Shenzhen

Shenzhen, China's first special economic zone and its youngest first-tier city, has undergone a stunning transformation in just over four decades. This emerging international garden city has become a hub of high-tech innovation, a choice for entrepreneurial ambitions, and a gorgeous travel destination with charming coastal scenery.

The tourism industry is a pillar of Shenzhen's economic development, not only directly driving economic growth and employment but also enhancing the city's image and infrastructure, promoting industrial diversification and regional cooperation. In 2024, the total number of the visits by tourists reached 187 million, an increase of 11.8 percent year-on-year, with the total tourism revenue reaching CNY 275.06 billion, marking a 15.5 percent year-on-year surge. Leveraging its strategic position in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen has developed a highly efficient transportation network. It now sustains direct air connections to over 45 destinations around the world through more than 800 scheduled flights weekly. Meanwhile, its extensive rail system boasts 17 subway lines and four high-speed railway stations, seamlessly linking Shenzhen to a high-speed rail network of 25,000 kilometers across China, allowing for a 14-minute direct access to Hong Kong.

Besides its breathtaking coastal landscapes, the rich cultural heritage of diversity and dynamic urban traits all contribute to unique compelling tourism experiences in this city. Kunpeng Trail marked by "one ridge, one belt, and 20 corridors" connects over 10 major peaks, more than 20 natural suburban parks, over 10 large lakes and reservoirs, over 10 historical and cultural sites, and more than 30 urban scenic spots. Walking on it, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the seamless interplay of mountains, sea, and urban charm of this city. From the timeworn alleys of Nantou Ancient Town to Huaqiangbei (which is renowned as the "top electronic street of China"), through the modern road of OCT-LOFT and into antique buildings of Gankeng Hakka Town, each destination reflects a fusion of local cultural elements, those from the rest of China and even foreign countries. The cultural fusion shaped Shenzhen's unique urban character. Beyond the cultural heritage, Shenzhen is also known as the "Capital of Theme Parks", with a series of theme parks like the Window of the World, the Happy Valley, and the Splendid China Folk Village, as well as the recently completed "Bay Area Light" Ferris Wheel and the newly built Xiaomeisha Sea World, attracting numerous Chinese and foreign tourists. As a city of immigrants, Shenzhen is home to people from across China and around the world. The blend of different regional cultures and ingredients has also made Shenzhen a "kaleidoscope of food".

In recent years, the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government has taken multiple measures for the high-quality development of the tourism industry in Shenzhen, including special funding support, infrastructure improvement, innovation in tourism products, enhancement of service quality, and expansion of regional cooperation. To raise Shenzhen's global tourism profile, the city has been placing tourism advertisements through multiple channels in key cities both in China and other countries and regions, organizing tourism enterprises to participate in global exhibitions, and widely marketing its tourism products. Additionally, as part of its efforts to strengthen international collaboration, Shenzhen has been actively inviting large buyer groups comprising major Chinese and international tourism enterprises to visit the city to promote its tourism brand. These efforts have not only improved Shenzhen's appeal as a world-class travel destination but also laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of its tourism industry.