huaqiang North station (华强北).
- Check the building directory in the lobby to find the specific floor for components or complete devices.
- When asking for prices, use these phrases: 'Is this new or used?', 'Is this price per unit or per box?', and 'Can I test the unit I want to buy?'
- For purchases, ensure the power bank has a 3C certification if you plan to take it on a domestic flight. For more details, see the CAAC's announcement.
Lunch: Near Huaqiang North (华强北)
Find a restaurant near the market. Most places offer QR code menus. Scan the QR code to order and pay through Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Afternoon: Choose One Option
Select one of the following options for the afternoon:
- Seaside and Skyline: Visit Shenzhen Bay Park (深圳湾公园) and Talent Park (人才公园). These parks offer long walking paths, and renting a shared bike can save time. Search for 深圳湾公园 and 人才公园 in Amap.
- Creative Park: Explore OCT-LOFT Creative Culture Park (华侨城创意文化园), a renovated industrial area with numerous coffee shops and design stores. Search for 华侨城创意文化园 in Amap.
- Museum: Visit Shenzhen Museum (深圳博物馆). Note that you must book tickets in advance. Search for 深圳博物馆 in Amap. For more information on booking, see the example of real-name reservation.
Evening: Skyline and Dinner
Head to the Ping An Finance Center (平安金融中心) or Kingkey 100 (京基100) for a view of the skyline. Check the opening hours and ticket prices at the venue. For dinner, choose a restaurant in the area. Search for 平安金融中心 or 京基100 in Amap.
Transportation Tips
Shenzhen's metro system accepts cash (1 yuan coins and 5/10 yuan notes) at ticket machines and service windows. You can also use Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a Shenzhen Tong card. For more details, see Express Transit's guide to Shenzhen metro and HK My Travel's guide to paying for Shenzhen metro tickets.
For taxis, use Didi. Download the Didi app from App Store or Google Play. Do not download DiDi Rider, as it is not usable in mainland China. For more information, see China Survival Kit's guide to translation apps.
Phone Configuration Before Departure
Ensure your phone is set up with the necessary apps and services before you leave:
- WeChat: Register for WeChat while still in your home country. Follow China Survival Kit's WeChat setup guide for foreigners. Use WeChat for payments, adding friends, and ordering food. For more on using QR codes, see Trip.com's guide to WeChat QR codes.
- Payment Apps: Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay. For Alipay, go to Me > Bank Cards > add card, and upload your passport for verification. For WeChat Pay, follow China Navigator's guide to WeChat Pay for foreigners.
- Map App: Download Amap Global from App Store or Google Play. Use the English interface and search for locations using their Chinese names. For a guide on using Amap, visit the official Amap usage guide.
- Translation App: Google Translate is no longer available in China. Use Apple Translate, Microsoft Translator, Baidu Translate, or Youdao. For more information, see China Survival Kit's guide to translation apps in China.
- Ride-Hailing App: Download Didi from App Store or Google Play. Do not download DiDi Rider, as it is not usable in mainland China.
- Internet Access: Purchase an eSIM or a local SIM card upon arrival. For more information, see Trip.com's guide to getting a SIM card in China and China Guidelines' guide to SIM cards.
What it looks like
Frequently asked
How do I book tickets for venues in Shenzhen?
Use your passport number to book tickets 1-7 days in advance. Double-check the passport number to avoid issues at the entrance. For detailed instructions, see how to book park or museum tickets in China.
What payment methods are accepted in Shenzhen?
Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Shenzhen Tong cards are widely accepted. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you arrive. For more information, see the step-by-step guide for foreigners on setting up WeChat Pay.
Which map app should I use in Shenzhen?
Use Amap Global, which is available in the App Store and Google Play. Search for locations using their Chinese names. For a guide on using Amap, visit the official Amap usage guide.
How do I get around Shenzhen using the metro?
The metro accepts cash (1 yuan coins and 5/10 yuan notes) at ticket machines and service windows. You can also use Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a Shenzhen Tong card. For more details, see Express Transit's guide to Shenzhen metro and HK My Travel's guide to paying for Shenzhen metro tickets.
What should I do if I need to call a taxi in Shenzhen?
Use the Didi app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play. Do not download DiDi Rider, as it is not usable in mainland China. For more information, see China Survival Kit's guide to translation apps.
On the ground in China
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About this guide
Written and maintained by the China Unboxed team from Shenzhen. We keep guides current and general on purpose — always verify prices and policies against official sources before booking.
Related in this series
- the six districts of Yiwu International Trade City
- the Shenzhen electronics market and how to get there
- how to shop Huaqiangbei without overpaying
- crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and back in a day
- which Huaqiangbei building holds which components
- the scams that actually happen at Huaqiangbei
- whether a Shenzhen buying trip is worth the cost
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