Cruises To/From Shekou (Shenzhen)
Shekou — southern China's maritime gateway and Asia's youngest major cruise hub. This district at the very southern tip of Shenzhen looks straight across Shenzhen Bay at Hong Kong — just a few kilometres separate the cruise pier from one of the world's most recognisable skylines. Half a century ago this was a quiet fishing village in Bao'an County; today Shekou is part of Nanshan District, the technological heart of Shenzhen, where the headquarters of Tencent, DJI and ZTE sit right beside the waterfront from which ocean liners depart.
For a cruise traveller, Shekou is the gateway to Southern China, Hong Kong, Macau and Southeast Asia. It is home to the only modern international cruise terminal in southern China — the Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Home Port, which has welcomed ships from leading global lines since 2016 and, in July 2025, became the first in the country to launch a visa-free transit corridor for cruise passengers. In 2024–2027 the port is experiencing a second wave of growth: MSC Cruises has returned, and the new national brand Adora Cruises has chosen Shenzhen as a home port for its regional expansion. ๐ข
๐ Before you set sail from Shekou or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what matters most:
๐จ๐ณ Country: China
๐ Region: Guangdong Province, Shenzhen (Special Economic Zone), Nanshan District
๐ฅ Population: Shenzhen — around 17.6 million residents (Nanshan District — around 1.8 million)
๐ Area: Shenzhen — 1,997 km² (Nanshan District — 182 km²)
๐ฃ๏ธ Languages: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) — official; Cantonese is also widely spoken; English is mostly understood in business and tourist areas
๐ด Currency: yuan, or renminbi (CNY, ¥)
๐ Time zone: CST (UTC+8), no daylight-saving changes — 5 hours ahead of Kyiv time in summer and 6 hours ahead in winter
โ๏ธ Climate: subtropical monsoon, with a short, mild winter (+12…+19 °C) and a hot, humid summer (+26…+34 °C, up to +35 °C at the peak); typhoon season runs from June to September
โ๏ธ Nearest airport: Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) — about 26 km from the cruise port (40–50 minutes by road)
โ Official name of the cruise port: Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Home Port (also known as Shekou Cruise Homeport)
๐บ๏ธ Port area: about 0.7 km² (roughly 100 football pitches)
๐๏ธ The history of Shekou — from a fishing shore to a symbol of China's reforms
โณ Over 1,700 years of administrative history
The history of these shores begins long before Shenzhen ever appeared on a map. As far back as 331 CE, during the Jin dynasty, the town of Nantou arose just a few kilometres from present-day Shekou — the administrative centre of Dongguan Prefecture, whose authority stretched across what are now Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Huizhou and Macau. In 1394, under the Ming dynasty, fortified walls were built here to defend the coast against wokou pirates, and from 1573 Nantou became the seat of Xin'an County, remaining the region's main administrative centre until 1953, when that role passed to Shenzhen. Shekou itself remained, for centuries, a modest customs post and fishing village at the southern tip of the peninsula — a quiet neighbour to the larger administrative centre nearby.
โ๏ธ 1979 — the blast that changed China
Everything changed in 1979. It was in Shekou, on the initiative of Yuan Geng and China Merchants Group, that China's first open industrial zone of the modern era was founded — a pilot project that literally blasted away a hillside to clear space for a ship-repair yard and port, and that kick-started Deng Xiaoping's policy of reform and opening-up. Here, the «port — park — city» model was tested for the first time, and Communist China saw its first competitive hiring, private housing and direct elections of enterprise management. In 1981, the famous slogan «Time is money, efficiency is life» was coined here, personally endorsed by Deng Xiaoping during his 1984 visit to Shenzhen. China Merchants Bank (1987) and the insurer Ping An (1988) — today among the country's largest financial institutions — were both founded right here in Shekou. In just a few decades, a fishing shore turned into a laboratory for China's economic miracle, and later into the region's modern maritime gateway. ๐๏ธ
โ The Port of Shekou — Southern China's maritime gateway
๐ Scale and layout of the port
The modern Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Home Port opened in November 2016 in Taizi Bay («Prince Bay»); the day before the official opening, in mid-October, the very first ship to dock at the new pier was Star Cruises' SuperStar Virgo. The triangular terminal building was designed by French architect Denis Laming, and the entire port complex covers around 0.7 km², combining two deep-water cruise berths capable of receiving even the world's largest ships — Oasis-class vessels over 360 m long — alongside a dozen berths for high-speed ferries to Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai.
A unique feature of the port is its direct ferry link to Hong Kong International Airport: the crossing takes just 30 minutes, and passengers on 13 airlines, including Cathay Pacific, can check in for their flight right at the terminal and relax in a dedicated lounge. In July 2025, Shekou became the first port in China to launch a visa-free transit zone for cruise passengers: if a stopover is 24 hours or less, passengers can transfer between cruise or ferry sailings without a visa, fingerprinting or an arrival card — customs procedures have been cut by 80%, and the transfer route halved. The scheme is designed to handle around 100,000 transit passengers a year.
๐ข How many ships the port can handle
The port can accommodate two large cruise ships at once — including the world's biggest vessels. In the years before the pandemic, the terminal handled up to several hundred thousand cruise passengers annually; following the return of international cruises in 2024 and the launch of the new national brand Adora Cruises in 2025–2027, Shenzhen aims to significantly grow its passenger numbers and become one of China's leading home ports alongside Shanghai.
