Hello everyone, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler from China. I relish the opportunity to explore hidden gems around the world and share tips on how to travel affordably across China. This time, I’m taking you to a hidden treasure in Shenzhen—Shekou Old Street. Let’s uncover its unique charm and rich historical tales together.

Summary

Introduction to Shekou Old Street

Shekou Old Street is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, rich historical culture, and vibrant commercial atmosphere. The buildings lining this historic street predominantly reflect late Qing and early Republican styles, showcasing the evolution of Shenzhen’s history. Here, you will find an array of specialty snacks, handicraft shops, antique stores, as well as trendy cafes and bars that cater to modern entertainment needs. The architecture of Shekou Old Street is dominated by Lingnan characteristics, with its quaint buildings, exquisite brick carvings, and traditional Lingnan arcade buildings, all of which highlight the area’s strong local cultural traits.

  • Address: Shekou Old Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Open All Day
Directional sign for Shekou Old Street in Shenzhen

Shopping and Street Store Recommendations

Taoyuan Home Decor Warehouse

  • Why We Recommend: Specializing in ceramics mainly exported to Europe and America, this store features a pastoral European style with an array of dinnerware, tea sets, crafts, decorative items, and aromatherapy products. The entrance leads to a dazzling display area, progressing deeper into a warehouse shelving over a thousand square meters packed with treasures, all available at very attractive prices.
  • Address: 5th Shekou Industrial 3rd Road, Huada Industrial Building, Block D, 4th Floor, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Interior of Taoyuan Home Decor Warehouse filled with various ceramics and home decorations

G&G Creative Park

  • Why We Recommend: G&G Creative Community is not only a hub for art enthusiasts but also a paradise for food lovers. Featuring a variety of creative eateries and regularly hosting delicious food markets, this spot will make your taste buds dance.
  • Address: 9 Liyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Outdoor market scene at G&G Creative Park with people browsing stalls

Jiajun Babao Beef Offal (Nanshui Pedestrian Street Shop)

  • Why We Recommend: This spot is a fail-safe choice for beef offal enthusiasts, known for its tender beef belly and rich, savory broth.
  • Address: 38 Nanshui Pedestrian Street, Nanshui Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
  • Average Price: 29 RMB
A bowl of beef offal soup at Jiajun Babao restaurant

Shekou Tak Kee Roast Meat Restaurant

  • Why We Recommend: A favorite spot visited countless times, featuring traditional roast meats and fresh seafood that are always a hit.
  • Address: 55 Nanshui Road (former Nanshui Pedestrian Street), Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Average Price: 64 RMB
Display of roast ducks and chickens at Shekou Tak Kee Roast Meat Restaurant

Baicaotang Traditional Herbal Tea Shop

  • Why We Recommend: Offering authentic mung bean soup and sugar cane drinks that are both refreshing and natural, without any additives.
  • Address: 207 Shekou New Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Average Price: 27 RMB
A serving of traditional Chinese herbal tea and desserts

Old Regulars Claypot Rice

  • Why We Recommend: Highly recommended for its combo of salted duck egg, sausage, beef, and pork ribs. For those who love crispy rice, make sure to request extra from the chef!
  • Address: 10-101 Shop, Block 6, Block 10, Zhaobei, Yucai Road, Huoguoshan Community, Merchants Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Average Price: 28 RMB
A clay pot rice dish with assorted toppings

Shiyishui Milk Dessert Shop

  • Why We Recommend: The double-layer milk is authentically delicious, and the red beans are exceptionally smooth and creamy. Their signature fluffy ice is also worth trying.
  • Address: 52 Park Road, Dachan Community, Shekou Residential District, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Average Price: 25 RMB
Mango dessert with shaved ice and toppings

Explore these curated paths: Chiwan Left Fort → G&G Creative Community → Baicaotang Herbal Tea Shop → Shekou Kang Le Fast Food Fish Stall → Shekou Old Street → Sea World → Sea World Culture and Arts Center:

