Discover Shenzhen’s Hidden Gems: A Scenic and Cultural Shenzhen Day Tour from Traditional Hakka Villages to Modern Waterfront Wonders

Tour Itinerary

The adventure begins as soon as you arrive in Shenzhen. Your dedicated guide from Your Way Holiday will greet you with a warm smile at the airport, train station, or hotel lobby, holding a clear sign to welcome you. With the utmost professionalism, your guide will assist with your luggage, ensuring that every detail of your arrival is seamless and stress-free. Once you're settled into your private vehicle, the journey through Shenzhen will commence, offering a fascinating first glimpse into a city that combines the energy of a modern metropolis with rich cultural traditions. Throughout the day, your guide will enrich your experience with insightful commentary about Shenzhen’s rapid transformation from a humble fishing village to a global economic powerhouse. The day’s itinerary will take you through some of the city's most culturally and historically significant landmarks, each telling its own unique story.

Your first stop is Gankeng Hakka Town, an authentic Hakka settlement that offers a rare, immersive look into the region's indigenous cultural practices. The Hakka people, known for their remarkable resilience and self-sufficiency, have a long-standing history in southern China, and this town beautifully preserves their traditions. As you stroll through the cobbled streets, your guide will explain the unique Hakka Tulou (earth buildings), the iconic circular or square structures built by the Hakka to house entire communities. These buildings, often four or five stories high, are made of thick rammed earth, designed not only for protection against invaders but also for social cohesion, with all rooms facing a central courtyard. Your guide will dive into the architectural genius behind the Tulou, explaining how their design maximizes both safety and harmony, while maintaining a deep connection with nature. You'll also learn about the Hakka people's traditional way of life, their customs, and how they have managed to preserve their identity while integrating with broader Chinese society. The Hakka cuisine is another significant aspect of the town’s cultural richness, and your guide will take the opportunity to introduce you to local dishes such as Hakka stuffed tofu, a dish that blends fresh tofu with savory fillings of minced pork or shrimp, and salt-baked chicken, a fragrant, juicy chicken roasted in coarse sea salt. These dishes reflect the simple yet flavorful cooking techniques of the Hakka people, where ingredients are carefully chosen for their freshness and taste. Your guide will explain the history behind these recipes, how they were passed down through generations, and their continued importance in modern-day Guangdong cuisine.

From Kankeng, you'll continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Dafen Oil Painting Village, a thriving creative hub where art and commerce intersect. Dafen has earned a global reputation for its vibrant art scene, becoming one of the largest oil painting villages in the world. Originally established as a center for reproducing famous Western artworks, the village has evolved into a hotbed of artistic innovation, where thousands of painters create everything from traditional classical pieces to avant-garde contemporary art. Your guide will take you on a journey through narrow alleyways, lined with workshops where you can see artists at work, each focused on perfecting their craft. The air is filled with the scent of oil paint and the sound of brushes on canvas, creating an atmosphere brimming with artistic energy.

As you walk through the village, your guide will explain the intricate processes behind oil painting, from the initial sketch to the final glazing layers. You'll learn about the village's pivotal role in bringing global art closer to the Chinese market, as well as its impact on the local economy. With over 10,000 artists working here, Dafen serves not only as a production center but also as a cultural landmark where local and international visitors come to appreciate the artistry. Many of the artists have made names for themselves, developing their own distinct styles, which are showcased in galleries around the village. You’ll even have the chance to interact with these artists, watching them create and perhaps even commissioning your own custom artwork as a lasting memento of your visit.

Next, you will visit Yangmeikeng, a beautiful coastal area offering a refreshing escape into nature. Located along the Dapeng Peninsula, Yangmeikeng is known for its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and untouched landscapes. The area retains its rustic charm, with fishing villages nestled along the shoreline and tranquil spots perfect for relaxation. As your guide leads you along scenic trails, they will share insights into the area's natural beauty and its importance as a fishing village dating back centuries. Yangmeikeng's clear waters and soft sands make it a popular destination for both locals and travelers seeking a peaceful retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle. If you wish to explore the surroundings more intimately, your guide can take you on a short hike to one of the cliffs, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the South China Sea and the surrounding coastline. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the beach offers a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the waves. Yangmeikeng is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, and your guide will point out various bird species and plant life that thrive in this natural haven. The area’s quiet charm serves as a reminder of Shenzhen’s ability to preserve natural landscapes even amidst rapid urban growth.

After your explorations, it’s time to indulge in some of the finest Shenzhen-style cuisine. Your guide will recommend three local dishes that capture the essence of the city’s vibrant food culture. The first is Chaozhou-style Braised Beef, a slow-cooked dish that melds tender beef with a rich, aromatic broth of spices, herbs, and soy sauce. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with flavors that have been carefully developed over hours of braising. Your guide will explain how this dish is a favorite in the region and an essential part of Chaozhou’s culinary heritage. Next, you’ll savor Shenzhen-style Dumplings, filled with succulent pork or shrimp, and served steaming hot. These dumplings have a delicate, thin wrapper and a rich, flavorful filling, making them a local staple. Your guide will also share the cultural significance of dumplings in Guangdong cuisine, highlighting their importance during festivals and family gatherings. To finish, you’ll try Wontons in Soup, a light and comforting dish made from delicate dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, floating in a clear, savory broth. Your guide will share how wontons became a beloved part of Shenzhen’s food culture, making it a must-try for visitors eager to experience authentic local flavors.

Following lunch, you'll visit Shenzhen Bay Park, a sprawling urban park that beautifully blends nature with modern design. Stretching along the water’s edge, the park is a perfect place to experience Shenzhen's commitment to creating green spaces in the heart of the city. Your guide will explain the park’s role as both a recreational hub for locals and a peaceful retreat for tourists. The park’s walking and cycling paths wind through lush landscapes, offering views of the surrounding cityscape and the shimmering waters of Shenzhen Bay. As you walk, your guide will point out the park’s key features, such as the carefully designed pavilions, gardens, and sculptures. It’s a place where visitors can relax, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. The park is also home to various species of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. As your guide narrates the park’s role in Shenzhen’s urban planning, you’ll gain an understanding of how the city has managed to integrate nature into its rapid growth.

Your final stop is OCT Harbour, an energetic, waterfront entertainment district that exemplifies Shenzhen’s vibrant, modern character. Known for its lively atmosphere, this area features a variety of attractions, including high-end shopping malls, chic cafes, and outdoor performance spaces. As you stroll along the waterfront, your guide will point out the unique architectural features of the district and share insights into its development as one of Shenzhen’s premier leisure and entertainment zones. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts, dine in trendy restaurants, or simply enjoy the vibrant street performances that make OCT Harbour a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re enjoying the art installations, browsing through high-end boutiques, or sipping coffee by the water, OCT Harbour offers a perfect ending to your day, reflecting Shenzhen’s ability to combine the contemporary with the cultural.

As your day of exploration concludes, your guide will ensure that you are comfortably transferred back to your hotel or transport hub. Reflecting on your experiences, you'll leave with a deep appreciation for Shenzhen's unique blend of history, culture, nature, and modernity. With memories of the vibrant streets, natural wonders, and delicious meals, this private tour offers a comprehensive experience of Shenzhen, showcasing its essence in a way that few other tours can match.

Price Per Person in US Dollars