About Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a prefecture-level city in Guangdong, China. A special economic zone, it is located on the east bank of the Pearl River estuary on the central coast of Guangdong, bordering Hong Kong to the south, Dongguan to the north, Huizhou to the northeast, and Macau to the southwest. With a population of 18.2 million in 2025, Shenzhen is the third-most-populous city by urban population in China after Shanghai and Beijing. The Port of Shenzhen is the world's fourth-busiest container port. Shenzhen has established itself as a premier global metropolis with a GDP that has surpassed Hong Kong and Singapore in recent years.
Where to stay in Shenzhen
Popular hotels in Shenzhen, out of 792 properties you can book.
Paco Hotel Shenzhen Luohu Port Branch
From $69 per night
Huaqiang Plaza Hotel Shenzhen
From $127 per night
CM+ Serviced Apartment Shenzhen Hillside
From $104 per night
Hotel Indigo Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town
From $249 per night
Grand Skylight Hotel Shenzhen
From $228 per night
L.gem Hotel Shenzhen
From $154 per night
Shanshui Hotel Shenzhen Huaqiangbei
From $64 per night
Hotel Kapok - Shenzhen Bay Branch
From $215 per night
Fraser Suites Shenzhen
From $150 per night
CM+ Serviced Apartment Shenzhen Taige
From $142 per night
Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen
From $666 per night
Sunshine Hotel Shenzhen
From $87 per night
Best time to visit Shenzhen
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Shenzhen is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 69–72°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Shenzhen weather forecast
- Thu 22 Oct 89° 74° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 71° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 89° 70° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 91° 73° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 91° 74° 24%
- Tue 27 Oct 90° 74° 10%
- Wed 28 Oct 86° 72° 10%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Chinese yuan (CNY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69
- Language
- Chinese
- Calling code
- +86
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/ShanghaiUTC+8
- Capital
- Beijing
Upcoming public holidays in China
- New Year's Day元旦
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)春节
- Labour Day劳动节
- Dragon Boat Festival端午节
- Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节
- National Day国庆节
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Shenzhen
These are the airports closest to central Shenzhen. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SZX Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport17 mi (27 km) from the city centre
Getting around Shenzhen
Shenzhen is big and spread out, so places can be further apart than they look on a map. When estimating travel time within the city, don't just eyeball it—check a map app to see how long it'll take to get somewhere.
By metro
Shenzhen Metro (深圳地铁) is the most convenient and easy-to-understand method of transport in Shenzhen. Fares are ¥2-15, depending on how far you're traveling. Trains come every 3 minutes or so and the metro runs until 23:00. Stations are announced in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. There is a relatively high standard of public courtesy on the Shenzhen Metro. Some customs are unusual to foreigners; for example, people will often give their seats up to young children. Eating or drinking on the metro is prohibited.
By taxi
All taxis in Shenzhen now are blue and white. There were red (guannei) or green cars (guanwai); but they have become a part of people's old memory now. Blue-white taxis are running by electric; and the latter two taxis are gasoline.
By bus
Local buses run everywhere, with prices ranging from ¥1–10. On shorter lines, the fare is fixed depending on the line; these buses are exact change only, with the price displayed on a sign in Chinese (look for a number followed by the character 元). Longer lines usually range from ¥2–10 depending on distance; fares are collected by an attendant on the bus who will ask you where you're getting off and can give change. Buses are comfortable and almost always air-conditioned.
Shenzhen travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Shenzhen?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Shenzhen is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 69–72°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Shenzhen?
July is usually the warmest month in Shenzhen, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 53°F (12°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 359 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Shenzhen?
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) is the closest airport, about 17 miles (27 km) from the centre of Shenzhen.
What currency is used in Shenzhen?
Shenzhen uses the Chinese yuan (CNY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69.
What time zone is Shenzhen in?
Shenzhen uses the Asia/Shanghai time zone (currently UTC+8). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Shenzhen?
Shenzhen is big and spread out, so places can be further apart than they look on a map. When estimating travel time within the city, don't just eyeball it—check a map app to see how long it'll take to get somewhere.
Where should I stay in Shenzhen?
Popular areas for hotels in Shenzhen include Luohu, Futian and Nanshan. Well-reviewed options include Paco Hotel Shenzhen Luohu Port Branch and Huaqiang Plaza Hotel Shenzhen.
How many hotels can I book in Shenzhen?
Destina Holidays currently lists 792 properties in and around Shenzhen, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
