Splendid China Folk Village
Complete Guide & Visitor Tips
A 30+ hectare cultural park featuring 82 miniature replicas of China's most famous landmarks and 24 authentic ethnic minority village recreations. Experience 5,000 years of Chinese culture in one day. Book on Klook for instant tickets and discounts.
1. Quick Overview at a Glance
| Day tickets | From CNY 180 (Klook discount price) |
|---|---|
| Night tickets | From CNY 100 (entry after 5:30 PM) |
| Day + night combo | CNY 220 (includes evening show) |
| Opening hours | 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM (night sessions until 10 PM) |
| Park area | 30+ hectares (both parks combined) |
| Main highlights | 82 miniature attractions • 24 ethnic villages • 20+ daily shows |
| Best for | Family visits, culture enthusiasts, photographers, Hong Kong day-trippers |
2. What is Splendid China Folk Village?
Splendid China Folk Village is one of China's premier cultural theme parks, located in Huaqiaotown (华侨城), Shenzhen. Opened in 1989, it has welcomed over 60 million visitors from across the world. The park consists of two major sections — Splendid China Miniature Scenic Area and Chinese Folk Culture Village — which sit side by side with free internal connections. A single ticket covers both parks, so you get double the experience without extra cost.
The core concept is brilliant and simple: "See all of China without leaving Shenzhen." Whether it's the Forbidden Palace in Beijing, the Great Wall, the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, or living minority customs like the Bai people's three-course tea ceremony and Tibetan butter tea — everything is condensed into a walkable, 30-hectare park. It is the must-do day-trip from Hong Kong.
3. The Two Parks Explained
Splendid China Miniature Scenic Area — A "Lilliputian" China
This is China's first-ever miniature theme park, with all 82 famous landmarks scaled down at a 1:15 ratio and meticulously recreated. Walking the grounds, you will encounter:
- The Great Wall: snaking for hundreds of meters, every brick hand-sculpted — the park's signature landmark;
- The Forbidden Palace: palace complexes with red walls and golden tiles, roof details matching the real thing;
- Mogao Caves (Dunhuang): cliff-face grottos recreated at scale, breathtaking attention to detail;
- Potala Palace: imposing and majestic, set against backdrop mountains for drama;
- Suzhou Gardens: pavilions, rockeries, and water gardens — pure Jiangnan elegance;
- Terracotta Army (Xi'an): thousands of tiny soldiers in perfect formation;
- Mount Emei Buddha, Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower, and dozens more.
The park features over 50,000 miniature human figures populating historical scenes — merchants at markets, farmers tilling fields, soldiers in formation. A walk through the entire miniature section takes 2–3 hours; you can rent an electronic audio guide (CNY 20) at the entrance for deeper historical context. Perfect for photography, especially if you crouch low to make the models seem more lifelike and grand.
Chinese Folk Culture Village — A Living Museum of 24 Ethnic Peoples
Unlike the miniature park's "see and admire" approach, the folk village emphasizes "experience and interact." The park recreates authentic village architecture and traditions for 24 of China's ethnic minorities at 1:1 scale:
- Dai bamboo houses: participate in Dai water-splashing festivals;
- Mongolian yurts: taste milk tea and lamb hand-pulls;
- Tibetan fortified towers: watch Tibetan song-and-dance performances;
- Miao stilt houses: admire silver jewelry and wax-resist batik craft;
- Bai people's "three-house, one-wall" courtyards: drink three-course tea and hear Bai folk ballads;
- Uyghur courtyards: sample Xinjiang flatbread (roti) and fresh fruit;
- Dong wind-and-rain bridges and drum towers: among China's greatest wooden architectural treasures;
- Tujia, Naxi, Yi, Yao, and other distinct villages.
Each village employs staff from that ethnic group who perform traditional crafts, dances, and music. The folk village hosts 20+ scheduled performances daily from opening to closing. Grab a performance schedule when you enter — plan your route around the shows you don't want to miss.
4. Must-See Performances & Shows
The quality of performances at Splendid China ranks among Shenzhen's best attractions:
- "Dragon and Phoenix Dance of China" Nightly Spectacular: The park's flagship show, held nightly at 7:30 PM in an open-air theatre. A 60-minute extravaganza blending acrobatics, martial arts, dance, light effects, and pyrotechnics to tell the epic story of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. Strongly recommended — consider the day-night combo ticket.
- "Eastern Splendor" Ethnic Fashion Show: Afternoon performances featuring the dazzling costumes of minority peoples in a rotating parade of color and tradition.
- "Wulong Impressions" Street Performances: Roaming acts throughout the park — Miao reed-pipe dances, Wa hair-flipping dances, Mongolian horse-head fiddle performances.
- Dai Water-Splashing Plaza: Daily synchronized water-throwing celebrations, especially lively in summer — bring a change of clothes!
- Folk Carnival Float Parade: Added on weekends and public holidays, with ethnic representatives riding decorated floats around the park.
5. Ticket Types & Pricing
| Ticket type | What's included | Gate price | Klook price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day admission | Both parks, 9:30 AM–6 PM | CNY 200 | CNY 180 |
| Night admission | Entry after 5:30 PM + evening show | CNY 120 | CNY 100 |
| Day + night combo | Full day + evening show | CNY 260 | CNY 220 |
| Family package | 2 adults + 1 child day-night combo | CNY 650 | CNY 550 |
We recommend the day-night combo. Spend the day exploring both scenic areas, have dinner at one of the folk village restaurants, and finish with the 7:30 PM Dragon and Phoenix show — it's the most complete experience. Children (1.2 m – 1.5 m tall) and seniors (65+) receive half-price admission; children under 1.2 m enter free.
