If you think Shenzhen is all about skyscrapers and technology, then you absolutely can't miss Nantou Ancient City, a "historical soul" in Nanshan District. Although Nantou Ancient City has been brightened up with many cultural and creative shops and restaurants, making the streets feel a bit commercialized, it still retains Shenzhen's unique historical context. For this trip, I specifically arranged to visit the Nanshan Museum first, and then step into the ancient city to experience a taste of time travel. Whether you visit during the day or at night, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Highlights of the Trip: - The historically rich Nantou Ancient City offers not only original ancient buildings but also various cultural and creative shops. - The Nanshan Museum provides insights into the development history of Shenzhen and Nantou, adding depth to your visit to the ancient city. - Paid lockers are available at the South and East gates of the ancient city for convenient and relaxed shopping. - Popular photo spots such as cartoon-themed restaurants are perfect for families with children or couples. Recommended Attractions: 1. Nanshan Museum If you, like me, prefer to "know before you go" when traveling, I highly recommend visiting the Nanshan Museum first. The museum exhibits the changes of Nantou Ancient City and the stories of Shenzhen throughout history, making the visit even more meaningful (the museum is near the ancient city, so it's recommended to visit the museum first). There's also a free Mucha exhibition currently. You might encounter school tour groups; if you want to see the Dunhuang exhibition (which requires payment), you can book online in advance. #Museum #Exhibition Address: No. 36, Nanxin Road, Nantou Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays 2. Nantou Ancient City Next, of course, walk to the main gate of the ancient city—either the South Gate or the East Gate. The streets and alleys are full of retro Chinese architectural styles, perfect for taking photos on a sunny day! The ancient city at night has a mysterious blend of history and modernity. Some shops have incorporated creative designs, such as the cartoon rabbit standing at the restaurant entrance, which is very trendy and has a local Shenzhen vibe. If you have large bags of luggage while exploring the ancient city, don't worry! Lockers are available at both the South and East Gates, with small, medium, and large sizes to choose from – quite convenient! #AncientArchitecture Address: 8 meters north of Nantou Overpass, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (next to Shennan Avenue) Opening Hours: All year round, 24 hours a day 3. Unique Restaurants & Creative Shops In recent years, many stylish shops have sprung up in the ancient city, selling exquisite creative products, as well as cafes and snack shops featuring local elements. There are themed restaurants decorated with Chiikawa decorations, uniquely shaped ice cream shops, trendy brand photo spots, and more – definitely Instagram-worthy locations! There are also many options for finding a place to rest in the evening. Taking a stroll is also a great option. Practical Itinerary Tips - Locker Locations: South and East Gate entrances of Nantou Ancient City - Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the city has many cobblestone alleys (walking for a while can be tiring). - Some shops may be busier if you visit in the afternoon or evening. - There are many food options in the ancient city area, as well as hand-shaken drinks like Baozhu Gong. - The street scenes and cultural atmosphere are most beautiful on sunny days, while at night, the city is illuminated, creating different atmospheres. Transportation to the Museum Subway: Take Shenzhen Metro Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station. After walking through a long underground passage, exit from Exit E4 to reach the museum. Transportation to Nantou Ancient City Take Shenzhen Metro Line 12 to Zhongshan Park Station, Exit D. Walk straight to the East Gate. #ShenzhenDayTrip #NantouAncientCity #CultureAndHistory #ShenzhenFood #InstagrammableSpot
_TI***zj
Popular Trip Moments
Starbucks | Start with romance and leisure 💕 Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden ❤️ Step into a real-life Monet's Garden | Encountering the desert and camels in Shenzhen 💕 A desert-themed date cafe, how romantic! | Sleep in the Spanish-style hotel of InterContinental Shenzhen OCT, making 2026 a year of unforgettable celebration. | Discover your ideal wedding in Futian CBD | Shenzhen 2-day travel guide | Instantly transported to the water towns of Jiangnan 💕 The Dutch Flower Town (Shuiyifang Teahouse) is filled with Zen-like tranquility. | Shenzhen 2-day travel guide | Hotel Selection in Shenzhen for Business Trips | A Lifeline for Business Travelers | Hidden in Shenzhen's vibrant atmosphere 💕 Chinese garden architecture - Shenzhen (Gankeng Ancient Town) | No one can resist the seaside boardwalk 💕 Shenzhen's romantic coastline (Dameisha Seaside Park) | A hidden oasis in the city 💕 Shenzhen (Yanhanshan Country Park) - a healing paradise | Best vantage point overlooking Shenzhen 💕 A must-visit in Shenzhen - Ping An Finance Center Sky Observation Deck | Embark on a spiritual journey 💕 Shenzhen Hongfa Temple | Blessings + Vegetarian Meal + Buddhist Card | Top 1 camping and picnic spot in the city 💕 Shenzhen Central Park, where you can spend a whole day | A scenic walk through the gardens of Jiangnan 💕 Shenzhen (Garden Expo Park): A hidden garden in the city | Hidden in the alleys, the flavors of Hainan Island – Shenzhen Shuiweicai Zhaopo Vinegar Hot Pot 🌸 | Shenzhen City | Shenzhen high value for money accommodation recommendation 🏨 not not to try ❤️🧡💛🩷💜💚 | Shenzhen Bolin Tianrui Sheraton Hotel | An immersive and joyful family outing! | You don't need to go to Japan; Shenzhen has The Gundam Base (which has ceased operations). | Stay at Le Meridien Shenzhen Bao'an | The newly opened Christmas fairytale cottage at Raffles City! So photogenic and beautiful!! | Shenzhen's century-old traditional dim sum restaurant 💕 Eat at (Fanlou) and savor the flavors of Xiguan | Shenzhen hotels | A stunning, less-visited wetland park in Futian District: Futian Mangrove Ecological Park! A perfect weekend getaway. | Fish maw, pork tripe, and chicken soup is nourishing and invigorating; Fuxinji is a must-try in Shenzhen. | Must-try food recommendation at Shenzhen Central Book City 💕 Shunde Gong (Central Book City Branch) - a local time-honored brand of pork tripe and chicken soup. | Shenzhen Bay Renaissance: Stunning Frontline Sea View + Thoughtful Details, One Stay and You’re Hooked | Pretending to be in Europe 💕 Shekou - Sea World (Minghua) is a treasure trove of a small world
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Attractions in Bangkok | Popular Attractions in Manila | Popular Attractions in Tokyo | Popular Attractions in Taipei | Popular Attractions in Hong Kong | Popular Attractions in Seoul | Popular Attractions in Kuala Lumpur | Popular Attractions in Los Angeles | Popular Attractions in Shanghai | Popular Attractions in New York | Popular Attractions in Shenzhen | Popular Attractions in Osaka | Popular Attractions in Singapore | Popular Attractions in London | Popular Attractions in Guangzhou | Popular Attractions in San Francisco | Popular Attractions in Beijing | Popular Attractions in Macau | Popular Attractions in Bali | Popular Attractions in Jakarta | Popular Attractions in Paris | Popular Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City | Popular Attractions in Istanbul | Popular Attractions in Phuket | Popular Attractions in Chicago | Popular Attractions in Seattle | Popular Attractions in Toronto | Popular Attractions in Orlando | Popular Attractions in Cebu | Popular Attractions in Chiang Mai
Popular Restaurants in Shenzhen
ZHUO YUE XUAN | Garden Pavilion | Grange Grill | MAN HO | The Glasshouse | Xingli Chinese Restaurant | CHINA LODGE | Elba Italian Restaurant | T’ANG COURT | AZURE | ShenZhen SiJi Restaurant (KaiBinSiJi Hotel) | ChaoShan DaMu NiuRouDian (ZhenXing West Road) | Dragon Court Restaurant | Phoenix House | ROSE PALACE | SEIKU | Yun Jing | Ensue | Cafe Zen, Futian Shangri-La Hotel, Shenzhen | CH'AO Chinese Restaurant | GEM GARDEN | ChaoShan DaMu NiuRouDian (HuangGang) | ICON KITCHEN·BAR | Kao Shan | 鹤松·高空の上居酒屋(南山店) | OPUS 388 (Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen) | Shanye·mu | Five Sen5es at The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan | Star Of Canton Restaurant | Paulaner Brauhaus Shenzhen-Shekou
Popular Ranked Lists
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Nagoya | Top 10 Luxury Hotels near Calatabiano | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Anji | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Yanji | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Shangrao | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu | Top 20 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Batam | Popular Luxury Hotels Near Piatra Neamt | Top 20 Best Things to Do in Queenstown | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Liuzhou | Top 20 Best Things to Do in Warsaw | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Huai'an | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Guam | Top 50 Luxury Hotels near San Bernardino County | Popular Premium Hotels in Tamarin | Top 50 Luxury Hotels near Winklern | Top 50 Best Things to Do in Madrid | Top 20 Luxury Hotels near Oichalia | Top 50 Best Things to Do in Milan | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Cairo | Top 10 Best Things to Do in Glasgow | Top 50 Best Things to Do in Beijing | Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in Qingyuan | Top 50 Best Things to Do in Mexico City | Top 20 Best Things to Do in Cairns | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Yangshuo | Top 10 Luxury Hotels near Middlesex County | Top 10 Best Things to Do in Johor Bahru | Top 50 Must-Visit Restaurants in Taiyuan
About
Payment methods
Our partners
Copyright © 2025 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.










































