
Eligible visitors can step out of Shenzhen Bao’an Airport and explore the city with China’s 240-hour visa-free policy. Skip the tedious airport wait, join Trip.com’s free Shenzhen tour, or craft your own quick itinerary to see Shenzhen’s best spots.
How to Join FREE Shenzhen Tour
This is hands down the easiest way to explore Shenzhen in 1 day tour—Trip.com runs a free guided tour for Bao’an Airport entry travelers. No pre-registration, no hidden fees, just first-come first-served seats.
✅ Schedule: Departs daily at 09:00 (GMT+8), ends at 15:00 at Shenzhen Talent Park. Important note: No return transport to the airport is provided—plan your way back with extra buffer time.
✅ What’s included: Free shuttle bus from the airport to attractions, bilingual (English/Mandarin) professional guide, and entry tickets to scenic spots (where applicable).
✅ Eligibility: All international transit passengers with valid visa-free approval/transit documents. Kids under 12 must travel with an adult.
✅ Tour Route & Must-See Highlights (tested by me, these spots are worth your time):
- Lianhuashan Park: A calm urban green space with unbeatable Shenzhen skyline photo ops. 10:00–11:00 is the sweet spot—soft sunlight, minimal crowds, perfect for shots.
- Nantou Ancient City: A 1,700-year-old town where traditional Chinese architecture mixes with trendy boutiques and cafes. Don’t miss local snacks: braised pork ribs rice and coconut jelly are absolute must-tries. The free Nantou Ancient City Museum is great for a quick history dive (closed on Mondays).
- Shenzhen Talent Park: The tour finishes here, with panoramic views of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Shenzhen’s futuristic skyline. Spend 15–20 mins strolling the waterfront before heading back to the airport.
Shenzhen Layover - Visa & Transit Policy (TWOV)

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
You can leave the airport during your layover—this policy applies to Shenzhen, and it’s one of the most flexible transit rules in China, letting you explore Shenzhen and the whole of Guangdong Province visa-free for 10 days. I’ve used this policy multiple times, and it’s straightforward as long as you meet the requirements.
- Eligible nationalities: Citizens of 55 countries (EU nations, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Thailand, and most Southeast Asian countries included).
- 240-hour window calculation: Starts at 00:00 (GMT+8) the day after your arrival. For example: Arrive on Jan 1 → your 10-day window kicks off on Jan 2 (gives you a full 10+ days to explore).
- Required documents: A valid passport + an onward ticket to a third country/region (a return ticket to your home country does NOT qualify if it’s the same as your arrival destination).
- Entry ports: Shenzhen Bao’an Airport (SZX), Shekou Ferry Terminal, and all major ports in Guangdong Province.
- Entry process: Follow the Visa-Free Transit signs to the dedicated immigration counter (T3 International Arrivals Hall) → hand in your documents → finish inspection (5–10 mins; 15+ mins during peak hours) → collect luggage and go.
What to Do during Shenzhen Layover (7h, 12h, 24h)

The best activities during your Shenzhen layover depend on how much time you have. Below are tailored itineraries that balance exploration and convenience, so that you have enough buffer time for return travel and airport security checks.
- 7-Hour Layover: The full Shenzhen Express tour fits perfectly here. Time breakdown: 08:30 (arrive at Trip.com counter) → 09:00 (tour departure) → 15:00 (tour ends) → 15:30-16:00 (return to airport by taxi, 25-30 minutes).
- 12-hour stay: Combine free tours with more attractions. After the tour ends at 3 p.m., take a taxi to Ping An Finance Center (15 minutes, ¥30-40) and enjoy a 360-degree city view from the 116th floor observation deck (¥180 per person). Take the subway (40 minutes, ¥9) or a taxi (30 minutes, ¥60- ¥80) back to the airport.
- 24-hour stay: In-depth exploration of Shenzhen's culture and cuisine. After the Shenzhen Express tour, head to Dongmen Pedestrian Street to taste street snacks and do some shopping (50 minutes by subway, 8 yuan), then have a meal at a seafood restaurant in Shekou (30 minutes by taxi, 40 to 50 yuan), and take a stroll along the seaside. Stay at a hotel near the airport (such as Shenzhen Airport Hotel, 400 to 600 yuan per night), and return to the airport the next morning.
Shenzhen Airport to City: Transportation Guide

