Lois Larson
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport offers a range of amenities to keep travellers entertained and relaxed during their layovers. From overnight rest areas and 24-hour restaurants to VIP lounges and massage chairs, the airport caters to various passenger needs. For those seeking to venture beyond the airport during longer layovers, Shenzhen offers numerous attractions, including the OCT Loft, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches, and Sea World. With a vibrant art scene, bustling nightlife, and natural escapes like the Nanshan mountains, Shenzhen has something for everyone. Efficient transportation options, such as the metro and taxis, make it convenient to explore the city during a short stay.
Things to do during a layover at Shenzhen Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport | The airport line Metro Line 11 can take you to the city centre in about 30 minutes. During rush hours, the metro may be faster than a taxi. |
| Visa | The 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy allows you to stay in Shenzhen without a full China visa. |
| Attractions | Diwang Mansion, OCT Loft, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches, Sea World, Window of the World, Meridian View Centre, Nanshan Mountains in Shekou, Ping'an Tower, MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental, Nantou Ancient City, Shenzhen Bay Park, Rencai Park, Shenzhen Eye Ferris Wheel |
| Amenities | Lounges, hotels, rest areas, restaurants, stores, VIP rest areas, dining areas, reading areas, internet cafes, children's areas, tea bars, massage chairs |
| Tours | Private tours are available, with a guide and a private car. |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the city, including the OCT Loft, Diwang Mansion, and Nantou Ancient City
- Relax in the airport's lounges, rest areas, or VIP areas, and enjoy the dining and entertainment options
- Visit Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches, with their abundance of natural features and vibrant nightlife
- Take in the view from the Shenzhen Eye Ferris wheel, and explore the surrounding area
- Enjoy the nightlife in Shekou, including bars with views such as MO Bar and the bar at Ping'an Tower
Explore the city, including the OCT Loft, Diwang Mansion, and Nantou Ancient City
Shenzhen has a lot to offer visitors, with a range of attractions that showcase its unique history and culture.
One such attraction is the OCT Loft Creative Culture Park, a revamped industrial estate-turned-hip cultural space. Full of funky artworks, creative boutiques, cafes, art dealers, and exhibits, it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking up the relaxed and unique vibe of the city. The park also features an interesting museum space and various craft stalls.
For those interested in history, a visit to Diwang Mansion is a must. Offering a bird's-eye view of Shenzhen from its 69th-floor observation deck, the building stands at over 300 meters tall and was once the tallest in the city. Visitors can learn about the growth of Shenzhen and Hong Kong through informational displays, and enjoy a view of the Luohu border and most landmarks in Shenzhen on a clear, sunny day.
Nantou Ancient City is another historical site worth exploring. Dating back to 331 CE, it was once a walled city and the former administrative centre of Xin'an County. It holds significance as a coastal defence during the Ming dynasty and served as the capital of Dongguan Prefecture, encompassing present-day Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hong Kong, and other surrounding areas.
With its blend of history, culture, and modern developments, Shenzhen offers a dynamic experience for visitors looking to explore beyond the airport.
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Relax in the airport's lounges, rest areas, or VIP areas, and enjoy the dining and entertainment options
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport offers several facilities for passengers to relax and unwind. The airport features dedicated lounges, rest areas, and VIP areas, providing a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience.
The second floor of the terminal is equipped with layover and overnight rest areas, offering a convenient space to relax between flights. Additionally, 24-hour restaurants and stores are scattered throughout the airport, ensuring that travellers can grab a quick bite or find last-minute travel essentials at any time of day.
For those holding business or first-class tickets, the VIP rest areas on the third and fourth floors promise an elevated experience. These exclusive spaces include dining areas, reading nooks, Internet cafés, dedicated areas for children, tea bars, and massage chairs. Whether you're looking to catch up on work, enjoy a quiet moment with a book, or simply unwind with a refreshing drink, the VIP rest areas provide a comprehensive array of amenities.
If you're seeking a more comprehensive dining experience, the airport is home to several restaurants and culinary options. From local Chinese cuisine to international fare, travellers can embark on a culinary journey without even leaving the airport. For those who enjoy duty-free shopping, the airport also boasts an array of shops, allowing you to indulge in some retail therapy and purchase souvenirs or last-minute gifts.
Shenzhen Airport also serves as a convenient gateway to the city itself. With a long layover, you may have the opportunity to explore Shenzhen. The city offers a glimpse into its development history, evolving from small fishing villages to the bustling metropolis it is today. A bird's-eye view from one of the city's skyscrapers can provide a quick and impressive introduction to Shenzhen.
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Visit Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches, with their abundance of natural features and vibrant nightlife
If you're looking for a beach getaway during your time in Shenzhen, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches are a great option. With its abundance of natural features and vibrant nightlife, it's a favourite beach escape for many Shenzhen residents.
Dameisha Beach is located at Mirs Bay in the Yantian District, in the east of Shenzhen. It is Shenzhen's longest beach, stretching 1,800 metres (approximately 1.1 miles) and is known for its beautiful sandy shores. The beach offers a range of activities, including swimming, motorboat rides, and water sports such as parasailing. You can also enjoy horseback riding along the beach or drive vehicles, like dune buggies, for a unique experience. The beach is equipped with various facilities, including public toilets, lockers for storing valuables, and restaurants serving local specialties like seafood and barbecue. The nearby Sun Square provides a relaxing rest area, and the Wishing Tower adds a touch of charm to the setting.
