Shenzhen is more than just a modern metropolis — it’s a vibrant hub for Cantonese cuisine and Lingnan culture. This four-day itinerary combines rich culinary experiences with authentic cultural insights, perfect for travelers eager to taste real flavors and dive into local traditions.

Day 1: Gankeng Hakka Town — A Taste of Heritage

Morning: Stroll through Gankeng Hakka Town

Take Metro Line 3 to Dafen Station (\~40 mins, RMB 6), then taxi about 10 minutes (RMB 15) to Gankeng Hakka Town. Wander among well-preserved Hakka walled villages and ancestral halls, immersing yourself in the ancient lifestyle.

Lunch: Authentic Hakka Cuisine

Recommended Restaurants: Hakka Restaurant or Wéi Wū Dining Hall
Must-Try Dishes & Ingredients:
- Mei Cai Kou Rou (Steamed Pork with Preserved Vegetables): Tender pork belly paired with flavorful sun-dried preserved mustard greens, steamed slowly to a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- Hakka Stuffed Tofu: Fresh tofu stuffed with minced pork, scallions, and carrots — soft outside, flavorful inside.
- Salt-Baked Chicken: Whole chicken wrapped in coarse salt and herbs, retaining juicy, aromatic meat.

Local diners say, “This is the true taste of home — like the comforting warmth of a wood-fired stew.”

Afternoon: Bamboo Weaving Workshop

Learn the traditional craft of bamboo weaving at the Hakka Cultural Center. Under expert guidance, turn natural bamboo strips into beautiful, practical items.

Duration: 2 hours
Cost: RMB 150 per person
Booking: Reserve via Gankeng Official Website or WeChat “甘坑客家小镇” — book at least 7 days in advance.

Day 2: Shajing Ancient Street & Oyster Culture — Coastal Delights

Morning: Shajing Oyster Culture Museum & Old Street

Take Metro Line 2 to Shajing Station (\~50 mins, RMB 7), then taxi or bus about 10 minutes (RMB 15) to the museum. Explore the history of oyster farming in this coastal region. Afterwards, stroll through Shajing’s old street with its charming Lingnan arcade buildings.

Lunch: Shajing Oyster Feast

Recommended Restaurants: Shajing Oyster Palace or Yuan Ji Oyster House
Signature Dishes & Ingredients:
- Boiled Fresh Oysters: Fresh oysters boiled briefly to keep their natural sweetness and silky texture, served with soy and scallion sauce.
- Oyster Congee: Slow-cooked rice porridge with fresh oysters, ginger, and peanuts for a smooth, comforting bowl.
- Steamed Oysters with Garlic & Vermicelli: Oysters on a bed of vermicelli steamed with aromatic garlic sauce — fragrant and rich.

Local chefs highlight, “Shajing oysters thrive in brackish water, giving them a unique, fresh flavor.”

Day 3: Luohu Dongmen Food Street & Wutong Mountain Cultural Walk

Morning: Dongmen Old Street Food Tour

Take Metro Line 1 to **Laojie Station**, then walk to Dongmen Food Street. Sample a variety of Cantonese snacks:

Pandora Rice Rolls: Thin red rice rolls filled with fresh shrimp and seasonal veggies, soft and slightly chewy.
Classic Cantonese Desserts: Double-skin milk custard and black sesame soup — delicately sweet and silky smooth.
Liwan-style Ting Zai Congee: A hearty congee with fish slices, shrimp, peanuts, and fried dough sticks.
Golden Pillow Durian Pastry: Flaky pastry filled with rich durian paste, sweet but not overwhelming.
XO Sauce & Pepper Steamed Chicken Feet: Tender chicken feet steamed with savory, mildly spicy XO sauce.
Handmade Fried Dough Sticks: Crispy on the outside, soft inside — perfect with congee.

Dongmen Food Street, Shenzhen

A Must-Visit Local Street Food Paradise in Luohu District

Location: Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen

Metro Access: Line 1 or Line 3 → Laojie Station (Exit D), 3-min walk

Opening Hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Reservation: No booking required

Why Visit Dongmen Food Street?

Dongmen is one of the oldest commercial zones in Shenzhen and has now become a vibrant street food hub, combining local Cantonese snacks with modern treats. You can find:

Grilled squid, beef skewers, and bubble tea
Traditional dim sum, stinky tofu, and fried ice cream
Budget clothing and souvenirs

It’s a perfect place for an evening street walk + food hunt.

Dongmen Food Street on Google Maps

Hidden Bookstore Oasis in Shenzhen: A Peaceful Urban Escape （BLLB Bookstore & Coffee Shenzhen）

Tucked away in Bao’an District, this lush bookstore café is a serene retreat covered in vibrant greenery, like a fairy-tale treehouse. It offers a calm escape from Shenzhen’s busy city life — perfect for reading, coffee, or relaxing by a nearby lake with ducks.

Located next to Yifang City Mall, it’s easy to combine culture with shopping and dining. Accessible via Metro Line 5 (Bao’an Central Station Exit A or Baohua Station Exit B2).

