Flights to Shenzhen (SZX)

Shenzhen is a strikingly stylish city on the south China coast that seamlessly blends urban development with open green spaces.

Seen as the gateway between Hong Kong and mainland China, the city features a slick transportation network, fantastic shopping experiences and one of the world’s tallest buildings. At almost 600m, the Ping'an International Finance Centre affords stunning views of the city. Check out the Free Sky viewing deck to look over Shenzhen Bay and a mesmerising jungle of high-rise buildings. At night, the city’s incredible skyline is highlighted in a spectacular light show at the Civic Center. See over a million colourful LED lights bounce across buildings, synchronised to music.

For shopping, Luohu Commercial City is Shenzhen’s showpiece destination. Head to this vast, five-level complex to find countless designer boutiques, stalls and tailors.

Despite its ever-growing collection of contemporary architecture, Shenzhen retains a breathy atmosphere thanks to its numerous parks. Lianhuashan Park is a particularly tranquil oasis, with its colourful flowerbeds and open lawns stretching for miles through the Futian Central Business District. To soak in Shenzhen’s coastal location and enjoy picturesque views over the water, head to Shenzhen Bay Park and stroll along a huge network of quiet trails.

Glorious beaches are also a key feature of Shenzhen, with Dameisha Beach on Mirs Bay one of the most popular. Here you can enjoy over a mile of fine, soft sand next to beautiful turquoise waters and a verdant mountainside. Further east along Mirs Bay, the trendy Xichong Beach is a surfer’s haven in the stunning Dapeng National Park.

For fascinating insights into Chinese culture, the Splendid China Folk Village is a unique attraction west of Shenzhen. Explore nearly 100 miniature recreations of famous Chinese sites, each dotted with thousands of tiny clay figures, and a collection of full-scale ethnic villages.

Although modern innovation is at the forefront of Shenzhen’s appeal, it also houses several intriguing historical areas. Visit Nantou Ancient Town, a small enclave where old temples and fortifications contrast sharply with the nearby skyscrapers.

No Shenzhen trip is complete without trying the famous Shajing oysters that are farmed in the city. Whether grilled, steamed or marinated, they’re known to be exceptionally tender and succulent. Delicious hotpots are a speciality in the city too, with coconut chicken and seafood variations bursting with flavour. For a classic Chinese dessert, try mango pudding, which uses evaporated milk for a creamy texture.