Southern beauty: a guide to Shenzhen's Shekou

Once a fishing village, Shekou became the very first part of China to open up to foreign investment some four decades ago. Today, the area possesses a unique blend of traditional architecture, lively cultural spaces, chic cafés and a scenic coastal promenade, all of which have helped it earn the nickname of “Shenzhen’s garden”.

What to do

Sea World Shenzhen

Spanning a million square metres, Sea World Shenzhen (1128 Wanghai Lu) is a multipurpose complex and tourist attraction. Its main highlight is the Minghua, a now-landlocked 14,000-tonne cruise ship which sits at the heart of a hotel, restaurants and bars, shops and entertainment facilities. Complete with a musical fountain light show in the evenings and beautiful views of Shenzhen Bay around the clock, it’s a popular destination for a fun day or night out.

Sea World Cultural & Arts Center

A short walk away from the Minghua you’ll find the Sea World Cultural & Arts Center (SWCAC). This architectural gem crafted by Fumihiko Maki features three cantilevered structures protruding out over the surrounding green spaces and the sea.

Inside, the building features performance venues and ticketed exhibitions, including Value of Design: China in the Making – a retrospective on the history of Chinese design hosted at the V&A Gallery. There are also plenty of free public spaces adorned with well-designed benches, making the SWCAC the perfect place to relax and take in a panoramic sea view.

I-Factory

Formerly a glass factory, the I-Factory (8 Haiwan Lu) has been revitalised into one of the Greater Bay Area's best-preserved industrial complexes, housing a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafés, museums, exhibition spaces and offices for start-ups. After exploring and marvelling at the historic building’s massive concrete silos, chimneys and machine hall, head to Café Watch Tycoon, a coffee shop and timepiece exhibition space, and enjoy a drink alongside a soundtrack from the antique music boxes on display.

Don’t miss the Movable Type Culture Museum, an exhibition space dedicated to the history of printing run by Shenzhen-based indie label Zi Zai. Guided tours led by craftsmen are available on a regular basis, as are ticketed workshops that allow visitors to try their hand at the art form.

What to eat

Fan Lou

Dim sum brunches are a way of life for the Cantonese. At Fan Lou (152 Shekou Xin Jie), diners will be treated to a range of staples, including har gau with bamboo shoots, siu mai with crab roe and shrimp, and chicken feet braised in XO sauce and chilli. A favourite thanks to its down-to-earth character, this casual restaurant is the ideal place to experience a slice of Guangdong’s food culture.

Bai Cao Tang Traditional Herbal House

A popular dessert destination in Shekou, Bai Cao Tang Traditional Herbal Tea House (207 Shekou Xin Jie) boasts not only a rich history but also a devoted fanbase who are willing to queue for their favourites. Most of them come for the generously portioned desserts, including the mango pomelo sago soup, matcha pudding and shaved ice topped with mango, tapioca and sweetened milk.

Tou Pai Xiao Chu

Feel the energy of Shekou come alive after dark at Tou Pai Xiao Chu (83 Taizi Lu). Every meal here is a gastronomic adventure through the world of Cantonese cuisine, featuring favourites such as wok-fried king prawns with soy sauce, stir-fried beef with spring onion and ginger, and fried squid with XO sauce.

Get there

At the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, purchase a ferry ticket to board the high-speed boat to Shenzhen Shekou port. The journey lasts around 50 minutes. Arriving through Hong Kong International Airport? You can through-check your bags on a single ticket with Cathay Pacific to Shekou.

Where to stay

Situated in the heart of the district’s business centre, the Shenzhen Marriott Hotel Nanshan  ccupies the 43rd to 62nd floor of the SCC Building, with the sky lobby located on the 43rd floor. The property was designed by Adrian Smith, who was also behind the Burj Khalifa. All 340 generously sized rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unrivalled views of Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong beyond. Sleek, sophisticated furniture and wooden art pieces around the hotel exude an understated charm.