6. Best Times to Visit
- Ideal season: October–April (Shenzhen autumn-winter, 15–25°C, comfortable and sunny);
- Avoid: National Day (Oct 1–7) and Lunar New Year holidays — extremely crowded;
- Weekday vs weekend: Weekday crowds are about one-third of weekends, with a much nicer experience;
- Entry time: Arrive at 9:30 AM opening. Start with the miniature park in morning light (best for photos), transition to the folk village in the afternoon;
- Night-ticket option: Short on time? Buy a night ticket only (5:30 PM entry). Explore the folk village and evening show — still very worthwhile.
7. Recommended Full-Day Itinerary
- 9:30 AM — Arrive at park opening; enter via Splendid China's east gate;
- 9:30–11:30 AM — Tour the Miniature Scenic Area: Great Wall → Forbidden Palace → Potala Palace → Mogao Caves → Terracotta Army (key photo stops, 2 hours);
- 11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Lunch in park restaurants (try Yunnan rice noodles or Xinjiang roasted meats, CNY 30–60 per person);
- 12:30–2 PM — Enter the folk village; explore Dai bamboo houses, Miao stilt houses, and Mongolian yurts;
- 2–2:45 PM — Catch the "Eastern Splendor" fashion show;
- 3–4:30 PM — Interactive activities: pound sticky rice, hand-make pottery, learn weaving; participate in water-splashing if it's summer;
- 4:30–5:30 PM — Stroll through Dong wind-and-rain bridges, Bai courtyards, and Uyghur areas; sample ethnic snacks;
- 5:30–7 PM — Evening walk as the park lights up — takes on new magic. Dine at an ethnic-themed restaurant;
- 7:30–8:30 PM — Watch the Dragon and Phoenix Dance spectacular;
- 8:30–9:30 PM — Shop for souvenirs and depart through the west gate.
8. Getting There
From Shenzhen city center
- Metro: Take Line 1 (Luobao Line) to Huaqiaotown Station, Exit D — about 5 minutes' walk. This is the most convenient option;
- Bus: Routes 101, 113, 204, 209 stop at "Splendid China" station;
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Navigate to "9003 Shennan Road." There is a large parking lot on-site (CNY 10 per entry).
From Hong Kong
- High-speed rail option: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station → Shenzhen North Station (19 minutes) → Metro Line 4 south to Convention Centre → change to Line 1 east to Huaqiaotown Station. Total time: ~1 hour;
- Futian Border option: Cross at Futian Border Control Point → Metro Line 4 north to Convention Centre → change to Line 1 to Huaqiaotown. Total: ~50 minutes;
- Shenzhen Bay option: Shenzhen Bay Border → Bus M528 or taxi (~CNY 30) direct to the park. Total: ~30 minutes.
Hong Kong visitors should bring their Home Return Permit or a valid passport visa. Klook e-tickets display on your phone — no need to exchange at a counter; just scan and enter.
9. Helpful Tips & Insider Advice
- Comfortable shoes are essential — the park is vast; easily 20,000+ steps in a day;
- Sunscreen and a hat — the miniature area is almost entirely open-air; summer sun is intense;
- Bring water and snacks — restaurants and shops exist but are pricey. Pack extras;
- Rent an audio guide (CNY 20) at the miniature section entry — gives great context for each landmark;
- Use the park's electric vehicles (CNY 20 per person/trip) if tired — especially good for elderly visitors and families with small children;
- Photography tip: Crouch or kneel when shooting the miniature models — low angles make them look more imposing and realistic;
- Grab a performance schedule on entry — plan your route to catch the shows you're most interested in;
- Great for kids aged 4–12 — the folk village's hands-on activities are particularly engaging;
- Rain contingency — parts of the folk village have indoor exhibits. Light rain won't stop you, but heavy rain may cancel the evening show;
- Nearby parks: Right next door are Window of the World and Happy Valley Shenzhen — perfect for a 2–3 day Huaqiaotown cultural deep-dive.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need separate tickets for Splendid China and the Folk Village?
No. The two parks are under unified management now, and one ticket lets you move freely between both. No extra charges.
Q: Are there restaurants inside the park?
Yes! Multiple ethnic-themed restaurants operate in the folk village — Yunnan rice noodles, Xinjiang lamb stew, Mongolian grilled meat, Sichuan hotpot, etc. Budget CNY 30–80 per person. Quick-service and convenience stores are also available in the miniature area.
Q: Will the evening show be cancelled if it rains?
Light rain, the show goes on (raincoats provided). Heavy to severe rain may cancel or postpone; check the park's announcement on the day. Night-ticket refunds are offered if cancelled.
Q: Are strollers/prams allowed?
Absolutely. The paths are flat and spacious. Stroller rentals (CNY 50/day) are available near the entrances — very useful with infants.
Q: Is there luggage storage?
Yes, at the east entrance: CNY 10 for small bags, CNY 20 for large suitcases. Ideal for Hong Kong or out-of-town day-trippers.
11. Why Book Through Us
- Klook prices beat gate prices by CNY 20–100;
- Instant e-tickets — buy now, scan-and-enter immediately;
- Flexible validity; you can reschedule before your visit;
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before — no penalty if weather is poor;
- Multiple payment methods: WeChat, Alipay, credit card;
- 24/7 Chinese-language customer service.