Located in the CBD area of Qianhai Special Economic Zone, we are within a mile of several major retail malls, restaurants and metro station. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center are all a 30-minute drive away and we are only three kilometers from Bay Glory Ferris Wheel. Enjoy panoramic views of the bay from your spacious guest room and our rooftop bar. We offer onsite dining, a fitness center and indoor heated pool.
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Cultured cuisine, innovation and scenic surroundings await in Shenzhen
Explore the history and culture of Shenzhen, one of China’s most interesting port cities, where the attractions are complemented by delicious Cantonese cuisine and a wealth of natural beauty. | By Paul Oswell | October 3, 2023
Over the centuries, Shenzhen, located in the Pearl River Delta, has transformed from a small village known for growing oysters and harvesting pearls into a global technology hub and one of China’s most affluent cities. You’ll find plenty to explore, from the beautiful beaches and parks that surround the busy metropolis to the historic markets and dynamic restaurant scene. Here are some of our recommendations for an unforgettable getaway in Shenzhen:
Distinguished dining: From oysters and caviar to roasted duck, Shenzhen has some of the world’s best Cantonese cuisine
Sightseeing and shopping: Take a day trip to Hong Kong for upscale shopping and a spectacular nightly fireworks display
Outstanding outdoors: Enjoy the natural beauty of Shenzhen with a scenic hike or a relaxing day at the beach
Cultured cuisine
In Shenzhen, you’ll find Cantonese cuisine, one of the most popular regional cuisines in China. Steamed or stir-fried meats and seafood are key, with popular dishes including ginger-soy fish and beef stir-fry with oyster sauce. Shenzhen also has a global restaurant scene thanks to its immigrant population, so expect to find high-end Italian menus alongside world-class dim sum.
Among the most sophisticated and stylish restaurants in Shenzhen is WU Modern Chao Cuisine, with its chic minimalism, clean lines and near-monochrome color scheme. The region’s famous oysters feature on the menu, as does caviar, and the restaurant has several private dining rooms plus a dedicated whiskey bar. Meanwhile, Gem Garden attracts elite diners with a cultured menu and elegant interiors that mix abstract curves with plush, silk-lined private dining rooms. Try the shellfish or the signature aged goose head for a truly authentic and memorable meal.
Local culinary craftsmanship is also celebrated at Conrad Shenzhen. The hotel’s Ch’ao Chinese Restaurant serves classic Cantonese dishes, focusing on high-quality, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients as part of its theme: ‘A Merchant’s Feast.’ If you’re yearning for a taste of home, international favorites are on the menu at The Common Room. After dinner, enjoy a craft cocktail at The Collective Bar, looking out over the skyline and Qianhai Bay.
Sightseeing and shopping
Shenzhen is a 15-minute train ride away from Hong Kong, making it a popular day trip for shoppers looking to browse designer stores. But visitors shouldn’t underestimate the offerings in Shenzhen either. The city has seen an explosion of shopping centers in recent years, and you’ll find designer clothes and goods at places such as Yitian Holiday Plaza or Luoho Commercial City.
Chung Ying Street, which marks the border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, combines shopping and history, with its traditional Chinese market plus several historical markers and museums like the Chung Ying Street Historical Museum. OCT Harbour is also a noteworthy shopping and entertainment center, offering a nightly music and fireworks show with traditional dancing and countless food vendors. Another cultural showcase worth seeing takes place at the Splendid China Folk Village, one of the many theme parks in Shenzhen. Hundreds of performers deliver a daily extravaganza that delves into Chinese history and culture through opera, acrobatics and more.
To take the guesswork out of exploring these attractions, your concierge at Conrad Shenzhen will happily coordinate a shopping excursion and can also secure tickets and transfers to any of the cultural events across the city.
Natural beauty
With a subtropical climate and scenery that combines beaches, hills and parks, Shenzhen has a lot to offer if you love the outdoors.
Start with Lianhua Shan Hill Park, where incredible panoramic city views are the reward for taking one of the walking trails to the hilltop. You’ll also find an outdoor square with fishponds, perfectly manicured flower gardens, a boating lake and plenty of picnic spots.
Some of the city’s best hiking trails lead to Xichong Beach, which is not only one of the largest beaches in Shenzhen, but it is also considered one of the most beautiful in China. Join locals swimming, surfing and picnicking in the surrounding woods, or take a boat out to a nearby island to explore the mangrove forests.
Dameisha Beach, part of Dameisha Seaside Park is also a hub of seaside activity, including water sports of all kinds like Jet Skiing and parasailing. From here, you can also walk along stretches of the Yantian Seaside Plank Road, a greenway that follows the coastline, with its own hiking trails and viewing platforms.
After a full day of exploration, the hot tub at Conrad Shenzhen awaits to help you unwind. The hotel also has an indoor, heated swimming poolfeaturing stunning panoramic views for a leisurely dip any time.
Shenzhen may be one of China’s lesser-explored cities, but it has history, culture and scenery to rival any of the country’s more famous destinations. Its closeness to Hong Kong makes it a great base to explore the region, and the views of its magnificent natural surroundings will stay with you for years to come.
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
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