WAITING hours between flights no longer means sitting idle at the gate. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has turned layovers into mini-adventures with a new free city tour program for international transit passengers.

The initiative, part of the airport’s “Fly to Shenzhen” transit product lineup, creates an innovative “aviation + tourism” model that transforms waiting time into a window for discovering the city.

Who can join?

International and regional transit passengers with a layover of six hours or more at Shenzhen airport are eligible, including international-to-domestic, domestic-to-international, and international-to-international connections. Foreign travelers must hold a valid visa or qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

Advance online registration is required. Passengers can sign up via the QR code below and gather at the designated meeting point after arrival. Places are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Two tour options

Half-Day City Tour

8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. daily

This is for layovers of over eight hours. The tour takes visitors to Nantou Ancient City and Shenzhen Talent Park in Nanshan District.

Built in 1394 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Nantou Ancient City — originally known as Xin’an Ancient Town — served as a military and administrative center and later as the seat of Bao’an County. Often called the “cultural root of Shenzhen and Hong Kong,” it preserves Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)-style residences and temple, including the Guandi Temple and the Dongguan Chamber. Over the centuries, the ancient town has borne witness to the shifting fortunes of Shenzhen’s urban center.

Shenzhen Talent Park spans 770,000 square meters in the Houhai area. It features lakeside jogging trails, waterfront cafés, and stunning views of the Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base, with drone shows occasionally lighting up the night sky.

Coastal Short Tour

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily

This is for layovers of over six hours. It showcases the OH Bay area in Bao’an District. Highlights include the iconic Bay Glory Ferris wheel, beautifully designed waterfront promenades, and the acclaimed Zhongshuge Bookstore, often dubbed “China’s most beautiful bookstore” for its whimsical, Instagram-worthy interiors.

Intl. services at SZ airport

As of July 2026, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport operates 63 international and regional passenger routes covering five continents. The airport continues to enhance the transit experience with multilingual services, convenient payment options, and improved facilities, making connections smoother and more comfortable for international travelers.

The airport plans to further integrate aviation, tourism, and urban services to expand its transit product offerings. The goal is to ensure that every layover is not just a flight connection, but a memorable city experience worth savoring.(Tang Li)