Things To Do
in Shangzhen

Locally caught fish cooked with soy, ginger and scallions; often available at riverside restaurants and family eateries.

Must-Try!

A simple but flavorful vegetable dish showcasing the day’s harvest; commonly found at most local restaurants and home-style eateries.

Savory pancakes filled with scallions, minced meat or vegetables; popular as a breakfast snack or street food.

Warm brothy noodle soup with herbs and slices of pork or fish; available at casual noodle shops and stalls.

A bustling market where locals buy produce, live greens and meats; try fresh dumplings, steamed buns and soy milk here.

Stalls that open toward evening offering grilled skewers, fried snacks, and sweet pancakes—great for people-watching and sampling many small bites.

Show deference to older people—greeting elders first and offering seats on public transport is appreciated.

Maintain a respectful quiet in temples and sacred spaces; ask before photographing rituals or people praying.

Haggling is acceptable in markets but should be friendly and good-natured; insulting vendors or pushing prices too low can be rude.

Communal dining is common—try a bit of everything offered, don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles incense for the dead), and use serving utensils when provided.

Tipping is not widely expected in most local shops, markets or casual restaurants; small tips are sometimes given for exceptional service in hotels or by private guides, but are not obligatory. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common but not required.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are the dominant methods for daily transactions; many small vendors still accept cash (RMB). International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but carry cash or set up mobile payment options if possible.

Mild temperatures with occasional rain and blossoming trees; a good time for flower photography and outdoor walks, but pack a light rain jacket and umbrella.

Hot and humid, with the possibility of heavy rain or thunderstorms; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities—stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned spots during peak heat.

Generally the most pleasant season with cooler, drier weather and clearer skies—ideal for hiking, market visits and photography.

Cool to cold depending on elevation; winters are drier with occasional frost in rural areas—bring warm layers and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.

A small regional airport (approx. 1–2 hours’ drive) with domestic flights to major hubs; offers the quickest access for most visitors and taxi or shuttle services into town.

A larger international airport (2–4 hours by road) with frequent domestic and international connections; ideal if arriving from overseas—ground transport options include trains, long-distance buses and car hire.

Widely played recreationally and competitively in schools and community centers—easy to find casual games and small clubs.

Common among young people; public courts often host pickup games in the evenings.

A popular indoor and outdoor sport, often played socially by families and friends.

Locally popular, with youth leagues and casual games in open fields.

Vegetarian options exist but may be limited outside major restaurants; ask for 'su' (素) dishes and look for dishes centered on tofu and seasonal vegetables. Many markets and teahouses can prepare vegetable-only options if you communicate clearly.

Vegan options require vigilance because many broths contain meat or fish. Learn key phrases (see phrases below) and point to ingredients; tofu, steamed vegetables and rice dishes are usually safe choices if you confirm preparation methods.

Rice-based dishes and plain steamed rice are easy options; soy sauce is common and contains wheat—ask for light or no soy sauce and specify 'wu mian bao' (no wheat) where possible.

Carry allergy cards in Chinese to explain severe allergies (peanuts, shellfish, etc.) and avoid sauces and fried items where cross-contamination is likely.