๐ข Which cruise lines sail from Shekou
Historically, the port has hosted ships from Star Cruises/Dream Cruises (Genting Hong Kong), Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean. In March 2024, MSC Cruises became the first international line to resume sailings from mainland China: in summer, MSC Bellissima called at Shenzhen as part of a route linking Shanghai, Taiwan and Shenzhen, while in winter 2024–2025 MSC Splendida was based in Shenzhen with sailings to Xiamen. From autumn 2025, Shenzhen becomes the home port of China's own national cruise brand, Adora Cruises, which offers voyages to Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, with plans to base two ships there by 2027. ๐
๐ก Interesting facts about Shekou and its port
A few details worth knowing before you arrive:
๐ข A legendary liner, permanently docked on land. In the Sea World entertainment district, just a few minutes' walk from the cruise terminal, sits the ship «Minghua» — the former French liner Ancerville, built in 1962 and purchased by China in 1973. In 1984, while aboard the ship, Deng Xiaoping personally named the entire district «Sea World». Today the vessel houses a hotel and restaurants.
๐ฆ Two of China's financial giants were born here. China Merchants Bank (1987) and the insurer Ping An (1988) — today among the country's largest financial institutions — were both founded right here in Shekou.
๐ China's first visa-free transit for cruise passengers. Since July 2025, this is where the country's first 24-hour visa-free transit facility for international cruise and ferry passengers began operating.
โ๏ธ The shortest route to the airport is by sea. A direct ferry service gets passengers to Hong Kong International Airport in just 30 minutes.
๐ Neighbours with tech giants. The headquarters of Tencent, DJI and ZTE lie just a few kilometres from the pier — Nanshan District is often nicknamed «China's Silicon Valley».
๐๏ธ Shenzhen's largest expat community. Since the 1980s, when oil majors Chevron, Shell and Texaco opened offices here, Shekou has remained the city's district with the highest concentration of expatriates, home to international schools and the widest choice of Western cuisine in Shenzhen.
โ๏ธ The region is older than the city of Shenzhen itself. The administrative history of these shores spans more than 1,700 years — Nantou was already a prefectural capital long before Shenzhen existed as a city.
๐ Top sights in Shekou and Shenzhen — must-sees for cruise travellers
A cruise ship's call at Shekou usually lasts between 8 and 12 hours, so it pays to plan your route in advance. A detailed list with addresses, prices and opening hours can be found in the «Landmarks and Places of Interest» section; below is a quick overview of the district's signature sights.
๐ Sea World Culture and Arts Center («Sea World») — a modern entertainment quarter built around the historic ship «Minghua», with a museum, restaurants, bars and a waterfront promenade — the closest attraction to the pier, within easy walking distance.
๐ฏ Nantou Ancient City — the region's 1,700-year-old historic core, with restored lanes, temples, Ming-dynasty city walls and an open-air museum.
๐ Window of the World — a miniature park featuring scaled-down replicas of world landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Pyramids of Giza and the Taj Mahal.
๐๏ธ Shenzhen Bay and the Houhai waterfront — a modern seaside park with views of Hong Kong, popular for walking and cycling.
๐จ OCT-LOFT — a former industrial zone reborn as a bohemian quarter of galleries, design studios, cafés and street art.
๐๏ธ Ping An Finance Centre and Kingkey 100 — Shenzhen skyscrapers with observation decks offering views over the entire megacity and the border with Hong Kong.
๐จ๐ณ Splendid China Folk Village — a theme park featuring miniature replicas of landmarks from across China, along with ethnic cultural performances.
โจ Why choose a cruise from Shekou
Shekou — is a port that opens up a completely different, Asian side of the cruise world.
First, the logistics are excellent for exploring the region: Shenzhen's airport is just 40–50 minutes from the pier, and a 30-minute ferry ride takes you straight to Hong Kong's airport. โ๏ธ
Second, it's a convenient starting point for cruises around Southeast Asia: routes depart from the port for Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines and other destinations across the region. ๐
Third, Shenzhen itself is an experience in its own right: in the hours before boarding, it's worth seeing the contrast between ancient Nantou and the city's futuristic skyscrapers, then taking an evening stroll along the «Sea World» waterfront, where the lights of Hong Kong glow on the horizon. ๐
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the ideal ship, itinerary and cabin, take care of airport transfer details and Chinese visa or visa-free transit arrangements, and offer exclusive rates from leading cruise brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. ๐ค
โน๏ธ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises From the Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Shekou (Shenzhen)
Shekou is China's youngest major cruise hub, and getting here has its own quirks. The region's only modern cruise terminal, the Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Home Port, sits in Taizi Bay («Prince Bay») at the very southern tip of Nanshan District — just a few kilometres from Shenzhen's business centre and looking straight across the bay at Hong Kong. Unlike many European ports, a metro line runs directly here, and the terminal itself serves both ocean-going cruise ships and high-speed ferries to Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. Below is a verified, step-by-step guide covering every transfer option, current prices and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. ๐ฏ
๐ Where exactly the Shekou cruise port is located
Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Home Port (also known as Shekou Cruise Homeport, or simply «Taizi Wan») is the only international cruise terminal in southern China. It opened in November 2016 in Taizi Bay, and the triangular terminal building was designed by French architect Denis Laming. The complex combines two deep-water berths for cruise ships (able to receive even the world's largest vessels — Oasis-class ships over 360 m long) and 12 berths for high-speed ferries to Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai — all passengers pass through a single multi-storey terminal building, so unlike Barcelona or Miami, there's no need to worry about mixing up separate terminals.
๐ Address for GPS: Haiyun Road 1, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China; in Chinese navigation apps (Baidu Maps, Amap/Gaode Maps) it's easiest to enter the name in Latin script as «Shenzhen Taizi Wan Cruise Home Port»
๐ถ Distance to the city centre: about 15 km to Futian, Shenzhen's central business district; the Sea World entertainment district is just a few minutes' walk from the terminal
๐ด Currency for payments: yuan, or renminbi (CNY, ¥)
โ Important: the exact check-in opening time and boarding floor are always stated on your cruise voucher — confirm this 48–72 hours before boarding, as Chinese cruise lines often adjust the schedule if the port timetable changes.
