Shenzhen Travel: Dodging the Tourist Traps (A Survivor's Guide!)

[Ken Fahey]

Here comes the heartache of a native Shenzhen resident, who carefully sorted out eight major travel "trap" points. Make sure to avoid them next time you visit! (This article also provides the correct way to play!)

For friends who have just returned from Shenzhen, do you feel that the popular scenic spots and their photos are different? Don't worry, I'll share this trap avoidance guide with you right now. It's suggested to save it before departing ️.

• Major Pitfall 1: The Miniature Landscapes at World Window Park

  • This park features miniature reconstructions of world-famous landmarks and ancient sites. The entrance ticket is priced at 220 RMB, but it mainly looks like a display of models, making the photos taken there unremarkable. Most appealing photos require post-production editing; popular attractions may make you wait in line for two hours, yet your experience would last only five minutes.
  • Recommended Play Style:
    • Go wild in “Happy Valley” (a large amusement park) and relieve stress with screams of excitement.
    • Or head to “Ganjin Hakka Town,” a distinctive Hakka village that is perfect for traditional dress-up photo shoots.

• Major Pitfall 2: Buying Street Food on Nantou Old Street

  • The street is packed with people, making it impossible to move around! As for street food 'specialties', they can be found all over China and lack Shenzhen-specific features. For instance, a fruit salad might start at 30 RMB, so be cautious not to get shocked by prices!
  • Recommended Play Style:
    • Visit the “Saltfield Night Market”. A meal there could cost as low as 10 RMB.
    • Alternately, try “Nanmen One Block Food Street” for genuine flavors preferred by locals.

• Major Pitfall 3: Visiting Dayuan Beach During Holidays

  • There are so many people, as if they were dumplings boiled in a pan! Just changing clothes takes an hour-long queue. Additionally, garbage accumulates on the beach, giving tourists a less-than-desirable experience.
  • Recommended Play Style:
    • Explore “Yangmeking” seaside spot, where the water's bluish tint resembles gummy candies.
    • Or stay at the “Jiaochangwei" seaside B&Bs for a tranquil holiday.

(Continuing in a similar manner for the remaining pitfall points...)

• Warnings from Local Residents:
  • Transportation: In Shenzhen, taking subways or buses is often quicker and cheaper compared to taking a taxi, especially during peak hours.
  • Outfit: Malls and subway stations are heavily air-conditioned, creating a significant temperature difference from outside. Always carry a light jacket, or you may catch a cold easily.
  • Sunscreen: On seaside areas, ultraviolet rays are exceptionally strong! Apply SPF50+ sunscreen frequently, or risk sunburns.
  • Cuisine: For authentic and affordable dishes, venture into "village enclaves" (preserved old villages amid urban development where there are many local eateries), where food quality and prices are excellent!

Have you experienced any other Shenzhen pitfalls? Share them in the comment section so more people can avoid them!
（If it is useful, give a thumbs-up so that more travelers can see!）

[Lucia Feest]

You should probably skip OH Bay. I just went today, and it was a total rip-off for me.

[Orville DuBuque]

Oh, not much to do there? I was actually planning to go check it out.

[Dr. Israel McLaughlin]

Shenzhen has many fun parks that are free, and just taking a walk in them is a great option.

[Alejandro Runolfsdottir]

I got burned by the OCT Creative Park.