Shenzhen Panoramic Day Tour
Chung Ying Street · Dameisha Beach · City Landmarks
Depart Hong Kong for a full day exploring Shenzhen's highlights: the historic Chung Ying Street border duty-free market, Dameisha's golden beach, and iconic city landmarks — all with transport, lunch, and a bilingual guide included.
Quick Overview
| Duration | About 10–11 hours (full day) |
|---|---|
| Departure | Hong Kong city center meeting point |
| Destination | Shenzhen (Chung Ying Street, Dameisha, city landmarks) |
| Guide Language | Bilingual: Chinese & English |
| Includes | Cross-border transport, lunch, attraction entry, guide |
| Best For | Families, couples, first-time Shenzhen visitors |
1. Why Choose the Shenzhen Panoramic Day Tour
Shenzhen and Hong Kong are separated by just a river, yet the experience is a world apart. As China's youngest megacity, Shenzhen has transformed from a fishing village 40 years ago into a tech hub full of skyscrapers, modern shopping districts, and vibrant neighbourhoods. However, for Hong Kong-based visitors, planning your own Shenzhen day trip is genuinely complicated — you must navigate border crossing procedures, local transport, language barriers, and unfamiliar payment systems.
This panoramic day tour delivers value precisely where independent travel falls short:
- Hassle-free border crossing: Your guide handles all immigration procedures — no need to research port-of-entry processes yourself.
- Curated itinerary: Visit three signature attractions — Chung Ying Street, Dameisha, and city landmarks — all in one well-paced day.
- Lunch included: No hunting for restaurants or dealing with menus and payment apps.
- Bilingual guide: Perfect if you don't speak Mandarin.
- Door-to-door transport: Air-conditioned coach service from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and back — the whole journey hassle-free.
2. The Three Core Attractions
Chung Ying Street — Border Duty-Free Market
Chung Ying Street (also Chung Ying Jie) in Shantou, Shenzhen, is a one-of-a-kind historic street. A line runs down the centre of the street — one side belongs to Shenzhen, the other to Hong Kong. After the Treaty of Peking (1898) defined the boundary, eight boundary stones were erected here, and they remain visible today.
Today's Chung Ying Street is a lively duty-free market with stalls and shops on both sides. You can buy:
- Snacks and dried goods (30–50% cheaper than Hong Kong supermarkets)
- Groceries and cosmetics
- Electronics and accessories
- Souvenirs and handicrafts
Entry to Chung Ying Street requires a special pass (included in the tour). The guide handles all paperwork — independent travellers often cannot access it. Budget 1–2 hours for shopping and browsing.
Dameisha Beach Park
Dameisha (also romanised as Dameisha), located in eastern Shenzhen's Yantian District, is one of Shenzhen's most famous beaches. The park features 1.8 km of golden sand, backed by the green slopes of Wutong Mountain and facing Dapeng Bay, earning it the nickname "Oriental Hawaii."
The park is well-developed with:
- Wide, clean beach — perfect for walking and photos
- Seaside boardwalks with 180-degree sea views
- Themed plaza areas (Sun Plaza, Moon Plaza, etc.)
- Iconic sculptures and photo spots
The tour typically includes 1–1.5 hours of free time at Dameisha, ideal for wading, sunbathing, strolling the boardwalk, and photography. Summer is best for swimming (bring a bathing suit), though beach walks are pleasant year-round.
Shenzhen City Landmarks
The tour also passes and stops at multiple Shenzhen icons — the exact itinerary depends on the day's schedule, but typical highlights include:
- Kingkey 100 Observation Deck: Once Asia's tallest building, the observation platform offers a 360-degree panorama of Shenzhen.
- Deng Xiaoping Statue Square: An emblem of Shenzhen's reform and opening-up, located atop Lianhua Mountain Park.
- Civic Centre: An iconic modern building shaped like a great roc in flight.
- Shenzhen Bay: Scenic waterfront with views of Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the New Territories.
3. Sample Itinerary
- 8:00–8:30 AM — Depart from designated Hong Kong meeting point (exact location confirmed after booking)
- 9:00–9:30 AM — Arrive at Shenzhen border checkpoint; guide assists with immigration
- 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Free time at Chung Ying Street (includes permit processing time)
- 12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch (Chinese cuisine, included)
- 1:30–3:00 PM — Free time at Dameisha Beach Park
- 3:30–5:00 PM — City sightseeing (Kingkey 100, Deng Xiaoping Square, Civic Centre, etc.)