โ๏ธ From Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) to the cruise terminal
The international airport Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is located 26 km from the cruise terminal. It's Shenzhen's main airport, handling domestic Chinese flights along with a growing number of international routes; travellers from Ukraine most often arrive via Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, or with a connection in Beijing or Shanghai. The journey to the port takes anywhere from 40 minutes (taxi) to an hour (public transport).
๐ Taxi — the simplest option
Official Shenzhen taxis are mostly green or blue, fitted with a meter. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals hall.
• Travel time: 40–50 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Approximate cost: around ¥100–150 on the meter, including any toll sections of road
• Payment: cash (yuan), bank card, or WeChat Pay/Alipay — drivers do not accept foreign currency in cash
• Apps: DiDi Chuxing (China's equivalent of Uber, with an English-language interface) operates across the whole city, including the airport
๐ก Tip from Four Gates: download the DiDi app in advance and link a foreign bank card — this saves you from having to explain your destination to the driver in Chinese.
๐ Private transfer — the most comfortable option
Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name board, help with your luggage, and take you straight to the terminal for a fixed price.
• Cost: approximately from ¥250 for a sedan (1–3 people), from ¥400 for a minivan (4–8 people)
• Travel time: 40–45 minutes
• Benefits: fixed price, flight monitoring, English-speaking driver on request
๐ค Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply share your flight number when booking your cruise.
๐ Direct shuttle bus — the budget option
A dedicated shuttle bus runs directly between the airport and the cruise terminal, with no need to change vehicles.
• Frequency: around 10 round trips a day
• Cost: ¥10 one way
• Pick-up at the airport: the public transport area in the arrivals hall
• Pick-up at the terminal: level B1, next to lift No. 3
• Tickets: via the Youdian Bus app or the WeChat mini-program
โ ๏ธ Important: the bus schedule is tied to cruise ship calls at the port — check the current timetable closer to your departure date.
๐ Metro — a cheaper but longer option
There is no direct connection, so one transfer is required.
Route: Taizi Wan station (Line 12) → transfer to Line 11 (the airport express) → Airport station, with an exit straight into the airport terminal
Cost: around ¥10
Travel time: around 1 hour
๐ From Shenzhen North Railway Station to the cruise terminal
If you arrive in Shenzhen by high-speed rail — from Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, or via the border crossing at Hong Kong West Kowloon — you'll come through the city's main transport hub, Shenzhen North station. It is located 26 km from the cruise terminal.
๐ Taxi: 35–45 minutes, approximately ¥80–120
๐ Direct shuttle bus: the most convenient option — around 20 round trips a day, costing ¥10, boarding on the second floor of the station's transport hub, with a journey time of 50–60 minutes
๐ Metro: Line 4 (Longhua Line) to Civic Center station → transfer to Line 2 (Shekou Line) to Shekou Port station — around 26 stops and 1 hour in total, costing ¥7. From there, a free shuttle bus or a 10–15-minute walk gets you to the terminal
๐ก Tip: with heavy luggage after a long flight, the direct shuttle bus or a taxi will be far more comfortable than the metro with a transfer.
๐ข From Hong Kong to the Shekou cruise terminal
A large share of travellers reach Shekou via Hong Kong — one of the region's major aviation hubs — and the port is specifically set up for a smooth transit from there.
โ๏ธ→โด๏ธ By ferry straight from Hong Kong Airport (SkyPier)
The most convenient option for transit passengers: without going through Hong Kong immigration, you transfer directly from your flight to a high-speed ferry.
• Operator: CKS (China-Hong Kong City Ferry Services)
• Travel time: about 30 minutes (11 nautical miles)
• Check-in: at the transfer desk in Transfer Area E2 of the airport's transit terminal; arrive at least 60 minutes before the ferry departs (30 minutes if you have no checked baggage)
• Luggage: checked straight through to your final destination — no need to collect it in Hong Kong
• Fare: usually included in a combined air-and-ferry ticket — confirm the price when booking your flight
• CKS contact: +852 3018 3798
๐ก Tip from Four Gates: some airlines, including Cathay Pacific, offer a combined «flight + ferry» booking straight through to Shekou Cruise Home Port — the simplest option for transit passengers.
โด๏ธ By ferry from central Hong Kong
If you're already in the city (for example, after a hotel stay), the ferry to Shekou departs from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan.
• Travel time: 45–50 minutes
• Cost: from approximately 91 HKD (standard class), from 175 HKD (first class)
• Operator: CKS / TurboJET
๐ Via the land border and high-speed rail
An alternative option is to cross the border with Hong Kong at the Shenzhen Bay Port checkpoint, or to take the train from Hong Kong West Kowloon station to Shenzhen North, then use the direct shuttle bus or a taxi to the terminal (see the section above). This route takes longer, but it's convenient if you're arriving overland rather than by air, or travelling from other cities in mainland China.
๐๏ธ From central Shenzhen to the cruise terminal
If you've spent a night or a few days at a hotel in the city, the easiest ways to reach your ship are:
๐ Metro Line 12 — the most direct option
• Station: Taizi Wan (Prince Bay), Exit A
• Walking time to the terminal: 4–6 minutes
• Fare: depends on distance, typically ¥3–8
๐ Metro Line 2 (alternative option)
• Station: Shekou Port, Exit C
• From there, a free shuttle bus (B601) runs to the terminal (every 10 minutes or so, roughly 06:30–23:00), or it's about a 600-metre walk
๐ Taxi from your hotel — approximately ¥30–90 depending on the district. Fast and convenient with luggage; drivers use the meter, so make sure it's switched on at the start of the ride.