For a more secluded experience, consider visiting Xiaomeisha Beach, located just next to Dameisha. While it may not be as long as Dameisha, Xiaomeisha offers a quieter atmosphere and is known for its clean and serene environment. The new Metro stops at both Dameisha and Xiaomeisha have made these beaches more accessible, but it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during weekends, as the beaches can get crowded.
To enhance your beach experience, consider the following tips:
- Take advantage of the nearby seaside promenade for a leisurely walk or more rigorous exercise, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
- Visit during the week to enjoy lower hotel rates and avoid the massive weekend crowds, which can exceed 50,000 people.
- If you're staying in Shenzhen, consider taking the train to avoid heavy traffic, especially on weekends.
- If you're on a layover, ensure you set aside at least 2 hours for returning to the airport, and consider a private tour to make the most of your time and ensure a timely return.
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Take in the view from the Shenzhen Eye Ferris wheel, and explore the surrounding area
If you're spending a layover in Shenzhen, you can take in the view from the Shenzhen Eye Ferris wheel and explore the surrounding area. The Shenzhen Eye has become a new landmark in the city's skyline and a rare attraction in the Bao'an district. At 128 metres high, it offers a fantastic photo opportunity, a fun ride, and impressive views of the city. Tickets are 150 RMB in person or 140 RMB online, and there are no waits during weekday daytimes.
The Ferris wheel is easily accessible by subway, and the surrounding area has plenty to offer. Nearby, you'll find the popular spots of Shun Hing Square, Huaqiangbei, and Dongmen Pedestrian Street. These can be reached by taking the airport line Metro Line 11 and transferring to Line 1.
If you have a long layover, you can also explore other parts of Shenzhen. The city has many skyscrapers, which offer bird's-eye views that can help you get to know Shenzhen's development history. In just a few decades, the city has transformed from small fishing villages to the bustling metropolis you see today.
To ensure you don't miss your flight, it's recommended to set aside at least 2 hours to return to the airport. During rush hours, you may need to add an extra hour to your travel time.
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Enjoy the nightlife in Shekou, including bars with views such as MO Bar and the bar at Ping'an Tower
If you're looking to enjoy the nightlife in Shekou, Shenzhen, there are several bars with views that you can consider visiting. Here are some suggestions:
MO Bar: Located on the 79th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, MO Bar offers stunning city views from its industrial-chic rooftop terrace. Led by renowned mixologist Tiger Chang, the bar serves innovative cocktails and attracts a sophisticated crowd. MO Bar does not accept reservations, and guests must be 18 or older.
The bar at Pingan Tower: While specific information about the bar at Pingan Tower is scarce, the tower itself is known as the Ping An International Finance Centre (PAIFC) and is one of China's tallest buildings, completed in 2017. The building features the Free Sky observation deck on the 116th floor, offering panoramic views of the city. It is recommended to purchase tickets directly from the ticketing office.
In addition to these bars, you may also want to explore other nightlife options in Shekou, such as jazz bars, karaoke bars, dance clubs, and wine bars.
Furthermore, if you're interested in dining options, the Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, offers eight restaurants and bars, including a fine-dining Cantonese restaurant helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. For a unique dining experience, consider visiting Altitudes, located in the Ping An Financial Centre's North Tower on the 117th and 118th floors. Altitudes boasts a wide view of the city and offers exclusive dining rooms and a buffet featuring dishes like lobster and pan-fried foie gras.
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Frequently asked questions
Shenzhen Airport has plenty of ways to keep you entertained during a layover. The airport itself has lounges, rest areas, 24-hour restaurants and stores, and VIP areas on the third and fourth floors with dining areas, reading areas, Internet cafes, children's areas, tea bars, and massage chairs. If you want to explore outside the airport, there are plenty of options within a 20-40-minute taxi or bus ride away.
If you're looking for things to do near Shenzhen Airport, consider visiting:
- Diwang Mansion – Head to the 69th floor of one of the tallest buildings in the city for a memorable and beautiful view of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border.
- Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches – These beaches stretch along the eastern coastline of Shenzhen and are about a 42-minute taxi ride from the airport.
- Sea World – Enjoy an afternoon at Sea World, which offers chilled-out beer gardens and clubs.
Shenzhen has several unique attractions, including:
- Window of the World – A 'mini-globe' featuring replicas of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- OCT Loft – A former factory district turned vibrant art hub with art galleries, bookstores, live music venues, and unique watering holes.
- Nantou Ancient City – A historic site with restaurants and breweries that is easily accessible via subway from the airport.
Yes, Shenzhen has several parks and nature spots that are easily accessible from the airport:
- Rencai Park – Features a nightly light show and is connected to Shenzhen Bay Park, offering beautiful views of the bay.
- Nanshan Mountains in Shekou – Enjoy tranquil ocean views and moderate climbs, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
- Shenzhen Eye Ferris Wheel – A tourist attraction near the airport, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Here are some tips to make the most of your layover in Shenzhen:
- Allow at least 2 hours to return to the airport to ensure you don't miss your flight, especially during rush hours.
- Consider a private tour that can pick you up and drop you off at the airport, ensuring you return on time.
- The metro is a convenient way to get around, with stops announced and written in English, making it accessible for non-Chinese speakers.