  • Chiwan Left Fort: Capture stunning views of the Shekou Port from this easily accessible hilltop—a brief hike with spectacular rewards.
  • G&G Creative Community: Immerse yourself in a rich artistic atmosphere with creative shops perfect for socializing and entertainment, offering a diverse lifestyle experience.
  • Baicaotang Herbal Tea Shop: Don’t miss their signature Mango Pomelo Sago and Double-layer Milk—worth the wait, which might be around an hour due to popularity.
  • Shekou Kang Le Fast Food Fish Stall: This down-to-earth eatery serves up freshly cooked seafood that’s both delicious and budget-friendly.
  • Shekou Old Street: An ideal spot for photographers, this street offers rich cultural insights through its everyday scenes.
  • Sea World: Features a large maritime cruise ship and an array of dining and entertainment options.
  • Sea World Culture and Arts Center: Hosts excellent art exhibitions and offers great views over the ocean and cityscape from its upper floors.

Cheap Hotel Recommendations

Shekou Old Street is located in the Nanshan District, close to the sea, making it an ideal place for tourist accommodation. Alternatively, you can choose to stay near the Window of the World metro station in Nanshan District and plan a half-day visit to Shekou Old Street. You can check our hotel recommendations near the Window of the World metro station in “Shenzhen Hotel Recommendations.“

If you wish to stay near Shekou Old Street, we have carefully selected a few hotels for recommendation, see below.

Ruby Columbus Hotel at Shekou Sea World

Ruby Columbus Hotel at Shekou Sea World
  • Why We Recommend: Excellently located with robots delivering welcome fruits to your room and luxurious afternoon tea. Rooms are equipped with Marshall speakers for a relaxing music-filled downtime.
  • Price per Night: 470 RMB
  • More Information and Booking: Click to view

Pinshang Hotel at Shekou Sea World

Pinshang Hotel at Shekou Sea World
  • Why We Recommend: Conveniently situated right next to a subway station, just a 10-minute walk to Sea World and close to Shekou Old Street. The mattresses are exceptionally comfortable, and the interior design is stylish.
  • Price per Night: 430 RMB
  • More Information and Booking: Click to view

Hilton Nanshan Shekou Hotel

Hilton Nanshan Shekou Hotel
  • Why We Recommend: Superb location with robot-delivered welcome fruits and luxurious afternoon tea. Enjoy relaxing music on Marshall speakers while lounging on the sofa.
  • Price per Night: 880 RMB
  • More Information and Booking: Click to view

How to Get from Downtown Shenzhen to Shekou Old Street

Metro

Traveling from downtown Shenzhen to Shekou Old Street by metro is highly efficient. Start your journey on the Shenzhen Metro Line 11, transfer to Line 2 at Chegongmiao Station or to Line 8 at Houhai Station, and disembark at Dongjiaotou Station. The entire trip takes about 50 minutes and costs 5 RMB, passing through several major business districts, making it a fast and economical choice.

Bus

Buses offer another convenient connection from downtown Shenzhen to Shekou Old Street. Take the M106 bus directly to Shekou Old Street; this route passes several key stops and provides a budget-friendly option for travelers. The total journey time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a fare of only 2 RMB.

Taxi/Ride-hailing

A taxi or ride-hailing service from downtown Shenzhen takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately 50 RMB. This option offers flexible travel times and a more comfortable journey environment.

How to Get from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Shekou Old Street

Metro

The most straightforward public transport from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Shekou Old Street is by metro. Take the Metro Line 11 directly at the airport, transfer to Line 2 or Line 8 at Bao’an Station, and exit at Dongjiaotou Station. The total travel time is approximately 55 minutes, costing 6 RMB. This method is quick, cost-effective, and ideal for first-time visitors to Shenzhen.

Taxi/Ride-hailing

Taking a taxi or booking a ride-hailing service is an extremely convenient option, usually taking about 40 minutes and costing around 70 RMB, depending on traffic conditions. Opting for a taxi or ride-hailing service can simplify your journey, especially suitable for those carrying multiple bags or arriving late.

Essential Shenzhen Travel Resources