๐ Public buses
Routes B601, M105, M157 and M448 go straight to level B1 of the terminal — from there, an escalator takes you directly up to the check-in counters.
๐ฑ Taxi app: DiDi Chuxing operates throughout the city and accepts foreign bank cards linked through the app.
๐ By private or rental car — parking near the port
If you're heading to the terminal in your own or a rental car, parking is available directly within the port building.
๐
ฟ๏ธ Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Home Port parking — levels B1–B2, beneath the terminal:
• Cost: approximately ¥10 for the first hour, then ¥5 for each additional hour, up to a daily maximum of around ¥120
• Hours: open 24 hours
• Features: direct lift/escalator access to the check-in counters, security and CCTV
๐ก Tip: parking rates in China can change seasonally — confirm the current price on the port's official website or via WeChat before you travel.
๐ฃ๏ธ Route for your GPS: from any direction, the most convenient approach is via Binhai Avenue, the coastal expressway that runs directly past Taizi Bay and leads straight to the terminal.
โฟ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The Shenzhen Prince Bay Cruise Home Port terminal, built in 2016 to modern standards, is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility:
โ
The building has lifts, escalators and ramps connecting all levels
โ
The direct B601 shuttle bus has a low floor for wheelchair users
โ
Terminal staff are available to assist with boarding and escort
โ
Taxis and the DiDi service can be booked with a description of your needs right in the app
๐ก Tip: let your cruise line and your Four Gates Group manager know about any assistance you'll need in advance — this makes it possible to arrange an escort right from the gangway.
โฐ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
In Shekou, the right arrival time depends heavily on whether your cruise begins here or your ship is simply calling at the port for a few hours.
๐ณ๏ธ If Shekou is your port of embarkation
Cruise lines based in Shekou (Adora Cruises, MSC Cruises and others) typically open check-in counters 3–4 hours before departure. Since Shekou is an international port of entry, you should allow more time for check-in than at a typical European port: you'll need to clear passport and customs control and present the required documents — a valid passport and, depending on your status, a Chinese L-category visa, proof of visa-free transit (up to 240 hours), or a «Visa-Free Tour Group List» if you're travelling as part of an organised group through your cruise operator.
๐ Recommended arrival time: 3–3.5 hours before departure
โ Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure — arriving late means the ship will leave without you. Every Four Gates Group voucher includes the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.
โ If Shekou is a port of call (a stopover of a few hours)
If your ship is simply calling at Shekou during a longer cruise, follow the «all aboard» rule: you must be back on board 60–90 minutes before the scheduled departure — the exact time is always printed on your ship card and in the daily cruise programme. If you plan to explore independently rather than join a ship-organised excursion, carry your passport and the document confirming your entry status (visa or proof of visa-free transit) — you'll need them when you pass through border control again on your way back into the port. Passengers without an individual Chinese visa who are using the 24-hour visa-free transit or the group visa-free scheme for cruise tourists are advised to go ashore only as part of organised excursions run by the cruise line or Four Gates Group — this avoids any issues when returning to the ship.
๐ก Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
From years of working with Asian destinations, our cruise specialists have gathered advice that's especially useful in Shekou:
๐ถ Sort out access to your usual apps in advance. Google, Gmail, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook are all blocked in mainland China — if you need them to stay in touch, set up a trusted VPN before you leave. For navigation, use Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) — they are far more accurate than Google Maps within China.
๐ณ Get your digital payments ready. China is a largely cashless country: WeChat Pay and Alipay now support foreign bank cards, so it's worth linking a card in advance. It's still worth carrying a small amount of cash in yuan (¥200–300) just in case.
๐ชช Confirm your entry status before you travel. Ukrainian citizens generally need an L-category visa for a regular visit to China, arranged in advance through a consulate. However, if you're transiting through Shekou or Bao'an to a third country within 240 hours, or travelling as part of an organised cruise group, a visa-free arrangement may apply — check whether these schemes apply to your situation with your Four Gates Group cruise manager in advance.
๐ฑ Download DiDi Chuxing and a translation app with an offline Chinese pack. English is mostly spoken in Shekou's business and tourist areas; beyond the port, you'll want a translator app that can recognise Chinese characters on signs.
๐ก๏ธ Factor in the climate and typhoon season. From June to September, typhoons are possible in the region and can sometimes change a ship's port call schedule — keep an eye on updates from your cruise line if you're travelling during this period.
๐จ Fly into Shenzhen or Hong Kong a day before boarding. This matters especially for travellers coming from far away — a long flight and possible delays shouldn't cost you the start of your cruise.
๐ Keep your passport on you at all times. Unlike many European ports, in Shekou you'll go through passport control both when boarding and every time you return from a stopover — your ship card does not replace this document.