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Shenzhen Bao 'an Airport offers a variety of reliable transportation options, ranging from the economical metro to time-saving taxis. Below is a detailed overview of each option to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Transportation Type | Operating Hours | Fare (Approx.) | Travel Time to Downtown | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Metro Line 1 (Luobao Line) (Shenzhen metro map) | 06:21-23:00 (Airport East Station direction) | ¥2-¥9 | 40-60 minutes | Accepts QR code payments (WeChat/Shenzhen Metro App); crowded during peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM, 17:30-19:30 PM) |
Intercity Rail Line 33 (Shenzhen-Daya Bay) | 06:15-23:40 | ¥25+ | 40 minutes to Pingshan District | Operational in 2026; top speed 160km/h; connects airport to eastern Shenzhen with 11 underground stations |
24/7 | ¥80-¥120 (to downtown); ¥3 airport surcharge | 30-40 minutes (non-peak hours) | 30% night surcharge (23:00-06:00); accepts cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards | |
Bus | 06:00-23:00 (varies by route) | ¥2-¥10 | 60-90 minutes | Wider coverage than metro; ideal for suburban areas; bus stops located at the airport’s Ground Transportation Centre |
Shenzhen Bao’an Airport Survival Guide
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
If you plan to stay at the Shenzhen airport, knowing the locations and details of the main facilities will make your wait more comfortable. From luggage storage to sleep options, here is all the basic information you need.
Shenzhen Airport Luggage Storage
24-hour service at the Business Center (A Island End, 4th Floor Departure Hall, T3 Terminal) with a 1-hour free period. Pricing: Small luggage (≤20×40×55cm): ¥2/hour (daily cap ¥15); Medium/Large luggage (≤50×70×100cm): ¥3/hour (daily cap ¥25-30); Oversized luggage: ¥6/hour (daily cap ¥40). Contact: +86 755-23456789 for inquiries.
Shenzhen Airport Sleeping Pods
Located near KFC/ Watsons at the east exit of domestic arrivals at Terminal 3. Private enclosed space with a sofa bed, charging port and small table. Price: 50 yuan per hour (06:00-22:00), 40 yuan per hour (22:00-06:00). There are shower facilities nearby (please bring toiletries).

Our Airport Lounges | Airport Lounge Finder by Lounge Name
Shenzhen Airport Airport Lounges
Airport Lounges: China Southern Airlines Pearl Club V2 VIP Lounge (After security check, T3: 05:30-20:30, ¥180 for 2 hours) offers free snacks and a rest area. Business VIP Lounge C24 (before security check, T3: 06:00-22:00, ¥150 per person) is an ideal place to wait before check-in.
Shenzhen Airport - Other Essential Services
- Free WiFi: Connect to "SZAIRPORT-FREE" (I remember at the time I was there, it was no password required, 24-hour access).
- Currency exchange: 24-hour counter at T3 International Arrival Hall; A new counter has been added in the departure hall (06:00-22:00).
- Medical Room: 24-hour service, located on the 3rd floor of Terminal 3 (near Gate 1), providing basic medical assistance and first aid supplies.
- Luggage tracking: Real-time tracking is conducted using the wechat mini-program of Shenzhen Airport. 95% of checked luggage arrives within 10 minutes after passengers reach the conveyor belt.
[8% Off] Shenzhen Hotels Recommendations
Grab an extra 8% off Shenzhen hotels on Trip.com, this is my go-to for booking reliable stays.
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FAQs about Shenzhen layover
Can I leave Shenzhen airport during layover?
Yes, if you’re a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows you to leave the airport and stay in Guangdong Province for up to 10 days with a valid passport and onward ticket to a third country/region.What to do in Shenzhen during layover?
Join Trip.com’s free Shenzhen Express tour (covers Lianhuashan Park, Nantou Ancient City), visit Ping An Finance Center for skyline views, or explore Dongmen Pedestrian Street for local food and shopping.What to do in Shenzhen for 7 hours?
Opt for a shortened version of the Shenzhen Express tour (e.g., Lianhuashan Park + Nantou Ancient City) or visit nearby spots. Ensure you leave 1-2hrs buffer for return travel and airport security .





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