Where to Stay in Shenzhen (5 Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Shenzhen

Shenzhen is situated along the border with Hong Kong, and its main districts are Luohu, Futian, Nanshan, Bao’an, and Shekou. Luohu is where the older, original city lies, but the urbanisation has spread out westwards over the years. 

Futian

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Futian Hotels: Park Hyatt Shenzhen • Mandarin Oriental • The Ritz Carlton

Futian can be easily accessed from the Lok Ma Chau border crossing with Hong Kong. A quick metro ride will get you to the heart of the district, and staying in Futian means you’ll be right in the middle of Shenzhen. 

If you’re staying in Shenzhen for shopping, restaurants, or attractions, Futian will make a very good base. Its transportation links are good, and there are numerous metro stations within the area. One of the world’s tallest buildings, the Ping An Finance Centre, can be seen in Futian. The district also has many leafy areas and nightlife spots. 

Staying at the Park Hyatt Shenzhen will give you a lofty view over Futian. It’s the perfect hotel for first-time visitors craving both a taste of luxury and a great location in the heart of the district. 

Mandarin Oriental is another excellent choice for those seeking luxurious amenities. It has multiple restaurants, a well-equipped gym, fitness classes, and a spa.

Pros of Staying in Futian:

• Easy access via the Hong Kong border crossing
• Many attractions, restaurants, and malls in the area
• In the centre of Shenzhen

Cons of Staying in Futian:

• Quite far from some attractions in other parts of Shenzhen
• The district is quite spread out

Luohu

👉 Best Area For Shoppers | ✨ Best Luohu Hotels: The St. Regis Shenzhen • Grand Hyatt Shenzhen • UrCove by Hyatt Shenzhen Luohu

Luohu will be your first stop if you’re crossing from Hong Kong at the Lo Wu MTR station. The area is a bit grittier and cheaper, making it ideal for a quick day trip if you’re looking to go shopping or get pampered with a massage. 

The shopping streets and areas in Luohu are usually busy, especially in the evenings and on weekends. However, there are some green spaces here, and the city’s second-tallest skyscraper, KK100, is also within the district. 

Book a room at The St. Regis Shenzhen, my pick for the most well-located hotel in Shenzhen. It has maybe the best view in the whole city. It is located on the upper floors of the KK100 skyscraper, after all. 

My budget hotel pick, UrCove by Hyatt Shenzhen Luohu, is also in this area. Its spacious rooms, friendly staff, and convenience to shopping centres make it an ideal hotel for travellers seeking affordable accommodation.

Pros of Staying in Luohu:

• Easy access via the Hong Kong border crossing
• Lots of cheap shopping, food, and massages
• Good transportation links

Cons of Staying in Luohu:

• A bit older than other parts of Shenzhen
• Further away from the new attractions

Nanshan

👉 Best Area For Tech Lovers | ✨ Best Nanshan Hotels: Andaz Shenzhen Bay • Raffles Shenzhen • OCT Bay Breeze Hotel

Nanshan is one of the largest districts in Shenzhen and also the most tech-friendly. You may see drone deliveries flying overhead in Talent Park, driverless taxis cruising the streets, or a robot being tested in the Shenzhen Bay Culture Plaza. 

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Nanshan. Staying at Andaz Shenzhen Bay will put you in the heart of the district, overlooking the bay and Talent Park, where you can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront.

Families will want to book a room at OCT Bay Breeze Hotel, which has kid-friendly amenities and is close to Happy Valley Theme Park. Or choose Raffles Shenzhen, which is one of the most stunning hotels in the district, with views to match.

Pros of Staying in Nanshan:

• Easy access from the Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint border crossing 
• Good choice of hotels 
• New infrastructure and layout

Cons of Staying in Nanshan:

• Sometimes has large construction projects 

Shekou

👉 Best Area For an International Seaside Vibe | ✨ Best Shekou Hotels: Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai • Aden Hotel Shenzhen Nanshan • Shenzhen No.6 Garden Villa

Shekou is the area many expats and their families call home, so there is an international feel about the place. Sea World, a restaurant and entertainment hub, is the main draw for visitors looking for a wide choice of dining and al fresco drinks. 

