Planning Your Trip

In the span of two decades, Shenzhen, in southeastern China just above Hong Kong, has transformed itself from a fishing village of 30,000 to a world hub of science and technology with over 20 million inhabitants. Here’s a packing guide for exploring and doing business in this chic metropolis.

What to Pack

The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen

Don't Forget: The city’s location on the Pearl River delta makes typhoons likely, especially during summer, from June to October. Even outside of the typhoon season, rainfall in Shenzhen is a regular occurrence. Pack an umbrella, a rain jacket and waterproof shoes to be prepared.

Business Travel

Shenzhen is considered the “Silicon Valley of China” because of its concentration of innovative startups and established tech companies. However, unlike the Silicon Valley of America, you won’t find entrepreneurs walking into meetings in hoodies.

For men, suits are the norm, in neutral and dark colors. Going tie-less might be OK in some cases, but it’s always safe to bring a few.
Women should pack a few tailored suits as well, or opt for pencil skirts and blazers.
For less formal functions, pack a business casual outfit.

Exploring the City

Shenzhen isn’t all about business. There are also tons of opportunities for shopping, and a number of parks, golf courses, and other entertainment venues sprinkled throughout the city.

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers will do you well for hopping from place to place.
The city has a subtropical climate, meaning summers are wet and hot. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen and bring a light sweater for the air-conditioned indoors.
For mild winters, pack jeans, long-sleeved shirts, a windbreaker, and a warm jacket.

Cultural Considerations

Shenzhen may be China’s most innovative and forward-thinking city, but it’s conservative in many ways. Here are some things to keep in mind as you pack.

Even in swelteringly hot and humid summers, short shorts and revealing tops are frowned upon. Instead, choose loose linen pants, shorts and skirts of an appropriate length, and shirts in lightweight and breathable fabrics.
In crowded areas, beware of petty thieves. A cross-body purse is a good idea to keep your valuables close.
Gain a deeper understanding of Shenzhen’s history and amazing transformation with a handy guidebook.

Large counter with food display and a woman arranging a table in front of a large window in the background

What To Reserve

The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen

Perhaps its prominence as the Silicon Valley of China is the main reason Shenzhen is now the richest city in the country. Regardless, along with the startups and state-of-the-art architecture, you’ll also find great restaurants, a notable art scene, and sprawling parks. Below, are some suggestions for your itinerary.

Dining Reservations

Set in an opulent space, Xingli specializes in Chiuchow cuisine but also has a wide selection of Szechuan and Cantonese specialties. Book one of its 19 private rooms for a truly special experience. For all-day dim sum and fantastic Peking duck, go to Laurel. For Hong Kong specialties, like barbecued pork noodles, check out Cuiyuan. Shenzhen’s large ex-pat community also makes for a wide selection of international fare. Paletto aces fine Italian cuisine, Bollywood Café offers the city’s best Indian food, BAIA has the excellent Mediterranean, and Mash has the best burgers in town.

Spa Appointments

Occupying two floors, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Shenzhen is the perfect place to find peace and tranquility in the bustling city. Products by the prestigious skin-care brand Valmont are used in its signature treatments, like Heaven & Earth, which re-establishes your energy balance from head to toe and stimulates the flow of qi through your body. Or the Hot Stone, which uses aromatherapy oils and volcanic stones to relieve tension in your muscles. In summer, take advantage of the outdoor cabanas and the landscaped roof garden, which features an outdoor pool and sun deck.

Museum Tickets and Cultural Sights

Shenzhen’s Windows of the World is a 119-acre theme park filled with replicas of world landmarks, like Rome’s Colosseum, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, and India’s Taj Mahal. For a fast-track tour of China’s landmarks, go to Splendid China Folk Village for miniature versions of sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. For something more modern, head to OCT-Loft, a palm tree-lined arts and lifestyle district with bookstores, artisanal coffee shops, and galleries. Be sure to pay a visit to OCAT, the city’s acclaimed contemporary art museum.

Day Trips

Shenzhen’s proximity to Hong Kong makes the latter a perfect day trip. Start with afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen, which sits in the clouds on the 102nd floor of the International Commerce Centre. From here, you can look down on Victoria Harbour and the many other sky-high buildings. Hike the verdant trails at Victoria Peak for a little nature (coupled with more breathtaking views). Work up an appetite treasure hunting at the Temple Street Night Market, then book a table at Michelin-starred Tosca. Afterward, you can stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and catch the Symphony of Lights, a nightly light and sound show set against the glittering skyline.

Stream strewn with flower petals and surrounded by greenery

Itineraries

The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen

Shenzhen is the model of rapid growth in modern China, from its ever-expanding population to commit to building the tallest and starriest architecture possible. But within the jolting newness of skyscrapers and bustle of industry, you can still find the charm of the traditional in beautiful parks and carefully crafted cuisine. Whether you are walking through nature preserves, restaurants, artists’ galleries, or strolling by the water, you’re constantly aware of the contrast (and harmony) between what Shenzhen once was and what it has become.

Culinary Tour

Shenzhen is the epitome of a modern Chinese city with rapid population growth and a building boom of the tallest skyscrapers over the past 30-odd years. The dining scene has kept pace, marrying the traditional Chinese favorites of the region with an influx of international cuisines. From coffee shops next to art galleries to unforgettable traditional dim sum, take a culinary tour of all that Shenzhen has to offer.

