Bordering Hong Kong and Macau, Shenzhen is located in southern Guangdong province on the eastern shore of the Pearl River Delta where the rivers Zhujiang and Sanjiaozhou converge to drain into the South China Sea. In the 1980s Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping declared Shenzhen, meaning 'Deep Drain', a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and developed the fishing village into a metropolitan center for foreign commercial investment. It is China's second large economic zone and also one of China's most important trade and port cities, hence, it is often referred to as the ''Bright Pearl of South China.'' 
 

 

The name Shenzhen first appeared in historical texts during the Ming Dynasty but only grew into a township at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty and was not officially a city until 1979. The city gained Special Economic Status in 1980, which allowed it economic liberties such as tax incentives, relaxed policies regulating international trade, and opportunities for international joint venture enterprises. The city is divided into three administrative zones: SEZ, the business and financial center, Shenzhen City, and Shenzhen County. Its proximity to Hong Kong and Macau makes Shenzhen a natural domestic and international transportation hub serviced by air, road, and water. All visitors that come to the SEZ must undergo an ID check when crossing the city border.

While visitors make Shenzhen a business and shopping destination, the SEZ has made a concerted effort to develop into a tourist attraction. The city's temperate year-round weather, picturesque seashore, and well-preserved greenery earned the "International Garden City" award in 2000.

Most of the tourist sites in Shenzhen are modern attractions with the exception of Longgang Hakka Folk-custom Museum. This walled city served as a fortress during the Qing and Ming dynasties. Many of its houses, temples, shops, and courtyards are the same as they were centuries ago. Visitors to Shenzhen make Zhongying Street, the oldest shopping and financial district, a destination. Often referred to as ''One-Street, Two Systems,'' the street was divided into Mainland China and British rule (Hong Kong) during colonial times. Today, visitors need permission from the Travel Center Hall, located near the main entrance, to enter the historic landmark.

More modern attractions include Windows of the World, Splendid China & Chinese Folk Culture, and the Minsk Aircraft Carrier World, three tourist attractions that serves to educate as well as entertain. Windows of the World is a theme park filled with miniature tourist attractions from around the world such as the Canals of Venice and The Leaning Tower of Piza to name just two. Another theme park, the Splendid China & Chinese Folk Culture, introduces visitors to the wonders of China's 5,000 year-old civilizations. Chinese Folk Culture highlights the many ethnic groups and the best time to visit, of course, is during a traditional festival. Splendid China is a collection of China's most celebrated cultural heritage attractions gathered in one place. Minsk Aircraft Carrier is a retired Soviet aircraft carrier that serves as a fun attraction for military and history buffs.

Shenzhen Museum houses porcelain, calligraphy, paintings, bronzeware, and artifacts from the Shang, Tang, Song and Qing dynasties. Its prized possessions are two ceramic items from the latter two dynasties.

Shenzhen's culinary offerings showcase the diverse cuisines of southern China. Cantonese cuisine, characterized by mildly seasoned dishes featuring fresh fish and seafood, are the local specialty. Other cuisines prominent in the local culinary landscape include hot and spicy cuisine from nearby Sichuan and Hunan province, and cold dishes from northern China. Lovers of food will enjoy a trip to the Dongmen area - the place to check out local cuisine.

Unique to Shenzhen are five festivals that celebrate arts and culture traditional and modern. The Longgang Art Festival features a parade of dragon, lion, and Kylin dancing. Other more modern festivals include the Shenzhen Grand Theater Art Festival, Shenzhen Window of the World Beer Festival, Lychee Festival, Shenzhen Huaxia Nations Temple Fair and Torch Festival, and the Xiasha Banquet.

Top of the list for many seasoned Shenzhen travelers is shopping. The city boasts an excellent array of boutiques, shops, and shopping malls, from local designers to international luxury brands with everything from newest consumer electronics to the latest fashion.

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