Before You Go Checklist

To plan your trip, review Shenzhen Metro.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Shenzhen Museum.

Digital preparation is vital for navigating mainland China. Most local services rely on specific mobile applications for payments. You must download WeChat or Alipay to pay for snacks. Link your international credit card to these apps before arriving.

Ensure your passport has the correct visa for entry. Shenzhen often offers special port visas for certain nationalities. Check the latest entry rules to avoid travel delays. Keep a digital copy of your passport on your phone.

• Valid passport with a current Chinese visa
• Activated Alipay or WeChat Pay mobile application
• Reliable VPN service installed on your phone
• Offline map of Shenzhen downloaded for use
• Travel insurance documents printed or saved digitally
• Hotel address written in Chinese characters
• Emergency contact numbers saved in your device
• Local SIM card or international roaming plan

On the Day Checklist

Start your morning by charging all your electronic devices. A dead phone will stop you from using maps. Most free walking tours in Shenzhen require digital registration. Carry a small power bank to keep your battery full.

Wear light clothing that breathes well in high humidity. Cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for long walks. You will likely walk several miles through urban districts. Choose light colors to reflect the intense sunlight.

Hydration is the most important factor for physical comfort. Carry a reusable water bottle to refill at malls. Public drinking fountains are rare on the city streets. Convenience stores are everywhere if you need a refill.

• Comfortable walking shoes with good arch support
• Small umbrella for rain or sun protection
• Portable power bank with a charging cable
• Lightweight backpack with breathable mesh straps
• Sunscreen with a high SPF rating
• Hand sanitizer or small pack of wet wipes
• Reusable water bottle for staying hydrated
• Light jacket for air-conditioned indoor spaces

Common Mistakes Checklist

Many travelers forget to learn how to join free walking tours in Shenzhen properly. Showing up without a booking can lead to disappointment. Always confirm your meeting point the night before. Arrive ten minutes early to meet your guide.

Do not assume that everyone speaks fluent English. While Shenzhen is international, many vendors speak Mandarin. Download an offline translation app to help you. Simple phrases can make your interactions much smoother.

Using a physical map is often difficult here. Construction happens fast and streets change frequently. Digital maps are much more reliable for navigation. Baidu Maps or Amap are the best local options.

• Forgetting to download a translation app
• Ignoring the high humidity levels in summer
• Failing to book your tour in advance
• Carrying a heavy backpack all day long
• Not checking the metro operating hours
• Relying solely on international credit cards
• Wearing brand new shoes without breaking them in
• Underestimating the size of the city districts

If You Are Traveling With Family

Traveling with kids requires extra planning for rest stops. Shenzhen has many beautiful parks like the OCT Loft Art District walking tour route. These areas offer shade and creative spaces for children. Plan for frequent breaks to keep everyone happy.

Pack small snacks that can withstand the heat. Granola bars or dried fruit are good options. Avoid chocolate as it will melt quickly. Keep some local candy to reward younger walkers.

Bring a compact stroller if your children are young. Most sidewalks in the city center are wide. This makes pushing a stroller very easy for parents. Elevators are available in most modern metro stations.

• Compact stroller for tired young children
• Healthy snacks like nuts or dried fruit
• Small toys or games for rest breaks
• Extra pair of socks for the kids
• Identification cards for children in your group
• Portable fan for keeping cool in summer
• Wipes for cleaning hands before eating snacks
• Small first aid kit with basic bandages

Don't Pack These Items

Avoid bringing large amounts of physical cash. Most vendors prefer digital payments and lack change. Small bills are okay for emergencies only. Digital wallets are the standard in modern China.

Leave heavy guidebooks at your hotel or home. These add unnecessary weight to your day pack. Use digital guides from reputable travel websites instead. Your phone is a much lighter information source.

Heavy professional camera gear can be a burden. Modern smartphones take excellent photos of the skyline. Only bring a tripod for night photography sessions. Travel light to stay energetic all day long.

• Heavy hardcover books or thick travel guides
• Large amounts of physical cash or coins
• Uncomfortable dress shoes or high-heeled boots
• Excessive jewelry or very expensive fashion items
• Bulky professional camera tripods and lighting gear
• Full-sized bath towels or heavy laundry items
• Laptops or heavy tablets for day trips
• Large bottles of shampoo or heavy toiletries

While You’re There Checklist

Keep a small amount of cash for tipping. Read a free walking tour Shenzhen tipping guide for advice. Tipping is not common but appreciated for guides. Small gestures of thanks go a long way.

Stay aware of your surroundings in metro stations. Shenzhen is very safe but being mindful is good. Keep your bag in front of you in crowds. Watch for the green lights at pedestrian crossings.

Consider finding how to book Shenzhen local volunteer guides for insights. These locals provide unique perspectives on city history. They can show you hidden gems off the path. Volunteers often share stories you won't find online.

• Metro card or digital transport QR code
• Small change for public bus fares
• Business card of your hotel for taxis
• Translation app with voice recognition features
• Face mask for crowded public transport areas
• Light snack for mid-afternoon energy boosts
• Hat to protect your face from sun
• Emergency cash hidden in a separate pocket