Visiting Shenzhen with kids

To be perfectly honest, Shenzhen wasn't high on the list of priorities in the itinerary.

We knew it was a modern futuristic innovation hub, but for us it wasn't much more.

But since we were a bit tired after visiting Hong Kong, and we still had some time to spare, we decided to spend "1 or 2 days there". And I am glad we did as it turned out to be one of our favourite places in the whole trip that left us with a feeling that we need to come back again.

In the end we spent 4 days and 3 nights there, and if it wasn't for the weather - first prohibitively hot, then windy and rainy - we could have easily spent much more!

Shenzhen is an amazing place to visit with kids: it has amazing and modern museums, cool hangout places with delicious foods, great indoor playgrounds and multiple beaches (if, unlike us, you are willing to give up some of the precious time that you could spend for actual exploration of the city!)

Read along to discover some unique experiences and way to make the most of your time in Shenzhen!

Why go?

Shenzhen offers families a perfect blend of modern attractions and cultural experiences that will captivate both parents and children.

The city's child-friendly infrastructure, safe environments, and excellent public transportation make it an ideal destination for family travel.

Getting there

We arrived to Shenzhen from Hong Kong by metro, which was surprisingly easy and straightforward.

By train: Shenzhen is a big city and a transportation hub so it is accessible by train, but due to its southern location, it can take a long time to travel to the destination you are interested in.

Hong Kong -> 0.3h
Wuhan -> 4.5 h
Changsha -> 3.5h
Beijing -> 8h and above
Shanghai-> 7h and above
Chongqing -> 7h and above
Kunming -> 7.5h
Lhasa -> 43h
Urumqi -> 47h

By plane: Most international visitors arrive via Hong Kong International Airport, followed by a train journey across the border, which takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Alternatively, families can fly directly into Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, which connects to major cities across Asia and beyond.

Visiting Shenzhen fits very well within our autumn itinerary, that takes you around the cities around south-east China.

Where to stay?

The choice of accommodation in Shenzhen largely depends on which attractions you plan to visit.

Futian district, the city's central business area, offers numerous family-friendly hotels with amenities like kids' clubs and swimming pools, making it an excellent base for exploring - we stayed in that district, it is quite well connected and we enjoyed it.

The Luohu district, adjacent to Hong Kong, provides convenient access to shopping and transportation hubs, while the Nanshan district places you closer to family attractions like Window of the World and Happy Valley.

Many international hotel chains in these areas offer spacious family rooms and children's amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for the whole family.

When to go?

The ideal time to visit Shenzhen with children is during the October-December period when the weather is mild and humidity levels are lower.

Spring months (March-May) also offer comfortable temperatures and occasional cool breezes, perfect for outdoor activities and theme park visits.

It's best to avoid the summer months of July and August when the city experiences high temperatures and frequent rainfall, which can make sightseeing with kids challenging.

Consider planning your trip around major Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival to experience special celebrations, though be prepared for larger crowds during these periods.

Best things to do in Shenzhen with kids

Finally, let's get to the point of that blog post, which is for me to share our favourite experiences from our time in Shenzhen!

Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning

While it might sound dull to take kids to an urban planning museum, I assure you there is plenty to do for the kids.

The exhibitions are engaging and modern, and there is a special section dedicated for the kids to experiment with their own city designs.

Dafen Oil Painting Village

What started as a painting reproduction factory, is now becoming increasingly popular with creatives and tourists alike.

Your kids will simply love creating their own little masterpiece (and it will cost you next to nothing). Afterwards you can have a pleasant stroll around the quiet streets and admire beautiful paintings.

OCT Loft in Shenzhen

OCT Loft is a great place to spend a chilled afternoon, whether you are travelling with kids or not.

Located in an old industrial quartier of the city, it has been transformed into the major creative hub.

It is full of trendy cafés, foodie hot spots, galleries and exhibitions.

Yu Xin Bookstore

Great place to visit in the Shenzhen Bay Area. The bookstore is absolutely stunning, and you can combine it with a stroll around the nearby promenade and a ride on a giant Ferris Wheel!