๐ Useful contacts
CKS (ferry, Hong Kong Airport — Shekou): +852 3018 3798
China emergency services: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire service)
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a cruise from Shekou may seem unfamiliar because of the language barrier and China's particular border procedures, but the port actually has a clear, well-organised transfer system — with a direct metro line, shuttle buses to the airport and railway station, and a convenient ferry link to Hong Kong. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients with every step: from choosing the best flight route via Hong Kong or mainland China, to arranging your visa or visa-free transit, to organising a private transfer with a name board in the arrivals hall. Get in touch with our manager — and your cruise from Shekou will start without a hint of stress. ๐ณ๏ธโจ
โน๏ธ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises From the Professionals
Top Attractions and Places in Shekou (Shenzhen): A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Shekou is a district of Shenzhen, a city that transformed from a fishing village into a megacity of nearly 18 million people and one of the world's technology capitals in less than 45 years. There are no medieval cathedrals or Gothic quarters here — instead, cruise travelers encounter an entirely different Asia: futuristic skyscrapers stand next to the ancient wall of Nantou, a city that is more than 1,700 years old, while a 50-minute high-speed ferry ride straight from the Shekou pier can take you to Hong Kong. A cruise ship's call at the Port of Shekou usually lasts 8 to 10 hours, and since the port also serves as an embarkation and disembarkation point for some cruise lines, many passengers spend a full day in the city the night before departure. Below is a verified guide to the main attractions, with up-to-date 2026 prices and precise directions from the Shekou cruise terminal (Shekou Cruise Homeport, Prince Bay Cruise Terminal) to each site. ๐ฏ
๐ 1. Sea World Shekou (ๆตทไธไธ็)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
Sea World isn't an aquarium — it's an entire waterfront quarter with more than forty restaurants, bars, hotels and shops that grew up around a single landmark: a massive white ocean liner standing right in the middle of dry land. ๐ข
๐น The ship that gave the complex its name is called «Minghua» (ๆๅ่ฝฎ). It began life as the French ocean liner Ancerville, launched on 5 April 1962 at a shipyard in Saint-Nazaire — the launch ceremony was conducted personally by French President Charles de Gaulle.
๐น In 1973 the ship was bought by the Chinese state-owned company COSCO, renamed «Minghua» («Spirit of China»), and used for an extraordinary range of missions: carrying Chinese workers to Tanzania to build the TAZARA railway, an attempted evacuation of refugees from Vietnam in 1978, and a goodwill delegation to Japan in 1979.
๐น From 1980 to 1983 the «Minghua» completed around 70 cruise voyages out of Australia, carrying 17,000 passengers — making it the People's Republic of China's first international cruise ship.
๐น In August 1983 the liner arrived in Shekou for good, and in 1984, when Deng Xiaoping visited the complex, it was given the name «Sea World». The surrounding land was later reclaimed and built up — today the «Minghua» stands landlocked, operating as a hotel and entertainment venue. ๐จ
๐น Every evening at 19:00 the main plaza hosts a free singing-fountain show with lighting and fire effects — the installation cost more than 30 million yuan. ๐
๐ History:
It was Shekou that became China's first open industrial zone in 1979 — the «Shekou Industrial Zone» — the starting point of Deng Xiaoping's famous reform and opening-up policy. The slogan of the zone's director at the time, Yuan Geng, — «Time is money, efficiency is life» — became a symbol of the entire modern Chinese economy. With the «Minghua» at its heart, Sea World is a living monument to that era: a ship that once carried Chinese workers abroad now welcomes guests right by the pier where foreigners begin their acquaintance with the new China.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• On foot: along the waterfront, about 1.5–2 km, 20–25 minutes
• Taxi / DiDi: 5–10 minutes, approximately 15–20 CNY
• Metro: «Sea World» station (Line 2), one stop from «Shekou Port» station, 5–7 minutes, about 4 CNY
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Entry to the area: free; charges apply only at restaurants, bars and individual attractions
• Fountain show: free, daily at 19:00 (weather permitting)
• Sea World Culture and Arts Center: admission price depends on the current exhibition
๐ฏ 2. Chiwan Left Fort, or Zuopaotai (่ตคๆนพๅทฆ็ฎๅฐ)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
One of the few Qing-dynasty fortifications to survive to this day, standing almost right next to the cruise port.
๐น The fort was first built in 1669, and in 1839 it was reinforced by the legendary imperial commissioner Lin Zexu — the very official who destroyed a shipment of smuggled opium at Humen and thereby triggered the First Opium War.
๐น The headland originally held two forts — left and right — with 12 cast-iron cannons in total, aimed out over Lingding Bay. Only the left fort survives today.
๐น The site preserves a gate tower, original cannons, two banyan trees more than 130 years old, and a bronze statue of Lin Zexu with memorial plaques. ๐ณ
๐น The site is a protected municipal heritage landmark, and the southwestern terminus of metro Line 12, «Zuopaotai East», is named after this very fort.
๐ History:
The fort was part of a unified coastal defense system in the Pearl River Delta, alongside the famous Humen forts, and guarded the approaches to Guangzhou during both Opium Wars (1839–1842 and 1856–1860). Today it stands as one of the few physical witnesses to the region's pre-colonial history, preserved just minutes from the modern cruise terminal.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Metro: Line 12 to the terminus «Zuopaotai East», Exit A — just a few minutes from the port area
• Taxi / DiDi: 10–15 minutes, approximately 20–25 CNY
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free
• Opening hours: daily, approximately 9:00–17:30 (as a municipal heritage site, the schedule is worth confirming in advance)
๐ฟ 3. Shenzhen Bay Park (ๆทฑๅณๆนพๅ
ฌๅญ)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
One of the most beautiful urban parks in southern China — a 13-kilometer promenade along Shenzhen Bay with stunning views straight across to Hong Kong. ๐
๐น The park is divided into 14 themed zones, ranging from mangrove thickets and viewing platforms to sports courts and cycling paths.
๐น The park's mangrove forests attract thousands of migratory birds in winter — a natural counterpart to the Mai Po wetlands on the Hong Kong side of the bay. ๐ฆฉ
๐น The promenade offers views of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong Western Corridor bridge and the night-lit skyline of Nanshan.
๐น The park is equally popular with locals out for a morning run and tourists chasing sunset photos.
