Travel Budget for Shenzhen Visit Shenzhen on a Budget or Travel in Style

Shenzhen, Guangdong Sheng, China
Asia / China / Southeastern China /
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Shenzhen is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Shenzhen?

You should plan to spend around $137 (¥998) per day on your vacation in Shenzhen. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $34 (¥249) on meals
  • $14 (¥105) on local transportation
  • $177 (¥1,293) on hotels

A one week trip to Shenzhen for two people costs, on average, $1,918 (¥13,972). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $137
    ¥998
  • One Week Per person
    $959
    ¥6,986
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,918
    ¥13,972
  • One Month Per person
    $4,110
    ¥29,940
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,918
    ¥13,972
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,836
    ¥27,944
  • One Month For a couple
    $8,219
    ¥59,880
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Shenzhen cost?

A one week trip to Shenzhen usually costs around $959 (¥6,986) for one person and $1,918 (¥13,972) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Shenzhen on average costs around $1,918 (¥13,972) for one person and $3,836 (¥27,944) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Shenzhen will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Shenzhen on average costs around $4,110 (¥29,940) for one person and $8,219 (¥59,880) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Shenzhen expensive to visit?

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.

On average, budget travelers spend $51 (¥375) per day, mid-range travelers spend $136 (¥998) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $388 (¥2,844) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Shenzhen.

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
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$31
(¥227) 		$89
(¥646) 		$281
(¥2,047)
Local Transportation 1 $6
(¥41) 		$14
(¥105) 		$38
(¥278)
Food 2 $14
(¥104) 		$34
(¥249) 		$75
(¥549)
Entertainment 1 $7
(¥49) 		$17
(¥122) 		$40
(¥293)
Alcohol 2 $4-13
(¥30-91) 		$9-28
(¥69-207) 		$18-53
(¥128-383)

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 $51 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 Baobab Backpacker Hostel , Shenzhen LOFT Youth Hostel, and Discovery Hostel Shenzhen. 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 $136 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 $388. 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 Private Custom Tour of Hong Kong - offered by Viator.

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 $0 to $0. Expect prices to range from $0 for budget hotels to $0 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Shenzhen for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $177 (¥1,293). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $89 (¥646) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $89
    ¥646
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $177
    ¥1,293

Hotels in Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Shenzhen

Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Shenzhen

Unfortunately, Shenzhen does not provide a solid public transit network.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $14 (¥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.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $14
    ¥105

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer for $118 details
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge for $265 details
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer for $55 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Shenzhen
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.

Rental Cars in Shenzhen
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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Shenzhen can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Shenzhen is $34 (¥249) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $34
    ¥249

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Shenzhen is around $34 (¥249) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $75. 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: $3 to $10
  • Lunch: $5 to $14
  • Dinner: $10 to $24
  • 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.

Food & Dining Tips

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:

  • Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong for $132 details
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private for $159 details
  • Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized for $176 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Shenzhen

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Shenzhen typically cost an average of $17 (¥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.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $17
    ¥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:

  • Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour for $275 details
  • Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day for $233 details
  • Hong Kong Dolphin Watch Tour for $105 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Shenzhen

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $19 (¥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
    $19
    ¥138
Nightlife Tips

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 $20 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 30, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Shenzhen

  • Peak season in often means inflated prices and a busy destination. You can save some money and skip the crowds by opting for the shoulder or low seasons for your visit.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Shenzhen, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a private driver or tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • Shenzhen isn't known for its abundance of hostels, so if you're hoping to crash in a budget-friendly dorm, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
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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.



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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.

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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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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