This Shenzhen travel cost guide breaks down the typical expenses you can expect when visiting Shenzhen, making it easier to plan a fun and affordable trip. Our Shenzhen trip cost calculator includes average spending data from thousands of travelers, including hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, entertainment, and transportation. Shenzhen is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, so don't miss out because you didn't plan the right budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Shenzhen?
A typical traveler spends $148 (¥998) per day on a trip to Shenzhen. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Shenzhen based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $37 (¥249) on meals
- $16 (¥105) on local transportation
- $191 (¥1,293) on hotels
A one-week trip to Shenzhen for two people costs, on average, $2,065 (¥13,972). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Shenzhen expensive to visit?
In Shenzhen, budget travelers spend $55 (¥375) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $146 (¥998) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $416 (¥2,844) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Shenzhen can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Shenzhen is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Shenzhen is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Shenzhen Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Shenzhen?
The average Shenzhen trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Shenzhen travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Shenzhen cost?
Shenzhen on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$34
(¥227)
|
$96
(¥646)
|
$303
(¥2,047)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(¥41)
|
$16
(¥105)
|
$41
(¥278)
|
|
Food2
|
$15
(¥104)
|
$37
(¥249)
|
$81
(¥549)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$7
(¥49)
|
$18
(¥122)
|
$43
(¥293)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$5-14
(¥30-91)
|
$10-31
(¥69-207)
|
$19-57
(¥128-383)
|
Accommodation Budget in Shenzhen
Hotel rates in Shenzhen vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $ to $. Expect prices to range from $ for budget hotels to $ for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Shenzhen for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $191 (¥1,293). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $96 (¥646) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Shenzhen
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 (¥105) per person, per day, on local transportation in Shenzhen. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Shenzhen is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
¥105
For the most part, visitors should obtain visas from a Chinese embassy before arrival. The nearest airport is Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, which offers domestic flights and limited international flights through Air Asia, Silk Air, and Scoot. For a greater range of international flights, use Hong Kong International Airport. From Hong Kong visitors can reach Shenzhen via public transportation (bus, train, or ferry). Within Shenzhen itself, the Shenzhen Metro is the most convenient method of navigating the city.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport for $149 details
- Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service for $26 details
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) for $46 details
How much does it cost to go to Shenzhen? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Shenzhen will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Shenzhen
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Shenzhen can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Shenzhen is $37 (¥249) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$37
¥249
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Shenzhen is around $36 (¥249) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $80. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Shenzhen are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
As a migrant city, the cuisine of Shenzhen reflects just about every region of China. The locals enjoy a vast range of dishes, including the hot and spicy specialties of Sichuan Province, preserved ham of Hunan Province, cold dishes of northeast China, recurrent Cantonese meals, and even international selections with both Japanese and Thai restaurants. The people of Shenzhen also participate in a tradition that involves the drinking of morning tea along with dim sum, which is a style of Chinese cuisine prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. Dim sum and tea are also served during lunch hours. Beyond these Chinese specialties, there are some restaurants that offer Western fare as well.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Shenzhen, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Hong Kong Private Food Tour with Michelin Street Food for $294 details
- Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals for $38 details
- Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings for $107 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Shenzhen
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Shenzhen typically cost an average of $18 (¥122) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
¥122
Shenzhen is largely defined by its theme parks, visited by locals and international tourists alike. Window of the World, a theme-park near Shenzhen Bay, is one such highlight, showcasing miniature versions of more than 130 world famous sites from each of the five continents. There is even a park featuring replicas of China's greatest landmarks at Splendid China: China Folk Culture Villages. The park additionally offers unique insight into the cultures of many Chinese ethnic groups. Happy Valley is probably the largest of the parks, featuring themed areas like Spanish Square, Cartoon City, Mt. Adventure, Gold Mine Town, Shangri-la Woods, Sunshine Beach, Typhoon Bay, Playa Maya Water Park, and Happy Times. Other amusement areas include Minsk World, Overseas China Town East, and Sea World Shekou China.
The city is also home to a vast range of green areas. Lianhua Mountain Park, for example, is Shenzhen’s main and most central park offering beautiful gardens and opportunities for recreation. Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is also very scenic, sprawling over miles of foothills, valleys, rivers, and lakes before climbing halfway up Wutong Mountain. Featuring abundant plant species, the place is divided into multiple unique gardens, some of which include Butterfly Orchid Garden, Rare Plant Garden, Palm Plant Garden, Bamboo Garden, Peach Garden, Shade Plant Garden, Desert Landscape Garden, and Aquatic Plant Garden. Additional green areas include Safari Park, Mangrove National Park, and Shenzhen Garden and Flower Exposition Center, amongst others.
Many people visit Shenzhen for its shopping opportunities and amusement parks. Sightseeing and enjoying the parks can occupy an entire trip, however, there are a few additional activities worth consideration. Dafen Oil Painting Village, for example, offers a unique opportunity to buy oil paintings, watercolors, and embroidered paintings. He Xiangning Art Museum displays exhibits of modern art, while Shenzhen Museum features artifacts important to local history and culture. Significant religious structures include places like Hong Fa Buddhist Temple, Chiwan Tin Hau Temple, and Dongshan Monastery, while nearby historic sites include Tomb of the Young Song Emperor, Xin’an (Nantou) Ancient City, and Dapeng Ancient Fort. Shenzhen also has plenty of opportunities for experiencing local performing arts at a theater or concert hall, as well as establishments that specialize in spa and massage.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Shenzhen. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day for $228 details
- Private custom tour of Hong Kong - 3 hours for $178 details
- Tram & Treats - Private Culinary tour of Hong Kong for $250 details
Nightlife Budget in Shenzhen
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 (¥138) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Shenzhen per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
¥138
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Shenzhen. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) for $13 details
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 25, 2026
Traveling in Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
Neighborhoods & Around
Shenzhen is a modern financial and commercial metropolis, largely distinguished by its shopping zones. Dongmen Pedestrian Street is perhaps the most popular, featuring many kinds of shops, restaurants, and cinemas. Nanshan, Renmin Nan, and Shen Nan Zhong are also shopping zones with their own unique characteristics. Another hotspot for visitors is the Overseas China Town, a development in the Yantian District that showcases theme parks, theme towns, golf courses, and theme hotels. Chung Ying street-translating from the Cantonese to "China England"-is especially popular here. Located on the border between mainland China and Hong Kong, this street has always been a hub for tourists. Besides tax-free shopping, Chung Ying street also features boundary monuments, a historical museum, warning bell, ancient well, and banyan tree.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Shenzhen, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $55 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Thankfully, Shenzhen is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Notting Hill Hostel, Baobab Backpacker Hostel , and Shenzhen LOFT Youth Hostel. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Shenzhen will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $146 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $416. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Half-Day or Full- Day Private Custom Walking Tour of Hong Kong - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