๐ History:
The waterfront was built on reclaimed land in the 2000s as part of a large-scale environmental renewal program for the Nanshan coastline — much as Barcelona once reclaimed its own beaches ahead of the Olympics. Today the park symbolizes the balance between preserved mangrove nature and Shenzhen's rapid urbanization.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Taxi / DiDi: 15–20 minutes, approximately 35–40 CNY
• Metro: Line 2, transfer to Line 9, «Shenzhen Bay Park» station, 30–40 minutes
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free
• Opening hours: daily, 6:00–23:00
๐๏ธ 4. Nantou Ancient City (ๅๅคดๅคๅ)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
Nantou, also known as Xin'an, was founded as far back as 331 AD during the Eastern Jin dynasty — making it the oldest historic core of the entire Shenzhen–Hong Kong region, with a history spanning more than 1,700 years.
๐น At various points in history, this was the seat of Xin'an County, whose jurisdiction simultaneously covered the territories of present-day Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao.
๐น The South and East Gates of the old city survive, along with the Wen Tianxiang Shrine — honoring the Song-dynasty national hero — and the former Xin'an Opium Bureau building from the late Qing period.
๐น After a large-scale renovation in 2019, the quarter was transformed into an atmospheric pedestrian district of cafés, galleries, craft shops and evening illumination — a blend of «old and new» Shenzhen. ๐ฎ
๐ History:
It was from here, from Xin'an County, that the territory later ceded to Britain as the colony of Hong Kong was historically administered: when China leased the New Territories to Great Britain in 1898, the border ran just a few kilometers from Nantou's walls. For a cruise passenger, this is a rare chance to see the «mother city» of the entire Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, just minutes from a modern cruise port.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Metro: Line 12 to «Nantou Ancient City» station, 15–20 minutes
• Taxi / DiDi: 15–20 minutes, approximately 30–35 CNY
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Entry to the district: free
• Ancient City Museum: free
• Opening hours: the district is open around the clock; the museum section typically operates roughly from 9:00 to 18:00
๐ 5. Window of the World (ไธ็ไน็ช)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
A 480,000 m² theme park where eight zones dedicated to different continents display more than 130 miniature replicas of the world's most famous landmarks — from the Eiffel Tower and the Egyptian pyramids to the Taj Mahal and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. ๐ผ
๐น The tallest replica is the Eiffel Tower, standing over 100 metres tall — a third of the original's height.
๐น The park combines architectural miniatures with rides, cultural performances from around the world, and evening light shows.
๐ History:
The park opened in 1994 and became one of mainland China's first large «world in miniature» theme parks, built by the OCT Group. At the time it symbolized the country's openness to the wider world in an era when foreign travel was practically inaccessible to most Chinese citizens — «Window of the World» let visitors see that world without ever leaving Shenzhen.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Metro: Line 2 to «Window of the World» station, about 23 minutes
• Taxi / DiDi: 25–35 minutes depending on traffic, approximately 45–55 CNY
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Day ticket: 220 CNY (adults), 110 CNY (concession — children 1.2–1.5 m tall, seniors aged 65–70)
• Evening ticket: 100 CNY
• Opening hours: daily 9:00–22:30
๐ 6. Splendid China and the China Folk Culture Village (้ฆ็ปฃไธญๅๆฐไฟๆ)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
A twin-park complex right next to Window of the World: Splendid China, with 82 miniature replicas of China's most famous landscapes and monuments, and the China Folk Culture Village — 27 full-scale, authentically recreated settlements representing different ethnic groups of the PRC.
๐น Traditional dances, rituals and performances by representatives of China's various ethnic groups take place daily in the village.
๐น In the evening the site turns into a large-scale light show featuring elements of national folklore.
๐ History:
Splendid China opened in 1989, and the Folk Culture Village followed in 1991: these were among the first major theme parks of China's reform era, later becoming a model for similar projects across the country (and even inspiring the creation of «Splendid China» in Florida, USA).
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Located right next to Window of the World — a 5-minute walk between the two parks
• Metro / taxi: the same route as to Window of the World
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Day ticket: 220 CNY (adults), 110 CNY (concession)
• Package (entry + electric cart + sightseeing boat): 225 CNY
• Evening ticket: 65 CNY
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–21:30, Sat, Sun and public holidays 8:30–22:30
๐จ 7. OCT-LOFT — Creative Culture Quarter (ๅไพจๅๅๆๆๅๅญ)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
A former industrial zone turned into one of southern China's most atmospheric art districts — full of contemporary art galleries, design studios, bookshops, street art and cozy cafés. โ
๐น The site regularly hosts exhibitions, including the Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture.
๐น The brick façades of former factories contrast with neon installations and murals — the quarter is a favourite among photographers and street-art fans.
๐ History:
Electronics and toy factories belonging to the OCT Group operated here throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Since 2006 the industrial buildings have gradually been converted into a creative cluster — a vivid example of Shenzhen's shift from «the world's factory» to a hub of the creative economy.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Metro: Line 1 to «OCT» or «Qiaocheng East» station, about 30 minutes
• Taxi / DiDi: 25–35 minutes, approximately 45–55 CNY
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Entry to the area: free
• Individual exhibitions and museums within the quarter may charge admission
๐ข 8. Happy Valley Shenzhen (ๆทฑๅณๆฌขไน่ฐท)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
Shenzhen's largest amusement park, covering 350,000 m² across seven themed zones — roller coasters, water rides and family entertainment. It holds China's top AAAA rating for tourist attractions.
๐น Located in the same OCT cluster as Window of the World and Splendid China, making it easy to combine all three parks in a single visit.
