Shenzhen, in southeastern China, is a modern metropolis that links Hong Kong to China’s mainland. It’s known for its shopping destinations, including Luohu Commercial City, a massive mall with a vast array of wares, from tailors’ custom clothing to faux designer bags. The city also features contemporary buildings, such as the 600m-tall skyscraper Ping An International Finance Centre, and a number of amusement parks.

Happy Valley

Opened in 1998, the first of what has become a nationwide theme park chain; Happy Valley is Shenzhen’s answer to Disneyland. Consider that some of the core attractions are the Golden Mine Town with its wild Mine Coaster, Mount Adventure replete with Space Port, and importantly (considering how hot Shenzhen gets in the summer) a Maya themed water park. Well you can imagine what it’s all about: family fun par excellence. Covering 350,000 square meters, the park is composed of nine different areas with distinct themes, including Spanish Square, Cartoon City, Shangri-La Woods, Sunshine Beach, Typhoon Bay and Happy Times. Boasting nearly 100 games, rides and attractions, as well as snack stores aplenty, plan for a solid day of action. There are also performances of varying quality and style, from a dismal WW2 reenactment to amazing BMX and skate displays. If there’s a low it’s how busy the place gets during the summer break, so time your visit wisely.

Windows of The World

On the other-side of Shenzhen Boulevard stands the city’s most iconic theme park, if only for its towering Eiffel Tower replica which is illuminated at night. In essence Window of the World is a tad dated, hankering back to a time when few Chinese holidaymakers could travel overseas to visit the planet’s major landmarks. The solution: we’ll bring them to you. From Cambodia’s Angkor Wat to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Tower of London to the canals of Venice, the theme parks is, as its name suggests, home to the many (mini) wonders of the world. Were that not exotic enough, there’s also an indoor ski resort (in subtropical Shenzhen) and a European style bar street that hosts an international beer festival. The park is definitely targeting local clientele. That said if you’re looking to kill an afternoon it has a certain surreal appeal to it.

Splendid China – Folk Culture Villages

Next door to Window of the World, this integrated dual attraction has a similar feel to its occidental neighbour. However, here you’ll find Chinese culture on display. Splendid China is, in essence, a garden filled with scaled down versions of China’s greatest monuments like the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and their kin. The Folk Culture Villages attempt to present minority culture with shows and cultural exhibits provided by representatives of China’s 55 recognised ethnic groups. Of note is the Dynasty at War equestrian show where stuntmen perform famous Ming Dynasty battles.

OCT Bay

OCT Bay is a large retail and entertainment complex in Shenzhen, China. It covers an area of roughly 1.25 km².and features amongst others, a manmade lake and canals, hotels and a shopping mall. It was opened to the public in 2011