Where to Stay in Shenzhen: Futian, Nanshan and Luohu Hotels in the Sky

Futian, the polished centre

Futian is the city’s modern core, with the civic buildings, the convention centre and most of the leading five-star hotels. It suits first-time visitors, business travellers and anyone who wants metro and rail within reach: Futian station connects to West Kowloon in Hong Kong in about fourteen minutes. The Huaqiangbei electronics market, one of the largest in the world, lies within the district, and contrasts with the towers around it.

The luxury hotels here occupy the upper floors of tall buildings. Park Hyatt Shenzhen sits high in the Ping An Finance Center, and Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen is at the top of a tower at UpperHills.

Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen and The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen are alternatives in the same district.

Nanshan, the bay and the campuses

Nanshan is the city’s technology district, home to the headquarters of some of China’s best-known technology companies, and it also has the waterfront: Shenzhen Bay, the Shekou dining area with its expatriate community, the cruise port and ferry terminal, and the leafier OCT area with its theme parks. It suits those with meetings in the tech parks and who prefer to avoid cross-city traffic in Futian.

Andaz Shenzhen Bay, with interiors by Tony Chi, is the obvious choice if the bay matters to you.

Luohu, the old gateway

Luohu is where modern Shenzhen began. It is older, denser and more commercial than the other two districts, with the main railway station, a land crossing to Hong Kong and the Dongmen market streets. It makes most sense for the border crossing and the city’s less polished side. The St. Regis Shenzhen is the exception, on the upper floors of Kingkey 100, with a pool on the 75th floor.

Combining it with Hong Kong

Shenzhen is most often visited as a stop on a longer trip, and the practical link is to Hong Kong. For a combined itinerary, see where to stay in Hong Kong.

Sources: WanderInChina: Where to stay in Shenzhen; Shenzhen Shopper: A guide to Shenzhen’s districts. Check the official websites for current information.