Shenzhen Old Town Story Walking Tour: Dongmen Old Street × Mysterious 'Mistress Village' × Chocolate Museum
Traverse Dongmen Old Street and let the guide explain the rarely known immigration stories and wealth disparity behind the city's transformation from a small fishing village into a tech giant.
Explore the mysterious 'Mistress Village' and learn about a rarely mentioned history from Shenzhen's early cross-border economic era.
Visit the site of China's first McDonald's and enjoy a soft-serve ice cream that bears witness to history.
Visit the Chocolate Museum to see robots, drones, spacecraft, and Shenzhen landmarks transformed into chocolate sculptures—an explosion of contrast and cuteness.
Delve into local budget markets and hubs for replica goods, and learn a few local bargaining tips from your guide.
Package Options
Product Info
Shenzhen is more than just skyscrapers and self-driving cars. This walking tour takes you behind the rapid development to discover the stories that are rarely told. We will start by stepping into an unassuming old neighborhood to chat about the city's history of migration and how people from all over the country came to Shenzhen to build today's prosperity brick by brick. Next, we will pass through a market filled with retro Hong Kong-style neon signs, feeling as if we have been instantly transported back to the Kowloon Walled City of the 1990s. Then, we will arrive at Dongmen Old Street—the birthplace of Shenzhen's commerce—to learn how this border town gradually grew into today's international tech hub. Along the way, we will turn into alleys and old street corners rarely visited by outsiders, grab an ice cream at the site of China's first McDonald's, and visit a historic district full of stories that once thrived on cross-border trade and has now settled into a different kind of urban memory as times have changed. Finally, we will enter a chocolate museum to see robots, drones, rockets, and Shenzhen landmarks all transformed into dessert art, bringing this journey to an end in the most unexpected way. This is not a typical sightseeing tour; it is an experience that shows you the authentic human touch, history, and life flowing beneath Shenzhen's polished surface.
This building was originally a cluster of old residential houses in Shenzhen, but after renovations, it transformed into a trendy commercial complex. Its exterior is a stunning recreation of the Kowloon Walled City, which is most familiar to Hong Kong residents. Overseas tourists call it the 'real-life Kowloon Walled City,' though it is actually a full-fledged commercial street inside. Feel free to explore, eat, and shop when you get tired; these costs are separate and not included in the itinerary.
Dongmen is the earliest witness to Shenzhen's investment attraction and opening-up. This street has seen how the city developed from a border town into what it is today. China's first McDonald's is also hidden here. When we reach that golden landmark, we will enjoy a soft-serve ice cream. Remember to take a souvenir photo, as this is the most classic check-in spot in all of Dongmen.
A massive flagship store featuring a wide variety of popular IP-collaboration merchandise. If you enjoy shopping for trendy goods, you can definitely spend quite a while here.
One of the few remaining ancient buildings in Shenzhen, a rare, tranquil corner in the bustling city. Step inside to experience the original historical appearance of Shenzhen before it was enveloped by the glow of technology.
This site records a chapter of Shenzhen's history during the War of Liberation. It is an important stop for understanding the city's revolutionary memories, forming a sharp contrast to the 'Tech Shenzhen' we are familiar with.
Take the elevator straight to the 42nd floor, where precious historical photos of visits by past national leaders hang on the walls. It is an important stop for understanding the development trajectory of Shenzhen. This 53-story, 160-meter-tall building was topped out in just 90 days, and the term 'Shenzhen Speed' spread from here.
In the 1990s, this was a familiar stopover for freight drivers traveling to and from Hong Kong. It was home to a unique community formed by cross-border transport, serving as a rarely mentioned historical profile of Shenzhen's early cross-border economic development.
Located right next to the Luohu Port, you will find all kinds of high-quality replicas, from luxury watches to designer shoes. The tour guide will assist with bargaining on-site, usually helping you secure a 30% to 40% discount. Combining shopping with bargaining practice, this is definitely the most practical stop of the entire trip.
Important Info
Reminders
A minimum of 3 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 2 day(s) before the departure date
FAQ
1. What are the unique attractions and activities to explore in Shenzhen's Dongmen Old Street?
Shenzhen's Dongmen Old Street is an area rich in history and modern fusion. Here, you can explore its story of development from a small fishing village to a tech giant city, and experience the realities of immigrant culture and wealth disparity. The old street features various affordable markets and specialty shops, making it a great place to experience local life and enjoy the fun of bargaining. You also have the chance to visit the site of China's first McDonald's to reminisce about history.
2. What is the exact geographical location of Dongmen Old Street and what are the main landmarks nearby?
Shenzhen's Dongmen Old Street is located in the eastern part of Luohu District, Shenzhen, and is one of the earliest developed commercial centers in the city. Major landmarks nearby include Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Sun Plaza, Maoye Department Store, and several large shopping malls, making it a bustling area that combines shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. It's conveniently located and a top choice for many tourists to experience Shenzhen's local culture and shopping.
3. From Futian Port, how can I take public transportation to Dongmen Old Street?
The most convenient way to get to Dongmen Old Street from Futian Port is by taking the Shenzhen Metro. You can board Metro Line 4 (Longhua Line) at Futian Port Station and transfer to Metro Line 1 (Luobao Line) towards Luohu at Civic Center Station. Alight at Old Street Station to reach Dongmen Old Street. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
4. What are the common ways to travel from Taiwan to Shenzhen?
Taiwanese travelers usually fly directly to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX). If there are no direct flights, you can also consider flying to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) first, and then enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong by high-speed rail, bus, cross-border vehicle, or ferry. Direct flights are the most time-saving, while transferring via Hong Kong offers more flexibility in flight options.
5. What are the convenient transportation options from Hong Kong to Shenzhen?
There are several convenient ways to travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. You can take the high-speed rail from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station directly to Shenzhen Futian Station or Shenzhen North Station, with a journey time of about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can cross the border at Lo Wu Control Point or Futian Port via the MTR or bus, and then transfer to the Shenzhen Metro. Additionally, cross-border bus services offer direct routes to various areas in Shenzhen, which are convenient and fast.
6. What travel documents do Taiwanese travelers need to prepare to enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong?
Taiwanese travelers entering Shenzhen from Hong Kong need to prepare a valid 'Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents' (commonly known as 'Tai Bao Zheng'). This is a necessary document for traveling or conducting business in mainland China. It is recommended to confirm the validity period of your travel permit before departure and check if any endorsements are required according to regulations to ensure a smooth entry.
7. Besides transportation cards, what other mobile payment methods can be used for the metro in Shenzhen?
When taking the metro in Shenzhen, in addition to the physical 'Shenzhen Tong' transportation card, you can also use various mobile payment methods to scan for your journey. Common and convenient options include WeChat Pay and Alipay, both of which support binding with overseas credit cards for use. You simply need to scan the ride code generated in the app at the entry and exit gates to travel with ease, which is very convenient.
8. What special historical stories can be learned at the 'Mysterious Concubine Village' visited during the walking tour?
The 'Mysterious Concubine Village' visited during the walking tour is a unique historical mark. It reflects a little-known social phenomenon and historical story that emerged in Shenzhen during the early stages of reform and opening up, against the backdrop of cross-border economic development. The guide will provide in-depth explanations of the economic interactions between Hong Kong and Shenzhen at the time, as well as the resulting human stories and social changes, allowing for a deeper understanding of the city.