Woman pouring tea at a wood counter with tea cups spaced evenly across it

Restaurant with chefs at live cooking stations and tables and chairs peppered throughout the space

Day 1

Morning

Dim Sum Breakfast: Sample an authentic dim sum selection at Flavorz with a choice of dumplings and teas. If you are looking for something more Continental for breakfast, you’ll find myriad other options with the five live stations and plentiful buffet.

Midday

Korean BBQ: Eating in Shenzhen is not limited to regional cuisine, with the Korean barbecue at BenJia Korean Restaurant ranking as a local favorite for the high quality of the meat and the vegetables. Choose from a wide variety of dishes, from soups to noodles to porridge to accompany your barbecue meats.

Afternoon

Oct Loft: Browse through art galleries and artist studios at the buzzy OCT Loft Creative Culture Park, which was converted from factories into a mixed-use space over 10 years ago. Depending on the day, you could see performances or find a market set up in the complex as well.

My Coffee Break: The OCT Loft area is known for its hip coffee cafés, but My Coffee gets extra commendations for its outstanding pineapple buns. Settle in for a coffee drink and fresh pastries from the back bakery in the stylish space.

Evening

Dinner at Shark: With exposed brick walls and glowing warm lights lending a lofty warehouse feel to the space, it’s no wonder that Shark has become a spot for the see-and-be-seen crowd. But you might find yourself more captivated by the quality of international cuisine. From steaks to tapas to pasta, there is something for every craving.

Day 2

Morning

German Breakfast: Experience a truly old-world breakfast at Baeckerei Thomas, a traditional German bakery turning out an amazing array of pastries, bread, and sandwiches. Look for nontraditional additions like pineapple pie or classic favorites like Linzer tortes.

Midday

Traditional Fare: Known for its traditional Cantonese food, Laurel Restaurant is a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. Try specialties like crab meat with corn soup and dim sum options, along with a selection from the well-stocked wine cellar.

Mangrove Walk: Stroll along the bay in the shade of mangrove trees on the scenic path of the Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve. In addition to the mangroves, you can see coconut and litchi trees along with the views over the water.

Afternoon

Sweet Treat: Enjoy a taste of France at Lu Patisserie, which specializes in French pastries. Dine in the private garden, which sets the feeling of a different world, along with the tarts, from creamy caramel to lemon. You can even take freshly baked bread home with you.

Evening

A Memorable Meal: Experience the ultimate in Chinese dining in the opulent space of Xingli at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen. The restaurant specializes in Chiu Chow cuisine, utilizing exclusive ingredients, along with a selection of Cantonese and Szechuan specialties. Choose from ordering individually or sharing family style to taste even more dishes.

The Perfect Weekend

Shenzhen has experienced exponential population growth over the past 30 years, which lends the city a distinctly modern feeling. From stunning sky-high buildings to charming tourist attractions, there’s more to see and do in Shenzhen every day. And while the sense of newness is pervasive, it’s worth taking the time to seek out the traditional, as well. Add in all types of delicious food and you have a perfect weekend ahead of you.

Day 1

Morning

Breakfast Flavorz: Sample the live-cooking stations at Flavorz, along with a lavish breakfast buffet. Whether you want traditional dim sum or a more Continental approach to your breakfast, you’ll find exactly what you want at Flavorz.

Overlook the City: Start your time in Shenzhen from a high point. Lianhuashan Park is perched on top of a hill overlooking the city. On the south side of the park, walk through coconut tree woods, or you can walk up to the top of the hill, where there is a statue of Deng Xiaoping. Depending on the season, you can walk by the lake, visit the blooming peach trees or sail a kite.

Midday

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden: Get lost in the Xianhu Botanical Garden, also known as Fairy Lake, with Buddhist temples, large lakes and lush landscapes everywhere you turn. You won’t feel like you are still in the city while exploring the 1,300-acre park.

Afternoon

Shenzhen Museum: Learn more about the 6,000-year history of Shenzhen through the city’s museum, which has everything from paleontological fossils to ancient art treasures up through the development of modern Shenzhen. The museum also has multiple exhibitions that are excellent for younger travelers.v

Day 2

Morning

Window of the World: One of Shenzhen’s best-known attractions is Window of the World, which features miniature replicas of the world’s most famous landmarks. Choose from 130 monuments, buildings and bridges, and if you want more, you can continue on the tour to see China Folk Culture Village, which takes you on a journey through the minority indigenous cultures of the country.

Midday

Oct Loft: Continue immersing yourself in modern Shenzhen at the OCT Loft Creative Culture Park development, which mixes bookstores and cafés with artist spaces and events. A former factory area, the site was redeveloped into a bustling mixed-use space in the early 2000s. After checking out the artists’ creations in the galleries, stop at one of the many coffee shops dotting the area or get something stronger at the Changpoo Tree Bar.

Afternoon

Visit Skyscrapers: Shenzhen has developed an international reputation for its sky-high buildings, with more buildings over 600 feet being built there in 2016 than in all of the United States. View the tallest in the city by visiting the Ping An Financial Centre, which rises to 1,820 feet.

Evening

Dinner at Paletto: Finish your weekend with a delicious Italian meal at Paletto, which fuses authentic techniques and traditional flavors with a modern twist. Enjoy antipasti, pizza, pasta, and grilled seafood in an opulent setting. Finish the evening downstairs at The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen with a cocktail at Curv while listening to live jazz.

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116 Fuhua San Road, Futian District,

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518048

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