Plan a CruiseShenzhen is a major, populous city in China's Guangdong Province, positioned right next to Hong Kong and about 100 kilometers (62 mi) south of Guangzhou. It's recognized as a UNESCO Creative City and serves as a modern hub rather than a historical one. The city has extensively developed a range of impressive theme parks that combine entertainment with cultural education.
Cruise ships dock at the new Shenzhen Cruise Center, also known as Shenzhen Ferry Terminal or Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Homeport, which has taken over from the older Shekou Ferry Terminal nearby. When planning your visit, be aware that Shenzhen is rapidly developing; what's current today might be different tomorrow. It's advisable to use the most recent guidebooks with maps that include both English and Chinese characters, as local taxi drivers typically only speak Chinese.
Getting Around from the Port
From the Shenzhen Cruise Center, you have several options for getting around. The nearest Metro station, Shekou Port (on Metro Line 2, the Shekou line), can be reached by exiting at Exit C. This station is approximately a 600-meter walk from the terminal. Alternatively, free shuttle buses connect the metro stop to the Cruise Terminal, running every ten minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Taxis are also readily available, though be prepared that drivers usually only speak Chinese, so having your destination written in Chinese or pointed out on a bilingual map is essential. The Shenzhen Metro system, which includes connecting from Line 1 (from the Airport) to Line 2, is generally the most convenient and easiest way to navigate the city.
Attractions and Activities
Shenzhen is renowned for its modern attractions and theme parks, offering a unique blend of entertainment and cultural insight.
- Splendid China - Folk Culture Villages: Discover China's vast history and diverse cultures through miniature landmarks and live performances.
- Window of the World: Experience iconic global landmarks and cultures all in one day, featuring miniatures of famous sites from around the globe.
- Happy Valley: As the city's largest theme park, it offers thrilling rides and entertainment on a scenic coastline. Other notable attractions include Dameisha Beach, Xiaomeisha Beach, the Meridian View Center, Overseas Chinese Town East, Shenzhen Safari Park, Xiaomeisha Sea World, and Xili Lake Holiday Resort. For organized tours, you can compare options offered by your cruise line with independent providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Shenzhen offers a vibrant dining and shopping scene. For shopping, large malls cater to international visitors, often stocking larger clothing sizes. While these malls are popular, be aware that many items sold can be counterfeit, and bargaining is expected. A common strategy is to show the amount you're willing to pay with cash and then walk away; if they gesture you back, you can finalize the deal, always remaining courteous.
Dining in Shenzhen is an experience, with restaurants often clustered together, easily identifiable by their colorful decorations. Look for places frequented by local Chinese families, as menus usually feature pictures of dishes. Seafood is typically kept alive in tanks, ensuring freshness. Eating out is a lively affair with minimal etiquette, often quite noisy, so embrace the fun! Remember to only drink bottled water and even use it for brushing your teeth. Exercise common precautions when eating out.
Safety
When handling currency, there's a slight chance you might receive a small-denomination counterfeit bill. While there's little you can do about it, you can keep it as a souvenir. It is crucial to only drink bottled water and use it for brushing your teeth to avoid stomach issues. Always use common precautions when dining out. In case of an emergency, the number for China is 110. For Hong Kong and Macao, it's 999.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Yuan, also known as Renminbi (RMB).