SHENZHEN · FAMILY TRAVEL
Shenzhen with kids
Shenzhen was purpose-built in the 1980s and shows it — the city has wide pavements, several large family theme parks, modern zoo facilities, and arguably the most child-friendly urban planning of any mainland Chinese megacity. Hong Kong is also easily accessible for families who want a bilingual environment.
Shenzhen Safari Park
Ages 3–14Safari circuit through lion, giraffe, and elephant zones; panda viewing; a separate children's zoo with animal interaction.
Getting there: Metro Line 5 or shuttle from downtown
Happy Valley Shenzhen
Ages 4–16Large theme park with dedicated children's zone, water park section, and coasters for older children.
Getting there: Metro Line 9, Happy Valley station
OCT-Loft & Interlaken Town
Ages 6–16Creative arts park for older children who enjoy street art; adjacent Window of the World theme park suited to younger children.
Getting there: Metro Lines 1/4, Window of the World station
Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art
Ages 7–16Interactive technology exhibitions and digital art installations; appealing to children interested in science or computing.
Getting there: Metro Line 2, Shi Min Zhong Xin station
Dapeng Fortress
Ages 5–14Intact Ming-era walled town with courtyard houses and fortress walls to walk; followed by a beach visit at Dapeng Bay.
Getting there: Metro Line 8 to Dapeng, then bus/taxi
Lianhua Hill Park (metro: Lianhua North, Line 4) has a famous Deng Xiaoping statue and open green space with children's play areas. OCT Harbour area in Nanshan has a waterfront park with playground equipment. Shenzhen Bay Park along the coast offers a long cycling and walking path with views across to Hong Kong's New Territories.
Sea World Plaza in Shekou (metro: Sea World) has the densest concentration of international restaurants, including several specifically catering to the large expat community in Nanshan. Most large shopping malls have Japanese family-dining chains popular with children. Formula milk, baby food, and imported snacks are widely available in Carrefour and RT-Mart outlets.