There is also some culture available at Sea World Culture Artistic Centre and the G and G Creative Community in the form of art galleries and handicraft stores. 

Staying at the Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai will give you a prime waterfront location and easy access to Sea World. And the inviting, plant-filled Shenzhen No.6 Garden Villa is a peaceful retreat to return to after a day of exploration.

Pros of Staying in Shekou:

• More relaxed atmosphere than the rest of Shenzhen 
• Great choice of restaurants 

Cons of Staying in Shekou:

• Sea World can get very crowded on weekends

Bao’an

👉 Best Area For Airport Arrivals | ✨ Best Bao’an Hotels: The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an • JW Marriott Hotel Bao’an • Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport

Bao’an is Shenzhen’s most westerly district, but its proximity to the airport makes it an attractive option for those arriving by plane. 

It’s a newly developed area, so there is some construction about, but new modern architecture is sprouting up all the time. The waterfront area makes a great focal point with the Ferris wheel, Bao’an Binhai Culture Park, and the Huanle Harbour Mall. 

Staying at The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao’an will provide luxury and sea views, with easy access to the Bao’an Binhai Culture Park. 

For those who have a short amount of time in Shenzhen, staying at the Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport will allow you to sleep in a little and still make it on time for your flight. The airport is a quick walk from the hotel.

Pros of Staying in Bao’an:

• Close to the airport
• Fewer tourists 

Cons of Staying in Bao’an:

• Far from the Luohu and Futian districts

Tips for Staying in Shenzhen

Install a payment app

Using your phone to pay for everything from metro tickets to restaurant bills is absolutely essential in China nowadays. Some places do not even accept cash anymore, which is just one cultural difference in China that may surprise first-time visitors.

WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most widely accepted payment methods. You can add international credit cards to the apps and use them to call taxis, too. 

Install the Amap app

Google Maps doesn’t work properly in China, so installing an accurate map app is vital. Amap has an English setting and detailed maps of Shenzhen and the rest of China, if needed. It will be your lifeline for navigating the city. 

Use the metro

The Shenzhen Metro is clean, modern, efficient, and very cheap. Station names are in Mandarin and English. Most journeys cost between 2RMB and 6RMB. The network covers the breadth of Shenzhen, and the only drawback is the bag scanner as you enter every station. 

Install a translation app

Unless you’re fluent in speaking and reading Mandarin, you will find a translation app very useful. Although most signage is in Mandarin and English, menus can often be only in Chinese characters, and you may need to ask someone for help or directions. 

FAQs about Shenzhen

How many days is enough for Shenzhen?

Two or three days should be enough time in Shenzhen. If you’re based in Futian, spend a day there, and then a day in and around Shenzhen Bay in Nanshan. You can spend time in Luohu or Shekou if you have an extra day or two. 

What areas of Shenzhen should I avoid staying in? 

Shenzhen is a very safe city, so no areas are out of bounds. The only consideration is location and price. Luohu is a cheaper district than most of the others. 

What are the best parts of Shenzhen to stay on a budget? 

Luohu will be the cheapest area to stay in, but the infrastructure, streets, and buildings are older than a lot of the rest of the city. That said, there are bargains to be had for shopping, food, and massages in the area. 

What is the best time of year to visit Shenzhen? 

The best time of year to visit Shenzhen is during the dry season from October to January. Warm, sunny, and dry days make for a comfortable visit. From February to April, the weather becomes more humid and damp, although it can still range from cool to warm.

The hot and wet season, from May to September, can have very clear and sunny days, but also has a lot of rain, heavy downpours, and high humidity. There is also the threat of typhoons from July to September. 

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I hope I’ve helped you decide exactly where to stay in Shenzhen! If you’re searching for some affordable luxury in a modern, tech-savvy, buzzing city, then Shenzhen is the place for you. Leave me a comment with any other questions you have, and I’ll be happy to help you. 

And if you’re trying to plan your itinerary for your upcoming trip, then you may want to look at my list of the best things to do in Shenzhen next.