IF you’ve already visited Shenzhen’s regular parks, museums, and beaches, the city offers another exciting option for holidaymakers. Whether you’re a foodie, an electronics enthusiast, a fashionista searching for the perfect outfit, or someone looking to capture stunning photos for social media, Shenzhen’s pedestrian streets — each with its unique charm — are well worth exploring.

Dongmen Pedestrian Street 东门步行街

This bustling area is packed with shops and mini-stalls selling everything from souvenirs, clothing, and bags to handmade curtains. The goods are affordable yet of decent quality. Highlights include the multi-story Junma Fashion Wholesale Market, Baohua Building (with accessories on the first floor and women’s clothing above), and Sun Plaza, a department store featuring brand-name fashion.

Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy, with numerous food stalls, hawker stands, and restaurants. Don’t miss the alley dedicated to Chaoshan snacks.

Must-visit spots:

The first McDonald’s on the Chinese mainland — a great spot for a quick bite and some nostalgic snapshots.

Wenheyou, a trendy food and culture hub offering Changsha-style drinks and snacks, often buzzing with young crowds.

Metro: Line 1 or 3 to Laojie Station (老街站)

Huaqiangbei Commercial Street 华强北步行街

Known as “China’s No. 1 Electronics Street,” Huaqiangbei is a paradise for tech lovers, offering an overwhelming variety of electronic and digital products. The area spans multiple buildings, making it impossible to explore fully in a single day. It’s an excellent place to pick up small electronics and accessories like phone cases and stands — just remember to bargain!

Must-visit spots:

Seg Electronics Market: Famous for ultra-low prices on gadgets and accessories.

Yuanwang Digital Mall: A one-stop shop for new and used cell phones and digital products, with trade-in options.

Feiyang Times Building: Best for veterans seeking phone repair services or used devices.

Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Huaqiang North Station (华强北站); Line 1 to Huaqiang Road Station (华强路站); or Line 3 to Huaxin Station (华新站)

Sea World Pedestrian Street 海上世界步行街

Centered around the Minghua, a retired French liner, this area boasts an international bar street and Shenzhen’s largest open-air water-music show. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, especially after dark.

Nearby attractions:

Nyuwa Coastal Park: Featuring a picturesque white lighthouse, a statue of the Chinese goddess, and stunning sea views at sunset.

Sea World Culture and Arts Center: A year-round venue for art exhibitions, with an outdoor garden on the fourth floor offering ocean vistas.

K11 ECOAST: A massive retail and cultural complex, perfect for capturing nightscapes and moonrise shots.

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站)

OH Bay 欢乐港湾

OH Bay is home to the iconic Bay Glory Ferris wheel, a waterfront park, and green corridors, making it one of Shenzhen’s most popular tourist spots. It’s ideal for seaside walks, sunset views, or a Ferris wheel ride to take in the city’s skyline and sea. Book lovers shouldn’t miss Zhongshuge, one of Shenzhen’s most beautiful bookstores, with its stairways of books.

Must-visit spots:

Snap photos with the Ferris wheel in the late afternoon or at dusk.

Spend some time at the Zhongshuge bookstore.

Metro: Line 5 to Linhai Station (临海站)

Bantian Handmade Culture Street 坂田手作文化街

Divided into five themed zones — cultural diversity, Chinese traditions, intangible heritages, trendy lifestyle, and exhibitions — this street features charming South of Yangtze-style architecture. The best time to visit is in the evening when lanterns illuminate the area. Unlike the bustling streets mentioned earlier, this spot is quieter and perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Metro: Line 10 to Guangyayuan Station (光雅园站) or Nankeng Station (南坑站)

Guangming Redwood Town

光明红木小镇

This niche destination is a haven for fans of mahogany furniture and crafts. The scenery is beautiful by day and dazzling at night, with a musical fountain creating colorful water columns.

Families will love the free-to-visit animal exhibits. Miniature landscapes like a general’s mansion and beacon towers add to the charm. Older visitors can reminisce at the Xi Wu Museum, which displays nearly 500 items from decades past, offering a glimpse into Chinese folk customs and recent history.

Must-visit spots:

The quirky zoo (despite the odor) is a hit with young visitors.

Xi Wu Museum for a nostalgic journey through China’s rapid evolution.

Metro: Line 6 to Honghuashan Station (红花山站)(Li Dan)