Back from Shenzhen, really don’t recommend going in August because…
Hey babes👋! Just got back from Shenzhen, lots of people say don’t go in August, but I have to speak up for it—Shenzhen at this time is literally a summer-favored treasure trove! Yes, it’s really hot, but the beauty is absolutely stunning. I’ve put together a super complete guide, trust me, just go for it😎!
August in Shenzhen is like a spilled paint palette🎨! The seaside sunsets are different every day, with pink and purple gradients filling the sky, every snap is wallpaper-worthy; the lotus flowers at Lotus Hill are in full bloom, with lush green leaves hiding pink buds that nod in the breeze; in the evening, the urban villages light up with lanterns, the hum of air conditioners mixes with the sweet scent of iced milk tea—this is what summer should feel like~ The key is, even though students are on vacation and there are more people, malls and attractions have packed summer events, night markets, light shows, and water parks are all open, bustling like you’ve fallen into a happy planet✨!
Transportation Tips
🚇【Subway】Forever the best! Covers all popular spots, Line 11 even offers sea views, air conditioning is so strong you’ll need a light jacket, use Alipay to get the “Shenzhen Metro Ride Code” and just scan, super convenient~
🚌【Bus】Branch lines reach some alleys, like taking the bus to Nanshan Ancient City for a leisurely ride, you can see old houses along the way, just remember to wear sunscreen🌞
🚗【Taxi】Great for short trips, especially at night going to the seaside, a quick Didi ride with the evening breeze is way more comfortable than squeezing into the subway~
🚢【Ferry】Take a boat from Shekou Port to Hong Kong or Zhuhai, and enjoy the view of Shenzhen Bay from the sea, the sunset shining on the ship’s side is breathtaking!
Recommended Itineraries
Day 1: Seaside Fun
📍Morning: Shenzhen Bay Park🌊 Rent a shared bike and ride along Binhai Avenue, the sea breeze on your face is super refreshing, you can spot egrets fishing in the mangrove wetlands, stop to take a photo with the Spring Bamboo Tower, full of modern vibes~
📍Noon: Have a refreshing coconut chicken meal at Coastal City to beat the heat🥥
📍Afternoon: Dameisha Seaside Park Bring a swimsuit! Step into the waves and collect shells, rent a beach chair and watch others ride jet skis, the sunset dyes the sea golden red, your phone storage won’t be enough📸
📍Evening: Yantian Seafood Street Choose fresh seafood at the stalls, enjoy crab claws with sea breeze and a cold beer, absolutely amazing!
Day 2: City Stroll
📍Morning: Nanshan Ancient City Old alleys hide new surprises, weathered brick walls covered with bougainvillea, creative shops selling Shenzhen-themed fridge magnets, turn a corner and find an old lady selling pot cake for 5 yuan, a taste of childhood🍡
📍Noon: Eat pig’s trotter rice at a time-honored alley restaurant, rich but not greasy, super appetizing~
📍Afternoon: Overseas Chinese Town Creative Park An art district converted from an abandoned factory, walls covered in graffiti, lazy sofas outside cafes, order an iced Americano and relax all afternoon, watching sunlight flicker through the leaves😌
📍Evening: Happy Coast When the lights come on it looks like a fairy tale town, live bands by the lake, buy a gelato to eat while strolling, sit down and watch the water screen movie when tired
Day 3: Theme Park Fun
📍All day: Happy Valley or Window of the World, pick one! Happy Valley’s water park is open until 9 pm in August, the wind from the roller coaster is cool; Window of the World’s beer festival is lively with international snacks and fireworks show at night🎆
Must-Visit Spots
1. Shenzhen Bay MixC Rooftop: Facing the Spring Bamboo Tower and Shenzhen Bay Bridge, go at dusk for backlit silhouettes, you’ll feel like you’re in New York in seconds~
2. Yangmeikeng: Filming location of "The Mermaid," rent an electric bike to ride along the coast, stop by Luzui Villa, the sea is as blue as glass, definitely take a speedboat to visit the island!
3. Lotus Hill Park: Climb up for a view of Futian CBD, there are always fresh flowers in front of Deng Xiaoping’s statue, the August lawn is perfect for a picnic, remember to bring a checkered blanket~
4. Dongmen Old Street: A paradise for food and shopping! Grilled squid skewers 3 for 10 yuan, freshly made wheel cakes, and clothing stores where bargaining is super fun, full of lively local vibes~
5. Xichong Beach: Less crowded than Dameisha, cleaner sand, great for camping and stargazing, get up at 4 am to watch the sunrise, seeing the sun jump out of the sea gives you goosebumps!
Local Food Recommendations
1. Coconut Chicken: Tender chicken cooked in sweet coconut broth, dip in sand ginger soy sauce, paired with bamboo fungus soaking up the soup, one bite cools you from throat to stomach🥥
2. BBQ Double Combo Rice: Char siu is fatty but not greasy, roast duck skin is crispy and meat tender, drizzle sauce over rice, a happy meal for workers, 15 yuan fills you up🍚
3. Chaoshan Beef Hotpot: Freshly sliced beef brisket and spoon handle cuts, cook in clear broth for 8 seconds, dip in satay sauce, so fresh and sweet you’ll stomp your feet~
4. Pig’s Trotter Ginger: A time-honored brand sold by an auntie pushing a cart, pig’s trotters stewed soft, ginger vinegar sauce is sweet and sour, super nourishing for women, warm but not greasy even in summer😋
5. Lemon Tea: The soul of Shenzhen! Every shop has its own recipe, shaken with ice making a clanging sound, poke the lemon before drinking, sweet and sour thirst quencher, you have to carry a cup wherever you go🧊
6. Shrimp Dumplings: A must-order for dim sum! Crystal-clear skin wrapping a whole shrimp, juicy when bitten, paired with a pot of Pu’er tea, eating slowly is the right way to enjoy Shenzhen~
Hotel Recommendations
1. Courtyard by Marriott Shenzhen Bay: 10-minute walk to Shenzhen Bay Park, high-floor rooms have sea views, breakfast includes freshly made steamed rice rolls, super fresh🏨
2. Bear Hotel in Nanshan Ancient City: A homestay converted from an old house, with a pool in the courtyard, minimalist rooms, fall asleep listening to the ancient city’s insect sounds, so comfortable~
3. Dongmenting Boutique Hotel: Top choice for foodies! Right downstairs is a snack street, clean and cheap rooms, if hungry at night just go downstairs for grilled oysters, happiness overload😋
Tips
1. UV rays are super strong in August! Sunscreen, sun hats, and arm sleeves are a must, or you’ll turn into a black coal ball in minutes🌚
2. Carry a small fan and wet wipes, wipe sweat and cool off instantly to revive~
3. Malls have strong air conditioning, bring a light jacket in your bag, so you won’t catch a cold going from hot outdoors to cool indoors🤧
4. Check the tide schedule before going to the beach, low tide is perfect for beachcombing, bring a small shovel to dig for shells~
5. Many attractions and malls have free drinking water stations, bring an empty cup to refill anytime, eco-friendly and money-saving💧
Babes, listen to me, August in Shenzhen is like the first bite of chilled watermelon, refreshing to the core~ Don’t hesitate, pack your bags and go, I guarantee you’ll say when you come back: “Glad I didn’t listen to the warnings!”😉