China’s “Silicon Valley”. Shenzhen — the city of the future.

Just 40 years ago, the site of modern-day Shenzhen was little more than a small fishing village. Its rapid development began in 1980 when Shenzhen was designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone — a status it still holds today.
Thanks to its proximity to Hong Kong, the city quickly attracted large-scale investments, factories, and the headquarters of international companies. Within just a few decades, Shenzhen transformed into a major technological and financial center, becoming home to the headquarters of some of China’s largest corporations, including Huawei and Tencent. In addition, a significant portion of Apple products is assembled in Shenzhen.

Shenzhen has very few historical buildings, which is hardly surprising considering that the city was essentially built from scratch. People come here for its cutting-edge architecture, shopping centers, and technological innovations.

I have never seen such a concentration of ultra-modern architecture, even in other major Chinese cities. Take Bantian Vanke Plaza, for example. It is quite literally a concrete jungle. While walking through it, you can easily forget that it is actually a shopping mall. Exploring the space is an experience in itself.

One of Shenzhen’s most recognizable landmarks is the Ping An Tower, the second-tallest skyscraper in China and one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Standing nearly 600 meters tall, the tower can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. An observation deck on the upper floors offers breathtaking views, and on a clear day, you can even see Hong Kong from there.

The Civic Center is one of Shenzhen’s most iconic buildings. While this massive structure may not be considered an architectural masterpiece, it certainly has a distinctive appearance.
The complex was designed as the city’s administrative center. Its enormous roof resembles a pair of outstretched wings, and the scale of the building is truly impressive. To the right of the complex stands the city library, while to the left is the Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, which deserves a closer look.

To gain a deeper understanding of Shenzhen’s history and development, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning.
The museum features an excellent exhibition dedicated to the various stages of the city’s growth, and even all of the information has been thoughtfully translated into English. The interior feels remarkably futuristic, as though the architects drew inspiration from a spacecraft.

Admission to the museum is free.

OCT Harbour is a large public space located near Shenzhen Bay Park. The area features cafés, contemporary art installations, and a shopping center.
A short walk further will bring you to the waterfront, where you can enjoy beautiful sunset views.

Like many airports in China, Shenzhen’s airport is enormous. However, what makes it truly remarkable is not its size but its stunning architecture.
The terminal features a striking white façade covered entirely with hexagonal openings resembling a honeycomb pattern. Thanks to this perforated design, natural daylight floods the interior, significantly reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
It is an ingenious architectural solution. Few airports can boast truly impressive architecture, but Bao’an International Airport certainly deserves a place among them — and among my personal favorites.

Shenzhen genuinely feels like a city of the future. Delivery drones, futuristic architecture, vast public spaces, and an extraordinary pace of development make a lasting impression.
The city is also an excellent stopover destination on the way to Hong Kong, as flights to Shenzhen are often more affordable.

Although Shenzhen is not yet a particularly popular tourist destination, I highly recommend visiting it. Whether you are passionate about modern architecture and skyscrapers or simply enjoy shopping, Shenzhen has something to offer.