Shenzhen History: Private Day Tour with Driver and Guide
Active
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
I’m Tony - after living in the UK for 11 years and working at HSBC UK, I returned to my hometown Shenzhen in 2019. I’ve also travelled to over 60 countries, which helps me understand what foreign visitors need from a city tour.
Shenzhen is an exciting, fast-changing city that is often underestimated. I’ve designed this unique one-day route to help you discover its highlights in one efficient, insightful trip - from the old commercial heart of Luohu to the modern CBD, the iconic Ping An Finance Center, scenic Shenzhen Bay, and vibrant Huaqiangbei electronics market.
This is my personal signature route, based on my experience growing up here and my global perspective. My team and I all have international backgrounds, and we do these tours part-time because we love showing visitors our city in an authentic way.
We also offer pick-up/drop-off from Hong Kong (upon request), and can tailor the itinerary if needed.
Contact us anytime - we look forward to helping you explore Shenzhen!
Available options
Shenzhen History: Private Day Tour with Driver and Guide
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Bottled water
English speaking guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Hotel Pick-up & Drive through Luohu District (Approx. 30 min)
Your journey begins with a hotel or a station pick-up. We’ll start by driving through Luohu, the original heart of Shenzhen’s development. Along the way, we will pass by the iconic Diwang Building (Shun Hing Square) and surrounding areas. Your guide will provide an introduction to Shenzhen’s early economic history and the significance of this district.
2
Drive through Futian District CBD & Civic Center (Approx. 20 min)
Next, we’ll head west towards Futian, Shenzhen’s current financial and administrative hub. From the car, you’ll see the skyline of Futian CBD, including the Shenzhen Civic Center, the headquarters of major companies, and striking modern architecture. This is the perfect moment to learn about the rapid economic development of the city in the past two decades.
3
Visit to Ping An Finance Center (Approx. 1–1.5 hrs)
We will stop for a visit to the Ping An Finance Center, one of the tallest buildings in the world. (Admission to the observation deck is optional and not included in the tour price.) If you choose to go up, enjoy stunning panoramic views of Shenzhen and beyond. Otherwise, explore the surrounding commercial area and admire the architecture from the ground.
Lunch Break (Approx. 1.5 hr)
Enjoy a lunch break at your leisure. Lunch is not included in the tour price, but your guide will be happy to recommend excellent local restaurants according to your preferences—whether you’d like to try Cantonese cuisine, dim sum, or other local specialties.
4
Shenzhen Bay Coastal Area & Binhai Boardwalk (Approx. 1–1.5 hrs)
We will continue west to Shenzhen Bay. If the weather is nice, we will park the car and take a relaxing walk or a bike ride along the Binhai Boardwalk, with beautiful views of the skyline of Shenzhen Bay and Yuen Long of Hong Kong across the water. This spot offers a great opportunity to experience the city’s connection with its surroundings and enjoy a bit of nature within the urban environment.
5
Final Stop: Huaqiangbei Electronics Market (Flexible Time)
Our last stop is the world-famous Huaqiangbei Electronics Market, a paradise for tech lovers. You can explore the market, browse thousands of electronic products, or simply experience the lively atmosphere. The tour officially ends here - you may choose to stay and continue exploring on your own or have us take you back to your hotel.
Highlights here:
• Storm the "Hardware Silicon Valley" – Navigate a multilevel ecosystem where chip futures traders clash with drone modders
• Survival Hacks Live Coaching:
➤ Master "Calculator Diplomacy" (silent bargaining)
➤ Whisper "wholesale price" magic words
➤ Decode the AirPods Evolution Tree (genuine vs. clone spectrum)
➤ Pro Tip: Bring empty luggage – leave with battle-tested gadgets at factory-direct rates
What's not included
Lunch
Dinner
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a dynamic metropolis known as China's first Special Economic Zone. It's a vibrant blend of futuristic skyscrapers, lush parks, and innovative technology, making it a unique destination for business and leisure travelers alike. The city's rapid transformation from a small fishing village to a global tech hub offers a fascinating glimpse into modern China's development.
