Shenzhen is a sprawling megacity on China's southern coast, directly across the border from Hong Kong. Transformed from a fishing town of about 30,000 people into a metropolis of over 17 million in four decades, it is China's original Special Economic Zone and the country's leading technology hub, home to Tencent, Huawei, DJI, and thousands of electronics manufacturers.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Shenzhen through its food.
Shenzhen Night Food Tour: Ten Tastings
Includes: Ten curated tastings across Luohu's night market lanes near Dongmen · English-speaking local guide translating menus and explaining dishes · Mix of savory street food and Cantonese-style sweets · Small-group pace starting near Laojie Station · Insight into how Luohu's food scene blends regional Chinese influences
Dongmen Old Street Self-Guided Snack Crawl
Includes: Self-paced snacking across six blocks of Dongmen's pedestrian street · Stinky tofu, grilled skewers, and dessert stalls side by side · Optional sit-down Cantonese or Chaoshan meal in upstairs food courts · Evenings bring the liveliest crowds and stall variety · No booking or fixed schedule required
Shajing Oyster Street Self-Guided Grill Walk
Includes: 300-meter lane of open-air oyster grilling stalls on Xinsha Road · Compare garlic-butter, chili, and salt-grilled oyster styles · Direct access via Shajing Station Exit B on Metro Line 11 · Optional sit-down seafood restaurant for a fuller meal · Best oysters in the cooler autumn-to-spring months
Futian Michelin Fine Dining Walk
Includes: Self-arranged reservations across Futian's top fine-dining restaurants · Stops include OPUS elev. 388, The Bay by Chef Fei, and Xin Rong Ji · Skyline views from UpperHills near Ping An Finance Center · Spread across lunch and dinner rather than one continuous walk · Best suited to visitors comfortable booking their own restaurant timing
Hakka Heritage Food Walk (Gankeng Ancient Town)
Includes: Restored walled Hakka village with courtyards and traditional architecture · Sampling of Hakka rice cakes and Longgang-style salt-baked chicken · Adjoining Hakka culture museum area for historical context · Self-paced, mixing food stops with cultural sightseeing · Best walked in cooler autumn or spring weather
Chaoshan Beef Hotpot and Braised Goose Crawl
Includes: Fresh-cut beef hotpot at Chaofa in Dongmen, ordered by cut and grade · Chaoshan-style braised goose with vinegar-garlic dipping sauce at Chen Pengpeng · Two stops linked by a short metro or taxi ride between Luohu and Futian · Insight into Chaoshan beef grading and goose preparation · Communal, shared-plate dining style at both restaurants
Luohu Morning Yum Cha Walk
Includes: Morning congee and dim sum at Chuixianglou on Renmin South Road · Second stop at Fanlou Dim Sum Teahouse in Huaqiangbei · Tea-pairing notes and traditional yum cha etiquette · Best started before 10:00 for freshest service and shorter waits · Mix of savory dumplings and sweet items like egg tarts
Tour formats
Different ways to experience Shenzhen's food scene.
Cooking classes
Take a piece of Shenzhen home with you.
Cantonese Dim Sum Making Class (Futian)
Hakka Salt-Baked Chicken Workshop (Longgang)
DIY self-guided food tour
Build your own food crawl through Shenzhen.
-
1
Chuixianglou
-
2
Dongmen Old Street Snack Stalls
-
3
Chaofa Chaoshan Beef Hotpot (Dongmen)
-
4
Chen Pengpeng Braised Goose (CocoPark)
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book the Viator night food tour at least 3 days ahead during peak autumn and spring travel seasons.
Wear comfortable shoes: most food walks in Dongmen and Shajing cover uneven pedestrian lanes and market stalls.
Carry a phone with WeChat Pay or Alipay loaded, since many street stalls do not accept foreign cards or cash from outside China.
Chaoshan beef hotpot restaurants serve beef by cut and grade; asking for a recommended combination avoids over-ordering.
Fine-dining reservations at Yun Jing, The Bay by Chef Fei, and OPUS elev. 388 should be made at least a week in advance, longer for weekend dinners.
Shajing oysters peak in flavor from autumn to early spring; a summer visit will still find grilled options but a smaller selection.