22 amazing things to do in Shenzhen

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A post shared by Jtashia Young (@jtashia) on Mar 1, 2019 at 12:37pm PST

Social media has been going wild for this Moroccan-inspired café. While there are already four different locations in Shenzhen, the Futian district’s branch remains the most popular of them all. Why? From the Moroccan-style outdoor terrace to the gorgeous blue-and-white patterned tiles on the floor and swimming pool (though it’s empty of water) to the comfy wicker chairs, every corner is a photo shoot waiting to happen. It’s the perfect setting for coffee and conversation.

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Shenzhen may be famous for its local flavours, but there’s a western bakery that’s definitely worth visiting when you’re in town. Delisen’s thick-cut sandwiches are just as iconic as HeyTea’s hand-shaken tea, and each serving is brimming with ingredients – real bang for your buck. The pureed taro with pork floss sandwich and the pureed taro with salted egg option are particularly unique. 

No, we’re not telling you to go visit a convenience store. Hidden behind afully-functional fridge is, in fact, a doorway to a two-storey bar. Prepare to be greeted by a whole different world once you make it to this basement speakeasy, boasting a sleek atmosphere courtesy of the dim lighting and jazz music playing in the background. Have a chat with the resident mixologists to get yourself the perfect drink.  

One of the most Instagrammable spots in the whole of Shenzhen, Laps Laps is an Americana-inspired retro diner dressed in bright pops of pinks and blues. After taking a photo with the hot pink convertible out front, indulge your sweet tooth with one of the decidedly OTT milkshakes topped with donuts and candies.

Covering more than 60 million square metres of space, OCT – Loft is the largest cultural and creative complex in Shenzhen, bringing together art studios, galleries, bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops and the like. Creative markets are held in the park every first and third weekend of each month, attracting creators from all over the world.

A visit to the cultural and creative hub of Oct – Loft wouldn’t be complete without spending some time at a local hipster coffee shop. Walking into the idyllic Donkey Bar is like walking into the Japanese fantasy film The Secret World of Arrietty. Luscious green plants and blooming flowers surround the alfresco dining space. When the sun shines down, it’s a beautiful picture of serenity and the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon sipping coffee with friends.

The dull grey exterior of this warehouse may seem ordinary and unappealing, but step inside and you’ll find the exhibition space for OCT Contemporary Art Terminal (Ocat), a non-profit art museum that also has branches in Shanghai, Xian, Beijing and Wuhan. The Shenzhen location frequently hosts events, performances and exhibitions to promote contemporary art.