๐ History:
The park opened in 1998 as one of mainland China's first large Western-style amusement parks, built by the OCT Group. The format proved so successful that it was later replicated in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and other cities under the same «Happy Valley» brand.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Metro: Line 1, same area as Window of the World, about 30 minutes
• Taxi / DiDi: 25–35 minutes, approximately 45–55 CNY
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Full-day ticket: 208 CNY (adults), 180 CNY (students), 130 CNY (children/concession)
• Evening session (from 16:00): 140 CNY
• Opening hours: daily 10:00–21:00
๐๏ธ 9. Ping An Finance Centre «Free Sky» Observation Deck (ๅนณๅฎ้่ไธญๅฟ)
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
A 600-metre skyscraper — one of the tallest buildings in the world and the tallest in Shenzhen. The «Free Sky» observation deck sits on the 116th floor, at an elevation of about 547.6 metres, ranking among the highest observation decks on the planet. ๐
๐น The deck offers a panoramic view over the entire Futian financial district, Shenzhen Bay and, on clear days, the silhouette of Hong Kong on the horizon.
๐น The building serves as the headquarters of Ping An Insurance, one of China's largest financial conglomerates.
๐ History:
Construction ran from 2010 to 2017; the tower became a symbol of Futian's transformation into one of Asia's leading financial hubs alongside Hong Kong and Singapore — further vivid proof of how rapidly Shenzhen travelled from industrial periphery to global metropolis.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• Taxi / DiDi: 35–45 minutes depending on traffic, approximately 70–90 CNY
• Metro: Line 2 with a transfer, about 45–50 minutes
๐ถ Cost and Opening Hours:
• Observation deck ticket: approximately 180 CNY (price may vary by season and promotions)
• Opening hours: usually 10:00–21:30, last entry one hour before closing; the deck may close temporarily for private events
๐ญ๐ฐ 10. Bonus: Hong Kong, 50 Minutes Away by Ferry
๐ก Interesting Facts and Background:
A possibility unique to this port, found at none of the European ports of call: high-speed ferries to Hong Kong depart daily right from the Shekou ferry terminal, part of the very same complex as the cruise terminal.
๐น Route to Sheung Wan (China Ferry Terminal / Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal): about 50 minutes.
๐น Route to Hong Kong International Airport (Skypier): about 30 minutes — convenient for passengers flying in or out via Hong Kong.
๐น In just a few hours you can take in the skyscrapers of Central, ride up to Victoria Peak, or stroll the Victoria Harbour waterfront — and still be back on board that same day.
๐ History:
Ferry service between Shekou and Hong Kong has existed since the founding of the Shekou Special Economic Zone in the early 1980s: proximity to Hong Kong's free market and capital was one of the very reasons Deng Xiaoping chose this coastline for China's first experiment with reform. Today the route stands as a symbolic bridge between mainland China and Hong Kong under the «one country, two systems» principle.
๐ข How to get there from the Port of Shekou:
• The ferry terminal is located within the same complex as the cruise terminal — a few minutes' walk
๐ถ Cost and Schedule:
• Economy class: from 91 HKD (promotional fares from 79 HKD)
• First class: from 175 HKD, including drinks and light snacks
• Schedule: several sailings daily; the exact timetable depends on the day of the week and season
โ ๏ธ Important: a passport is required for this trip, and Ukrainian citizens should confirm current Hong Kong entry/visa requirements with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist in advance — the rules may differ from mainland China's.
๐ 11. Other Attractions Worth Your Attention
• ๐ธ Lianhuashan Park / Lotus Hill Park (่ฒ่ฑๅฑฑๅ
ฌๅญ) — a bronze statue of Deng Xiaoping stands atop this 150-hectare park in Futian district; home to more than 745 plant species and a superb panorama of the downtown skyline. Free admission, 35–40 minutes from the port.
• ๐๏ธ Shenzhen Museum (ๆทฑๅณๅ็ฉ้ฆ) — four branches across the city (history and folk culture, ancient art, the Reform and Opening-Up exhibition, and the former headquarters of the Dongjiang River Guerrilla Command). Free admission, no advance booking required. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays.
• โต Dachan Bay / Taizi Bay yacht marina — a waterfront promenade lined with yachts and restaurants, literally minutes from the cruise terminal.
• ๐๏ธ MixC World and Wanxiang Tiandi (ไธ่ฑกๅคฉๅฐ) shopping districts — modern Nanshan malls with international and Chinese brands, 15–20 minutes from the port.
• ๐ Shenzhen University campus (ๆทฑๅณๅคงๅญฆ) — the picturesque Lychee Lake set among palm trees and modern architecture, considered one of the most beautiful university campuses in China; free admission.
๐บ๏ธ Three Self-Guided Routes Around Shekou–Shenzhen in 8–10 Hours
A cruise ship's call at Shekou usually lasts 8–10 hours. It's realistic to see 3–5 sites if you plan your route carefully and account for the distances between the port and central Shenzhen. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.
๐ฅ Route #1. Budget — About 100–150 CNY per Person
โฑ๏ธ Total time: 8 hours | ๐ฐ Estimated budget: 100–150 CNY + food
๐ 09:00 — Leave the cruise terminal, walk to Sea World
20 minutes along the waterfront.
๐ 09:20–10:00 — Sea World
Stroll around the «Minghua» liner, coffee at one of the waterfront cafés.
๐ 10:00–11:00 — Chiwan Left Fort (Zuopaotai)
Metro Line 12 to the terminus «Zuopaotai East» (about 10 min, 4 CNY); explore the fortifications and the statue of Lin Zexu.
๐ฆ 11:00–13:00 — Nantou Ancient City
Metro Line 12 (about 15 min, 5 CNY). Walk through the old gates and alleys; lunch at a local eatery (25–35 CNY per person).
๐ 13:00–14:30 — Shenzhen Bay Park
Taxi or DiDi (15–20 min, 35–40 CNY). Walk along the coast with views of Hong Kong; photos at day's end.
๐ 14:30–15:00 — Return to Sea World
Taxi / DiDi, 15 min.