- 5:00–5:30 PM — Return to Shenzhen border checkpoint
- 6:00–7:00 PM — Arrive back at Hong Kong meeting point; tour ends
* The above is a sample itinerary. The actual order and timings may vary based on traffic and border conditions on the day.
4. What Is Included & What Isn't
Included in the tour price
- Round-trip coach transport (Hong Kong to Shenzhen and back)
- Full-day bilingual (Chinese/English) guide service
- Chung Ying Street special entry permit (processing fee included)
- One Chinese lunch
- Attraction entry fees for the itinerary
- Travel insurance
Not included
- Personal shopping purchases
- Optional activities and extra attractions
- Guide gratuity (HK$ 20–50 per person is customary)
- Beverages and personal snacks
5. Practical Tips
- Documents: Bring a valid travel document — Hong Kong ID card, passport, or mainland travel permit — required to cross the border.
- Cash: Small vendors at Chung Ying Street may accept cash only; prepare HK$ 200–500 or RMB 150–300. Most shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes essential; sandals or flip-flops for the beach. Summer visitors should pack a hat and sunscreen.
- Power bank: A full day of sightseeing drains phone batteries fast — bring a portable charger.
- Water: The coach usually provides water, but bringing your own is safer.
- Weather: Shenzhen summers are very hot (35°C+), winters mild (15–20°C). Best seasons: April–May and October–November.
- Connectivity: Consider buying a local eSIM or roaming plan beforehand. Shenzhen blocks Google, WhatsApp, and other overseas services.
- Haggling: Small vendors at Chung Ying Street can negotiate, but shop prices are usually fixed.
6. Best Time to Go
- Recommended: October–November (crisp autumn) and March–April (spring bloom) — comfortable weather and moderate crowds.
- Summer (June–September): Swimming is an option, but expect scorching heat (35°C+) and peak-season crowds at Dameisha.
- Winter (December–February): Mild weather but water too cold for swimming; fewer tourists.
- Avoid: Chinese public holidays (Lunar New Year, Labour Day, National Day) — expect chaos at borders and overcrowded attractions.
- Weekday vs. weekend: Weekdays clear borders faster and have fewer crowds — highly recommended.
7. Who This Tour Suits
- Hong Kong residents wanting a one-day mainland escape
- First-time Shenzhen visitors unfamiliar with transport and language
- Shoppers hunting duty-free bargains
- Families (children love the beach)
- Photography enthusiasts keen on Shenzhen's skyline
- History and culture buffs interested in the China-Britain border story
Less suitable: independent backpackers, Shenzhen regulars, or those who dislike group tours.
8. Comparison With Other Shenzhen Tours
| Tour Type | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic Day Tour (this tour) | Chung Ying Street + Dameisha + landmarks | First-time visitors, all-rounder experience |
| Costco Shopping Tour | Bulk shopping at Costco | Hong Kong shoppers |
| Private Car Charter | Custom itinerary | Small groups, families |
| Theme Park Tour (Happy Valley) | Rides and attractions | Young people, families |
9. Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
At least 2–3 days ahead; for peak seasons (summer holidays, Chinese public holidays), book a week in advance. Klook offers instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Children ages 3+ can join; infants under 3 are usually free but require advance notice. All children must have valid travel documents to cross the border.
What's for lunch? Can you accommodate vegetarians?
Lunch is typically Cantonese-style Chinese (8–10 dishes). Vegetarian options are available with advance notice at booking. If you have severe food allergies, consider bringing your own meals.
How long does border crossing take?
Weekdays: typically 20–40 minutes. Weekends and holidays: up to 1 hour or more. Your guide will direct you through the fastest checkpoint. Bring reading material or earphones to pass the wait.
Can I use Hong Kong dollars in Shenzhen?
Some shops accept HKD, but the exchange rate is poor. Bring a small amount of RMB cash, or use WeChat Pay / Alipay (accepted widely). Most Chung Ying Street vendors take HKD but may not provide change.
10. Why Book Through Us
- Official Klook partnership — same prices, sometimes better
- Instant e-ticket confirmation via QR code
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
- 24/7 customer support in multiple languages
- Thousands of verified customer reviews
- One-stop comparison, no need to shop around