SHENZHEN is bringing the ocean to the city. In celebration of the 18th World Oceans Day and China’s 19th National Ocean Awareness Day, both observed on June 8, a two-day immersive ocean-themed event will make a splash this Saturday and Sunday.

Under the theme “APEC · Nature Shenzhen SHOW,” the event will take over the south plaza of the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City — the world’s largest physical bookstore and a crown jewel of cultural tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, often dubbed the “Eyes of the GBA” — in Bao’an District.

Best of all? Admission is free — no registration, no reservation needed. Just show up and dive in.

One of the event’s main attractions, the Starfish Market brings together over 30 marine organizations, nature education groups, and NGOs from Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Here, visitors can dive into MR/VR experiences, join interactive games, admire delicate shell specimens, and browse creative marine-themed crafts. Between the fun, a pop-up book corner stocked with APEC-related marine reads offers a quiet spot to soak up knowledge.

For those eager to glimpse the future of the ocean, 10 local marine tech companies will showcase nearly 40 cutting-edge exhibits, from intelligent marine robots and smart lifeboats to high-speed unmanned vessels and high-resolution underwater imaging systems. Live demonstrations will bring real-world applications to life — covering marine mapping, ecological monitoring, and emergency rescue — a true feast for tech lovers.

The ocean’s wonders also unfold through lively performances, expert talks on coastal safety, striking installations, and detailed scientific illustrations of mangrove species.

(SD News)

Know Before You Go

Time: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on June 6–7

Location: South Plaza, Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City, Bao’an District

Participation: Free, walk-ins welcome

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit D/A1