Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Dong Men Pedestrian Street in Shenzhen

Hi, I’m Alex Chen, a budget-conscious backpacker from China who’s passionate about free-spirited travel. While many travelers rush to the big-name attractions, I prefer getting lost in the hidden corners of a city—the places that don’t make it onto postcards but hold the most authentic charm. This time, I’m in the modern metropolis of Shenzhen, and I want to take you to one of its most down-to-earth yet vibrant locations: Dong Men Pedestrian Street. With its old-town flavor and buzzing street life, this commercial zone is a must-visit if you’re short on time but still want a real taste of Shenzhen. It’s a spot where cheap eats meet bargain shopping, perfect for travelers who value culture and value.

Dong Men Pedestrian Street Overview

As one of the most famous shopping streets in Shenzhen, Dong Men Pedestrian Street is a bustling hub packed with shopping malls, supermarkets, and office buildings. Covering a total area of 176,000 square meters, this busy commercial district attracts both locals and visitors with its endless variety of goods and nonstop foot traffic.

• Address: Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours; most shops run from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Suggested Duration: 2–3 hours
• Best Season to Visit: Year-round

History of Dong Men Pedestrian Street

Dong Men Pedestrian Street is the oldest commercial area in Shenzhen. Locals say, “If you haven’t been to Dong Men Old Street, you haven’t really visited Shenzhen.” Locally known as “Lao Dong Men” or “Old Dong Men,” the area dates back to the mid-Ming Dynasty, when it was called “Shenzhen Old Market.” Back then, the street was filled with small stalls and vendors selling low-end goods. Today, it’s transformed into a dynamic pedestrian zone brimming with stores, eateries, and activity. With its heavy foot traffic and dense array of shops, it has become one of the city’s busiest and most iconic commercial districts.

Why You Need to Visit Dong Men Pedestrian Street

The street is filled with vibrant commerce and endless food options. Restaurants and snack stalls line the walkways, offering everything from traditional Chinese street food to trendy Instagram-worthy eats. Visitors can try authentic local favorites such as braised beef rice, spicy dried beef, and sweet-and-spicy popcorn chicken. These dishes are not only budget-friendly but also rich in flavor, making them popular among young locals. On top of that, Dong Men is a haven for bargain hunters, with low-priced clothing stores that make it easy to find fashion deals.

Things to Do on Dong Men Pedestrian Street

Dong Men Pedestrian Street Recommended Restaurants

Xingmanbei STARFUL TEA (East Gate Branch)

• Why Visit: A beloved local tea brand in Shenzhen, known for its matcha taro and purple sweet potato taro drinks—there are tons of choices on the menu!
• Address: No.1 Nanqing Street, Huishang Mingyuan 1-003, Luohu, Shenzhen (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Daily 09:30–22:00
• Average Spend: 27 RMB

Chongqing Bage Hot & Sour Rice Noodles (Dong Men Branch)

• Why Visit: Over 20 years old and still always packed. The noodles are chewy, and the broth is flavorful.
• Address: 1st Floor, Wangjiao Shopping Plaza, No.2031 Dongmen Middle Road (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Daily 09:00–23:00
• Average Spend: 10 RMB

Weizi Hexuan (Bada Shopping Mall)

• Why Visit: A classic Hong Kong-style noodle shop that’s been around for years. Generous toppings and budget pricing.
• Address: South Gate, Bada Mall, No.11 Nanqing Street, near Exit A, Laojie Subway Station (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00
• Average Spend: 14 RMB

McDonald’s (Guanghua Branch)

• Why Visit: The first McDonald’s in China, now a landmark in Dong Men Pedestrian Street.
• Address: 2nd Floor, Guanghua Building, 2046 Jiefang Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Daily 07:00–00:00
• Average Spend: 27 RMB

What to Buy on Dong Men Pedestrian Street?

Junma Fashion Wholesale Market

• Why Visit: A six-story fashion market with a wide range of styles, mostly Korean-inspired. Wholesale prices mean big savings.
• Address: 20 meters southwest of the intersection of Renmin North Road and Dongmen Pedestrian Street (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: 07:00–22:15

Ningmeng Street Shopping Mall

• Why Visit: T-shirts and shorts for just 10 RMB—prices like these are hard to find even in China!
• Address: Jinbailong Ningmeng Street Mall, near Exit C, Laojie Subway Station (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: 10:00–22:00

Cheap Hotel Recommendation

Dong Men Pedestrian Street isn’t located near major tourist attractions, so it’s better to stay in a more central area and make a half-day trip here. I recommend booking a place near Shopping Park Station in Futian District, which is close to the Hong Kong border and the high-speed rail station. At night, don’t miss the Shuiwei Night Market nearby for delicious local bites. For more tips, check out my full hotel guide: Shenzhen Hotel Recommendation

CHEERMAY HOTELS SHENZHEN CITIZEN CENTER

• Location: 4-minute walk from Lianhua Village Subway Station
• Price Range: CNY 300
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: 4.8 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Laundry facilities

Conveniently situated within a 5-minute walk from the subway station, the hotel is near Lianhua Hill Park, Shum Yip Upper Hills, and other main museums, offering great value for money. Rooms are well-equipped and intelligently designed with mobile-controlled doors and air conditioning. The hotel offers a unique breakfast arrangement with neighboring eateries, where guests can choose between local porridge or McDonald’s, providing a wonderful start to the day.

Autumn Fruit Hotel (Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, Fumin Subway Station)

• Location: 3-minute walk from Fumin Subway Station
• Price Range: CNY 484
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: 4.8 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Fitness center, laundry facilities, robot delivery service

Directly opposite the B exit of Fumin Subway Station on Line 4, the hotel is just one station away from Futian Port, making border crossings a breeze. The area is also well-served with a variety of dining options. Rooms are hygienic, equipped with mini-fridges stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, and bathrooms are well-appointed with high-pressure showers and smart toilets. A drying rack for clothes adds to the convenience.

Futian Huanggang Intercity Hotel

• Location: 2-minute walk from Huanggang Village Subway Station
• Price Range: CNY 560
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: 4.8 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Fitness center, laundry facilities, robot delivery service

The hotel is ideally located at the doorstep of the Metro 7 Huanggang Village Station, with the bustling Shuiwei Village night market and various gourmet restaurants just across the street. Rooms are spacious, modern, and the beds are particularly comfortable. Public amenities like the gym and laundry are available 24/7 for free. The breakfast is a highlight, offering a rich variety of both Chinese dim sum and Western options like bread and fruit.

How to Get to Dong Men Pedestrian Street from Downtown Shenzhen

Subway

From downtown Shenzhen, take either Metro Line 1 or Line 3 and get off at Laojie Station. Exit through Exit E, and you’ll be right at the entrance to Dong Men Pedestrian Street. The ride takes around 30 minutes and costs just 3 RMB.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing

If you’re carrying luggage or want a more direct trip, taxis or ride-hailing services are a great choice. A one-way trip from central Shenzhen takes about 35 minutes and typically costs between 30 to 50 RMB depending on traffic.

FAQ