Top Attractions
Window of the World
A theme park featuring scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. It's a unique and entertaining way to see iconic sights in one place.
Cultural
4-6 hours
¥140-200
Splendid China Folk Culture Village
A theme park showcasing the diverse cultures and architecture of China's 56 ethnic groups. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich heritage.
Cultural
4-6 hours
¥140-200
Dameisha Beach
A popular beach destination with golden sands, clear waters, and various water sports activities. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Beach
Half-day to full day
Free (activities and rentals may incur additional costs)
Shenzhen Bay Park
A scenic park along the coast, offering beautiful views of the bay and Hong Kong's skyline. It's a popular spot for walking, cycling, and picnicking.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Shenzhen Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of Shenzhen, from its early days as a small fishing village to its rapid transformation into a modern metropolis.
Museum
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Shumai
A type of Cantonese dumpling filled with minced pork, shrimp, and sometimes other ingredients like mushrooms or water chestnuts. It's typically steamed and served as dim sum.
Dumpling
Contains pork and shrimp
Rice Noodle Roll (Cheung Fun)
A thin, delicate rice noodle roll that can be filled with shrimp, beef, or vegetables. It's often served with a savory sauce and is a popular dim sum item.
Noodle
Can be made with various fillings, including vegetarian options
Egg Tart
A small, round pastry filled with a rich, custard-like egg mixture. It's a popular dim sum item and can also be found in bakeries throughout the city.
Dessert
Contains eggs and dairy
Seafood Hotpot
A spicy or non-spicy broth served with an assortment of fresh seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and clams. It's a popular dining experience in Shenzhen, especially in coastal areas.
Main course
Contains seafood, can be made with various levels of spiciness
Popular Activities
Hiking in Shenzhen Bay Park
Water sports at Dameisha Beach
Biking along coastal trails
Sunbathing at Xiaomeisha Beach
Tea tasting at local tea houses
Shopping at Coco Park
Visiting Shenzhen Museum
Exploring Nanshan Temple
Best Time to Visit
October to December
This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various festivals and events.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Widely spoken: Cantonese, English (in tourist areas and business settings)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas and business settings, limited in other areas
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence in tourist areas
Shenzhen is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence in tourist areas. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, so it's essential to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services like DiDi
- • Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas
- • Always agree on a price before taking a taxi or hiring a tour guide
Getting there
By air
- Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport • 35 km from city center
- Shenzhen Futian Checkpoint • 10 km from city center
By train
Shenzhen Railway Station, Shenzhen North Railway Station
By bus
Shenzhen Bao'an Bus Terminal, Shenzhen Futian Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Shenzhen Metro is modern, efficient, and air-conditioned, making it the most convenient way to get around the city. Signs and announcements are in both Chinese and English.
Taxis
Available • Apps: DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Futian District
Luohu District
Nanshan District
Yantian District
Day trips
Hong Kong
30-50 km, depending on the destination • Half day to full day
Hong Kong is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city offering a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic temples, bustling markets, and stunning natural scenery. It's a popular day trip destination from Shenzhen, offering a unique blend of Chinese and British influences.
Dongguan
80-100 km, depending on the destination • Full day
Dongguan is a city in Guangdong Province known for its historic sites, cultural attractions, and natural scenery. It's a popular day trip destination from Shenzhen, offering a mix of old and new.
Zhuhai
140-160 km, depending on the destination • Full day
Zhuhai is a coastal city in Guangdong Province known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens. It's a popular day trip destination from Shenzhen, offering a more relaxed atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery.
Festivals
Shenzhen International Cultural Festival • October to November (varies by year)
Shenzhen International Design Week • September (varies by year)
Shenzhen Marathon • January (varies by year)
Pro tips
- Use the Shenzhen Metro for convenient and affordable transportation around the city
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your travel experience and interact with locals
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and modern attractions
- Try local street food and snacks for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
- Visit the city's cultural attractions, such as museums and temples, to gain a deeper understanding of Shenzhen's rich history and heritage
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
