The Perfect Day Trip from Zhuhai to Shenzhen and Back.。
When you live in Zhuhai, the laid-back “Chinese Miami,” sometimes you just want to dive into the pulse of a modern megacity. And the best way to do that is with a one-day trip to Shenzhen. The distance between the two has effectively shrunk to just one hour thanks to high-speed ferries, and the contrast between the island’s easygoing pace and futuristic skyscrapers makes for an unforgettable experience.
Here’s the itinerary for my packed day trip, planned to let me see every side of Shenzhen: from maritime traditions to European-style architecture and the ocean breeze.
Morning: Crossing the Sea and the Shekou Waterfront
At 8:00, we departed from Jiuzhou Port (Jiuzhou Port / 九洲港). The ferry takes exactly one hour, and by 9:00 we were already in Shenzhen, arriving in Shekou at Shekou Port (Shekou Port / 蛇口港).
We found the exit from the port intuitively by heading toward the waterfront. Here, in the Shekou Bay area (Shekou Bay / 蛇口湾), there are excellent pedestrian promenades. We walked past the port area and headed for a landmark spot — Sea World (Sea World / 海上世界).
· Location: Sea World is a huge pedestrian complex built around the ocean liner Minghua (明华轮). The ship looks impressive during the day, but we already knew we’d be coming back here in the evening.
· Tip: It’s about a 15–20 minute walk from Shekou Port to Sea World along the water. It’s a great chance to stretch your legs after the ferry ride.
Daytime: Technology and Spirituality
After relaxing by the famous ship, we took a bus to a place where ultra-modern architecture meets ancient traditions.
We went to the Temple of the Goddess of Sailors and Fishermen (Chiwan Tianhou Museum / 赤湾天后宫).
· How to get there: We used maps (Amap — 高德地图) to plan the route. From Sea World, the best option is to take a bus (for example, routes M409 or 113) to the “Chiwan” stop.
· Impression: The temple is strikingly authentic. It looks especially dramatic against the backdrop of modern high-rises and industrial cranes — nowhere else did the contrast between old and new feel sharper.
After Lunch: From the Eiffel Tower to the Ocean
From the temple, we went down to the metro. We needed Line 2 (blue) / Line 2 (8).
First stop: A World in Miniature
We got on the train and rode to Window of the World Station (Window of the World / 世界之窗).
· Exit: Look for exits C or J. They lead directly to the main square of the theme park.
· What to do: We decided not to go inside the amusement park itself, since that takes a full day, and instead focused on the nearby European Street (European Street / 欧风街). It’s a pleasant area for a walk and for finding interesting photo angles.
· Surprise: Near the station, there’s also the Ice and Snow World (Alen’s World / 世界之窗阿尔卑斯冰雪世界), an indoor skating rink and slide area. We simply admired the park’s scaled-down Eiffel Tower, took some atmospheric photos, and found a cozy place for a snack.
Second stop: Beach Time
Well-fed and recharged, we headed back down to the metro (Line 2/8) and rode it to the final stop — Dameisha Beach (Dameisha Beach / 大梅沙海滨公园).
· Metro access: The exit at Dameisha Station practically leads straight to the beach. It’s one of the best urban beach areas in the city.
· Time spent: Here we swam, enjoyed the sand, and simply relaxed away from the city rush. The water in the bay is refreshing, and the promenade is long and well maintained.
Evening: Skyscrapers and Back to the Ship
On the way back toward the port, we decided to make a stop to see Shenzhen’s business center.
Photo option: Civic Center
On the return trip (Line 2/8), we got off at Civic Center Station (Civic Center / 市民中心).
· What to see: This is the heart of the city. We admired the skyscrapers: the famous Ping An Finance Centre (平安金融中心), the tallest building in the city, dominates the skyline. The architecture of the city government building, with its huge wing-like roof, looks futuristic.
· Alternative stop: If you want even more skyscrapers, you can get off at Gangxia (岗厦) or Shopping Park (购物公园). That’s where the central business district (CBD) and a shopping paradise are located, but we stuck with the panoramic views around Civic Center.
Sunset: The Magic of Sea World
By 18:00, we were back where our daytime walk had begun — Sea World (海上世界). And it was absolutely the right choice. It feels calm during the day, but in the evening everything transforms.
· Minghua (明华轮): In the evening, it’s beautifully illuminated.
· Fountains: We made a point of going to the square in front of the ship to watch the spectacular light-and-music fountain show. It usually starts after sunset.
· Dinner: There’s a huge selection of open-air restaurants here. We had dinner overlooking the glowing waterfront where we had walked earlier in the day.
Return: The Finale
At 21:00, we were back at Shekou Port (Shekou Port). The last ferry leaves at around 21:30, but we bought our tickets in advance so we could go through security without rushing.
One hour on the water, and we were back in cozy Zhuhai. One day, two sides of the same bay: one high-tech, the other relaxing.
📌Useful tips for your route:
1. Ferry tickets: Buy them in advance on WeChat (mini-programs “九州客运港” or “招商蛇口邮轮母港”). On weekends, tickets sell out quickly.
2. Metro (Line 2/8): Keep in mind that this is one continuous line (blue). You can travel from Chiwan (the temple) to Dameisha without transfers.
3. Amap (高德地图): Definitely use it to find the bus route from Sea World to the temple, since the trip can take 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
4. Dameisha Beach: During peak season, advance reservation is required through WeChat. Make sure your beach entry pass is confirmed, especially on weekends.
Other visitors' reviews of Window of the World
Show More ReviewsThis is a great place for seniors and children to visit; it's a huge, comprehensive park. The ticket price was quite discounted on International Women's Day, so I brought my family here. There are many shows and programs in the park; my parents said that watching one large-scale performance alone was worth the ticket price because it was so exciting. There are also convenient dining and food options inside. The kids loved the amusement park; they played there for ages. I even experienced the Eiffel Tower both day and night here, haha.