Shenzhen: Tourist Nightmare? Why Everyone Says 'Steer Clear!'

[Ellis Sauer DVM]

Alright, it feels like addressing the world in an airport lobby, I get it I get it! If we put it in a casual tone for our forum discussion, here’s how it would be:

• Hey, fellow travelers! Are you, like me, feeling the itch to go out and explore the world?
  • Particularly, I want to find some quiet places with beautiful views, rather than battling the crowds. Got any tips for off-peak travel?
  • Do you have any cities that you fell in love with and would never mind visiting again and again? Share them!
  • (In confidence, I've stumbled upon "Xiaohongshu," a popular platform among Chinese users for sharing life experiences and discoveries of great items, kind of like Instagram and Pinterest combined. Inspired by all the wonderful destinations, I am reaching out to helpful members of our community for advice.)
  • The point is: avoid scams! Request guidelines!
    • For us, "modern office workers" (referred to as hardworking young people), a trip out isn't easy and there are fears of encountering "minefields" or being misled.
    • Could those with experience share how not to fall into traps and miss out on troubles during trips?
    • Please offer a reliable travel guide or any hidden secrets to traveling well would also be great!
  • Bottom line: I'm itching to go on a trip! Come help me!

[Marc Price]

Maybe they're just worried you'll join the crowds! After all, Shenzhen is incredibly pleasant right now, with spring popping up everywhere. It's fantastic! [棒R]

[Susie Kutch-Green]

Hello! What kind of clothes should I wear for a visit in April?

[Howard Legros]

Many Shenzhen locals say there's not much to do here, but I think that's a misconception. Firstly, they might have become indifferent to their own surroundings. Secondly, life in Shenzhen is faster-paced compared to other parts of mainland China, which might lead locals to complain. Online, many just follow the trend of saying Shenzhen isn't fun. But honestly, Shenzhen is quite nice. Your experience of a place really depends on your mindset. I welcome friends from all over to visit Shenzhen! Come with a relaxed attitude: enjoy the sea, watch the clouds roll by under a blue sky, explore the countless free parks, feel the man-made buzz at OCT Harbour, witness the spectacular light show from over a hundred skyscrapers at the Civic Center, go cycling in Shenzhen Bay, or see a different kind of ocean wave at the observatory compared to Sanya or Qingdao. Don't listen to all the negativity online; those people often have a poor outlook. With that kind of attitude, they'd find fault anywhere, not just in Shenzhen. For instance, the lawns at Lianhua Hill Park are currently dotted with little flowers, and I find that alone incredibly beautiful. Life isn't lacking in beauty, just the eyes and the right mood to discover it.

[Orlando Ryan]

That's so true, mindset is crucial. Some people seem to be looking for things to complain about wherever they go.

[Samuel Kihn]

For those saying they want to see the sea, honestly, the coastline in almost any city center on the Shandong Peninsula is more beautiful than what you'll find in Shenzhen's suburban areas.

[Katrina Ziemann]

I wouldn't necessarily agree. I've been to Yantai, Weihai, and Qingdao. While the scenery there is nice, I found the water quality to be somewhat inferior to Shenzhen's. You can actually see crystal-clear 'glass sea' in Shenzhen.

[Ms. Alberta Moen]

Shenzhen is just one giant industrial park. It's okay if you're there to work like a dog, but for tourism? What's there to see?

[Terrence Beer]

Will it be crowded during the May Day holiday? I'm thinking of visiting Shenzhen and possibly making a side trip to Hong Kong.

[Benjamin Dooley]

Last May Day holiday, I visited Hong Kong but stayed in Shenzhen, commuting back and forth daily.

[Darren Sawayn]

How do you commute between Shenzhen and Hong Kong? And roughly how long does it take each way?

[Linda Dietrich]

Shenzhen might not seem to have a lot of 'fun' attractions, but Shenzhen Bay at dusk, during the 'blue hour,' is stunning. Also, the restrooms in Shenzhen's malls are impressively clean, and its parks are quite relaxing. There are plenty of beautiful spots that aren't crowded. Alternatively, you could stay in Shenzhen and make day trips to Hong Kong.

[Katrina Ziemann]

Wow, you really know your stuff! I'm arriving in Shenzhen tomorrow afternoon and leaving the afternoon of the day after. Do you have any itinerary suggestions for such a short trip?

[Mattie Lockman]

I consider myself a natural-born traveler; I usually find joy everywhere I go. But if I went to Shenzhen, even I might have to say, 'This is so boring.'

[Antoinette Ferry]

I'm going to Shenzhen in May, and after hearing what you (the previous commenter) said, I've lost all my excitement.

[Antoinette Ferry]

It has mountains, the sea, and bustling commercial areas – it's stunningly beautiful!

[Linda Dietrich]

Where is this?

[Timothy Denesik]

There's not much to do in Shenzhen, and I'm saying this as someone who grew up here. It feels like it's just malls for shopping, eating, drinking, and afternoon tea. Even the nearby beaches aren't that impressive.

[Wayne Marvin]

Haha, that's pretty much it. Besides shopping malls, all you have are parks.

[Samuel Kihn]

I just got back, and it was beautiful! I'm already planning to go again next month.