Thinking of a family-friendly destination in Asia to go to for the holidays? @boaysontheloose ventured to Shenzhen for five days, four nights and we take a leaf out of their itinerary on maximising the fun for the family!
Shenzhen is a short 4.5 hour plane ride from Singapore and it is a convenient city to visit if you’re also visiting Hong Kong.
Shenzhen is a major city in Guangdong Province, China, located just north of Hong Kong. Once a small fishing village, Shenzhen was transformed into one of China’s first Special Economic Zones (SEZs), sparking rapid economic growth and urbanisation.
Today, Shenzhen is a thriving tech hub and financial center, known for its futuristic skyline, innovative startups, and vibrant cultural scene. It is also a very family-friendly city to visit!
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5D4N Family-Friendly Adventure to Shenzhen
Day 1: Arrival & Check in
The Boay family chose to stay at Hyatt Place Dongmen (King Suite, $160 per night) as it was located directly above Dongmen Subway station and a shopping mall. The hotel also provides easy access to Dongmen Pedestrian Street which is filled with vibrant shops, street food stalls and lively entertainment.
The King Suite at Hyatt Place Dongmen has a spacious living room, separate bedroom and modern amenities. Be amazed by the robot butler delivering items and start mornings with a wide range of Western and Cantonese breakfast.
In the evenings, explore Dongmen Pedestrian Street and enjoy local delicacies such as stinky tofu, BBQ skewers, egg waffles and bubble tea.
Day 2: Joyous City & OCT Harbour Adventures
Visit Joyous City, a 5-storey entertainment centre near Dongmen Street. Highlights include kids go-cart, outback experience driving all-terrain karts over rugged terrain and other attractions like escape rooms, arcade games and a snowy play space.
In the afternoon, head to OCT Harbour, a family-friendly entertainment hub. There are attractions like Nickelodeon-themed indoor amusement park with meet-and-greet with Spongebob Square Pants and Paw Patrol characters.
End the day dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants with options like dim sum, seafood and international cuisine.
Day 3: OCT Harbour & MixC Mall
Continue the exploration of OCT Harbour with a visit to the Happy Coast Shopping Mall.
Visit Cave Discovery indoor amusement park – a thrilling cave-themed adventure park with tunnels of various difficulty levels, use adventure gear like helmets with torches to explore drop-offs, obstacles and puzzles. Protip: Hire a coach to guide the kids! The coach will also help capture memories and ensure their safety.
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For lunch, there is plenty to choose from like hotpot, Western grill or sushi.
Adults can shop at MixC Mall, an upscale shopping destination with high-end brands, entertainment options like an ice-skating rink and Shenzhen’s largest cinema.
There are also many family-friendly spaces while you enjoy a relaxing dinner.
Day 4: Children’s Exploration Museum and Shenzhen’s Modern Malls
Visit the Children’s Exploration Museum at the Women and Children’s Building. Highlights include water play zones, occupation role-play, shipping activities. The Boays found this museum to be thoughtfully designed, clean and highly educational.
Then dive into Shenzhen’s modern shopping scene at KK Mall, Hi City Shopping Center and Coco Park. The sights showcase the city’s modernity. All malls accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, so don’t forget to download the apps before visiting Shenzhen.
In the evening, eat at Coco Park’s food court. It serves cuisine like Korean BBQ, Ramen and desserts.
Day 5: Shenzhen Children’s Park & Last Minute Shopping
If you have time to spare, visit Shenzhen Children’s Park. It is a family-friendly spot with playgrounds, lush gardens and interactive activities for kids. Parents can relax in the serene environment while kids enjoy the outdoor play zones.
Do some last-minute shopping at the malls nearby before bid goodbye to Shenzhen!
Here are other optional add-ons if you have more time in Shenzhen or prefer other spots:
Window of the World
This large theme park in Shenzhen showcases miniature landmarks from around the globe including Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and more. It also has many amusement rides for families.
Dapeng Fortress
Step back in time at this ancient Chinese fortress.
It might take a while to get there but its well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets and cultural exhibits have won praise from visitors.
Additional tips for your Shenzhen holiday
Remember to install Didi Chuxing for hiring of private vehicles, Baidu Maps for navigation, WeChat Pay or Alipay for cashless transactions, as well as Meituan for discounts and vouchers.
Thank to @boaysontheloose for sharing their Shenzhen holiday ideas with Little Day Out!