Details:

Address: No. 5 Shengshang Road, Haixiang Community, Bao’an District
Average spend: RMB 20–30
Name: BLLB Bookstore & Coffee

Discover this hidden gem for a quiet moment amid Shenzhen’s hustle — ideal for travelers seeking nature, books, and peace.

Day 4: Shekou Sea World & Night Market Food Crawl

Morning: Sea World Plaza Dining

Take Metro Line 2 to Sea World Station, then walk 5 minutes.

San Sheng AFFINITÉ (French Restaurant)三生AFFINITÉ
- Elegant decor, perfect for birthdays or romantic dinners.
- Window seats offer beautiful sea views enhancing the dining experience.
- Recommended dishes include low-temp sea star eel, East China squid, and exquisite chocolate desserts.
- Price range: RMB 300–500 per person
- Booking: San Sheng AFFINITÉ Online Reservation or via Meituan/Dianping.
Jin Daoyuan Claypot Congee (Sea World branch)
- Abalone & Shrimp Congee: Slow-cooked claypot congee with fresh abalone and live shrimp, thick and flavorful.
- Three-Cup Pork Trotters: Tender pork trotters simmered with rich sauce, perfectly savory and slightly sweet.
- Grilled Lamb Skewers: Fatty and lean lamb grilled to perfection with rich aroma.
- Craft beers available — ideal for a summer evening with grilled snacks and sea views.
- Price range: RMB 80–120 per person
- Address: 101 Hou Plaza, Sea World, Shuiwan Community, Nanshan District
- Booking: Reserve via Meituan/Dianping or phone.
Blend Coffee Tribe (Modern Café)
- Spring specialty: Slow-roasted caramel crispy toast pudding with fresh fruit — crispy crust meets silky caramel.
- Signature dishes: Shrimp & avocado egg croissant waffle; “Little Monster” full breakfast platter.
- Recommended drink: Orange oat milk Dirty latte with lingering citrus aroma.
- Price range: RMB 80–130 per person
- Booking: No reservation needed – walk-ins welcome.

Evening: Nantou Ancient Town Night Market南山区南头街道美食街

Nantou Food Street, Nanshan District
Transportation: Metro Line 12, Zhongshan Park Station.
Highlights: A variety of cuisines gathered here, including street stalls and specialty restaurants.
Must-Try: Spicy Mala Hotpot, Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun).
Note: Expect queues during peak dining hours; some restaurants do not provide receipts.
Payment mainly cash; some vendors accept WeChat/Alipay; credit cards rarely used.
Ordering is verbal; ask for recommended dishes.

Recommended Night Market Dishes & Ingredients:

Charcoal-grilled Pigeon: Young pigeons (\~40 days old), marinated and grilled for crispy skin and tender meat.
Soy Sauce Fried Noodles: Egg noodles stir-fried simply with soy sauce for a savory bite.
Tofu Pudding: Silky tofu served sweet or savory, refreshing and light.
Sugar-fried Rice Cake: Crispy outside, chewy inside — a local favorite.

Transportation:

Haiyue Night Market: Metro Line 9, Haiyue Station, 5-minute walk.
Nantou Ancient Town Night Market: Metro Line 1, Nantou Station, 10-minute walk.

Tips: Night markets have simple open-air seating. Peak hours 7–9 PM are crowded; visit slightly earlier or later for a relaxed experience.

Dining Tips in Guangdong

Most tea houses charge a 5–15 RMB tea fee for tea and utensil cleaning.
Pre-meal tea rinsing of dishes is traditional and hygienic.
Peak times require reservations, especially on holidays.
Sharing multiple small dishes is ideal to sample diverse flavors.

Transportation & Map Overview

Day	Area	Main Metro Station	Taxi Route & Time	Taxi Fare	Notes	Estimated Visit Duration	Budget (per person)
1	Gankeng Hakka Town	Gankeng Station Line 10	5–8 min walk	CNY 0	Direct metro exit, no taxi needed	4–5 hours	CNY 150 (workshop + meals)
2	Shajing Oyster Area	Houting Station Line 11	Houting → Oyster Museum	CNY 8–10	Official recommended route	4–5 hours	CNY 60–100 (meals + entry)
3	Luohu Dongmen & Wutong	Laojie & Liantang Line 8	Walk to Dongmen; bike/taxi to Wutong trail	Walk/Bike	Wutong trailhead at Liantang Exit D	5–6 hours	CNY 50–120 (food + class)
4	Sea World & Night Market	Sea World Station	Walk to all venues	Walk	Short distances, all on foot	4–5 hours	CNY 80–300 (food + drinks)

This four-day Shenzhen itinerary blends rich local flavors with immersive cultural experiences, ideal for those eager to explore authentic Lingnan cuisine and traditions. Booking ahead and avoiding peak times will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable journey.

What to Do in Shenzhen in 4 Days（2025）: Street Food & Cultural Gems

About Go2

Business

Contact Us

Follow us on