I spent an unforgettable weekend in Shenzhen, China's Silicon Valley, discovering a perfect blend of modern luxury and ancient history. Rising high above Shenzhen Bay at the newly opened Renaissance Hotel, I sipped afternoon tea while watching the sunset paint the iconic China Resources Headquarters tower in golden light. From indulging in exquisite Cantonese cuisine at the cloud-level Wan Li Xuan restaurant to exploring the 1,700-year-old Nantou Ancient City, this journey revealed Shenzhen's surprising depth beyond its tech reputation. If you're seeking a quick urban getaway that combines five-star pampering with genuine cultural exploration, this two-day itinerary delivers both in perfect harmony.
Trip Overview
When: October (Autumn)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$150 USD)
Transportation: Taxi + Walking
Day 1: High Above Shenzhen Bay
What's it like spending an entire afternoon enjoying high tea at a luxury hotel with panoramic sea views? When my friend and I checked into the Shenzhen Bay Renaissance Hotel—freshly opened on October 27th—we immediately understood why this place had become the city's hottest destination.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see the entire Shenzhen Bay stretching out before me, with the iconic China Resources Headquarters tower (affectionately nicknamed the "Spring Bamboo Shoot") piercing the skyline. As the late afternoon sun began to set, the sky transformed into a canvas of warm oranges and purples—a truly magnificent and romantic sight.
The afternoon tea featured an array of exquisite miniature desserts and savory bites, each one as beautiful as it was delicious. Looking out at the endless blue sky and coastline, with soft sunlight streaming across the table and the aromatic scent of premium tea in the air—bringing delicate sweets to my lips—this was the self-care moment I'd been craving amid my busy city life.
When I first entered the hotel, the grandeur of the lobby took my breath away. A stunning metal bamboo forest installation dominated the space, complemented by 4D holographic projections of swaying trees and birds in flight. It felt like being transported to a mountain forest retreat rather than a city center.
After checking in, I made my way to my room. Even the lighting details by the doorway hinted at the hotel's thoughtful design and refined taste.
Every element in the room reflected the hotel's design aesthetic—from the carefully curated furnishings to the premium amenities.
The room was spacious with a unique layout unlike anything I'd seen before. The guest amenities were comprehensive and thoughtfully arranged with human-centered design.
But my favorite feature was the panoramic bay window. The elegant room atmosphere, warmed by soft bedside lighting, created an incredibly comfortable and natural ambiance—pure bliss for a night's stay.
🎯 Practical Info
Location: 深圳湾万丽酒店 (Shenzhen Bay Renaissance Hotel) Address: 深圳市南山区科技南路 (show this to taxi drivers) Room Rate: ~800-1,500 RMB (~$120-220 USD) per night Best Feature: Floor-to-ceiling views of Shenzhen Bay
Culinary Discoveries
With three restaurants and one bar, the Renaissance Hotel offers dining experiences to satisfy every craving.
Wan Li Xuan (万丽轩), the Chinese restaurant on the 58th floor (the top level), offers a cloud-level dining experience where guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine while overlooking the cityscape. The starlight-inspired ceiling fixtures create an incredibly romantic dining atmosphere.
The dishes weren't just visually stunning and flavorful—each dish's name carried poetic meaning. From the avocado crispy golden rolls to the fresh fruit wasabi Chaozhou-style chilled lobster, every creation was a work of art. The fresh fish and fish maw soup, wheat-flour coated sand shrimp, golden garlic and beef cubes with silver sprouts, vegetable quartet in rich broth, yellow pepper sauce claypot reservoir fish cheeks, and spicy crispy red rice dumplings—each dish elevated ordinary ingredients to extraordinary heights.
But the Renaissance experience extends beyond dining. Come evening, the stylish R Bar (逸庭吧) comes alive. By day, it offers elegant themed afternoon tea; by night, it transforms into the perfect spot to experience urban nightlife.
Here, guests can experience the hotel's signature "Evenings at Renaissance" program, with wonderful live lighting and music that kick the night into high gear. In such a magical atmosphere, feeling the unique charm, listening to myself, and capturing that inner voice of inspiration.
Relaxation and Recreation
The hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center with comprehensive, professional equipment—and the workout environment is excellent. The panoramic-view gym and 25-meter indoor heated swimming pool are absolutely stunning, with the pool's aesthetic so beautiful it stirs the soul—the perfect setting for Instagram-worthy shots.
Day 2: Breakfast and Ancient History
Weekend urban getaway continues. After waking up and freshening up, I headed to the "Ran" all-day dining restaurant on the 57th floor for breakfast. Looking out at the expansive Shenzhen Bay cityscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows, my appetite surged.
The breakfast selection was impressive, featuring various breads, pastries, and tasty snacks like fried dumplings. My favorite was the chef's handmade noodles—perfectly elastic and topped with fragrant braised beef, absolutely delicious.
After breakfast, it was time to explore. Today's mission: visit Nantou Ancient City (南头古城), a 1,700-year-old site that marks the very origins of Shenzhen.
Getting from Shenzhen Bay Renaissance Hotel to Nantou Ancient City takes just 10 minutes by taxi—very convenient. The drop-off point is right at the "Nantou Ancient City" archway, with a traditional Guan Yu Temple to the right (though it was closed when I visited).
The pathway to the South Gate ruins features many brass floor tiles documenting major historical events of Nantou Ancient City—from the Three Kingdoms period fortress to the mid-Qing Dynasty, and on to modern times. As the starting point of Shenzhen city, calling Nantou Ancient City the "origin point" of Shenzhen is no exaggeration.
🎯 Practical Info: Nantou Ancient City
Entry Fee: Free Location: 深圳市南山区深南大道 (show "南头古城" to taxi drivers) Distance from Hotel: 10-minute taxi ride (~15 RMB / $2 USD) Best Time: Morning or late afternoon (avoid midday heat) Don't Miss: Xin'an County Government Office, South Gate ruins, plaque museum
Historical records show that during Emperor Wu of Han's reign, the empire implemented state-controlled salt and iron monopolies with 36 salt officials nationwide. The salt official of Panyu County in Nanhai Commandery (commonly called "Dongguan") was located precisely at today's Nantou Ancient City.
The first city wall construction at Nantou dates to the Three Kingdoms Wu Kingdom period. Today, the excavated ancient city moat beneath the South Gate serves as physical evidence of Nantou's small fortress during the Three Kingdoms era.
Beneath the majestic ancient city gate of Nantou, informational displays feature restored maps of Xin'an County and the ancient city's street layout. From these, I could see the city originally had a "six vertical, one horizontal" street pattern. Today's Paifang Main Street (now Zhongshan South Street) still preserves the Ming Dynasty-era city layout. Among the cultural relics and ancient structures, there's 1 provincial-level heritage building, 5 grade-5 cultural relics, and 34 other historically significant buildings.
The Xin'an County Government Office, located at the original city center, stands at the end of Zhongshan South Street. A pair of stone lions guard the entrance, with a "grievance drum" on the right side. This yamen (government office) was where ancient officials conducted official business. The Xin'an County jurisdiction was vast, covering present-day Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and parts of Dongguan. Information on the walls revealed this small county office was divided into six departments: Rites, Revenue, Personnel, Punishments, War, and Works—quite impressive.
Inside, a Qing Dynasty yamen scene is recreated, with a "Mirror Hanging High" plaque suspended from the ceiling and a county magistrate seated below in dignified posture. The right side displays an ancient wooden carriage.
Every ancient building in Nantou Ancient City functions as a mini-museum, with various themed exhibitions that rotate over time. The plaque museum displays a Qing Dynasty Xuantong era "Elderly Virtue Honored" plaque. A Qing Dynasty radish seed shop sign. There are also Xin'an Prison, Coastal Defense Office, Dongguan Guild Hall, Guan Yu Temple, Wen Tianxiang Ancestral Hall, Opium Den, Official Reception Hall, Gathering Tower, pawn shops, and money exchanges—each containing Lingnan folk culture collections like ancient oil lamps, shop signs, tableware, and ceramic pillows, all documenting Shenzhen's commercial history.
Nantou Ancient City is currently Shenzhen's largest historical and cultural tourist attraction, ranking first among "Shenzhen's Top Ten Characteristic Cultural Blocks." What draws visitors is not just its 1,700-year history and ancient structures, but also the trendy, fashionable atmosphere created by cultural and creative design.
Quick Reference Guide
Where to Stay:
Shenzhen Bay Renaissance Hotel (深圳湾万丽酒店)
Address: 深圳市南山区科技南路
Rates: ~800-1,500 RMB (~$120-220 USD)/night
Where to Eat:
• Wan Li Xuan (万丽轩) - 58th floor Cantonese restaurant
• Ran All-Day Dining (燃全日餐厅) - 57th floor breakfast buffet
• R Bar (逸庭吧) - Evening cocktails and nightlife
What to Do:
• Afternoon tea with bay views at the hotel
• Visit Nantou Ancient City (1,700 years old, free entry)
• Evening at R Bar for live music and cocktails
Getting Around:
Taxis are convenient and affordable. Most rides within the area cost 15-30 RMB (~$2-5 USD).