๐ 15:00–16:30 — Free time at Sea World
Shopping, coffee, last photos by the «Minghua».
๐ 16:30–17:00 — Return to the ship
๐ฐ Cost breakdown:
• Metro (2–3 rides): about 15 CNY
• Taxi/DiDi (2 rides): 50–60 CNY
• Lunch: 25–35 CNY
• Reserve (coffee, incidentals): 20–30 CNY
๐ธ TOTAL: about 110–150 CNY per person (every stop on this route is free)
๐ฅ Route #2. Optimal — 350–450 CNY per Person
โฑ๏ธ Total time: 9 hours | ๐ฐ Estimated budget: 400 CNY + food
๐ 08:30 — Taxi to Window of the World
30–35 minutes, approximately 50 CNY.
๐ 09:00–11:30 — Window of the World
Tour the miniature replicas of world landmarks; ticket 220 CNY.
๐ฆ 11:30–12:00 — Walk over to Splendid China
5 minutes on foot; the parks are next door to each other.
๐ 12:00–14:00 — Splendid China and the Folk Culture Village
Ticket 220 CNY; lunch in the park (60–80 CNY per person).
๐ 14:00–14:30 — Transfer to OCT-LOFT
Taxi/DiDi, 10 minutes.
๐ 14:30–15:45 — OCT-LOFT
Wander the art district, browse the cafés, take photos against the murals.
๐ 15:45–16:20 — Return to Shekou
Taxi/DiDi, 30–35 minutes, approximately 50 CNY.
๐ 16:20–17:00 — Dinner near Sea World
If your schedule allows, save the 19:00 fountain show for the next day if the port is your embarkation point.
๐ฐ Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip taxi: about 100 CNY
• Window of the World: 220 CNY
• Splendid China: 220 CNY
• Lunch: 60–80 CNY
๐ธ TOTAL: about 600–620 CNY per person
๐ก Choosing only one of the two parks — Window of the World or Splendid China — saves about 220 CNY, and the extra time can go toward nearby Happy Valley.
๐ฅ Route #3. Premium — Private Tour from 1,800 CNY per Person
โฑ๏ธ Total time: 9 hours | ๐ฐ Estimated budget: 1,800–2,500 CNY + tickets
๐ What's included:
• โ
Meet-and-greet with a private driver holding a sign right at the ship's gangway
• โ
A comfortable car or minivan for the full day
• โ
A professional, licensed English- or Ukrainian-speaking guide
• โ
Skip-the-line priority entry to every stop on the route
• โ
A reserved table at a Cantonese restaurant
• โ
A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the fly, including the option of a full-day trip to Hong Kong instead
You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us directly by any convenient means:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
๐ 08:30 — Meet the driver and guide at the terminal
๐ 09:00–10:30 — Ping An Finance Centre observation deck with a guide
Priority entry, along with the story of the Futian financial district.
๐ 10:45–12:00 — Lianhuashan Park (Lotus Hill Park)
The statue of Deng Xiaoping, a panorama of the Futian skyline, and a short walk along the botanical trails.
๐ง 12:15–13:45 — Lunch at a Cantonese restaurant
Authentic dim sum and seafood, from 150–200 CNY per person. Reservations are handled by your guide.
๐ 14:00–15:30 — Nantou Ancient City with a private guide
The history of Xin'an County, the old gates, the Wen Tianxiang Shrine, and a tasting of local sweets.
๐ 15:45–16:45 — Shopping at Wanxiang Tiandi or MixC World
Your driver waits while the guide points you toward the best shops and brands.
๐ 17:00 — Return to the port in comfort
๐ฐ Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from 900 CNY
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from 700 CNY
• Entrance tickets (Ping An Finance Centre + more): about 200 CNY
• Restaurant lunch: from 150–200 CNY
๐ธ TOTAL: from 1,800–2,200 CNY per person (for a group of 2+ — priced per group, not per person)
๐ค Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Shenzhen with licensed guides, gangway-to-gangway transfers, and a guaranteed return to the ship — and can also arrange an alternative programme: a full-day trip to Hong Kong with a private guide. Talk to your cruise specialist, and your day in Shekou will be planned exactly to your taste. ๐ณ๏ธโจ
โ ๏ธ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
๐ «All aboard» rule: be back on the ship at least 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait.
๐ชช Documents: carry your passport and your cruise line's boarding pass or shore card; going ashore in China often requires a special shore-pass document — confirm the process with your cruise line in advance.
๐ Internet: mainland China blocks Google, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and most other apps travelers are used to. Download offline maps and set up any VPN you'll need before you arrive — it's far harder to install one once you're in China.
๐ฑ Apps: DiDi (the international, Uber-equivalent app for China — Uber itself does not operate in mainland China), and Alipay's «Tour Pass» feature for linking a foreign card to QR-code payments.
๐ด Cash and cards: China has largely moved to QR-code payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay); foreign Visa/Mastercard cards aren't accepted everywhere, so it's worth carrying a little cash in yuan (CNY) as backup.
๐ Clothing: comfortable shoes for a lot of walking; Shenzhen summers are hot and humid (+28…+34 °C), and typhoon season runs from July to September — check the forecast.
๐ Safety: Shenzhen is one of Asia's safest major cities, with a low rate of street crime, though the usual precautions in crowded areas still apply.
Getting around from Shekou can feel unfamiliar at first because of the language barrier and the particulars of mainland China, but the port actually offers a clear and predictable infrastructure — you just need to know the right options for your situation. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group support our clients at every stage: from choosing the best route through Shenzhen to arranging a private transfer with a name sign in the arrivals hall. Get in touch with our manager, and your cruise from Shekou will begin without a single moment of stress. ๐ณ๏ธโจ
โน๏ธ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals