I spent two unforgettable days at the Renaissance Shenzhen Bay Hotel, where modern luxury meets breathtaking urban panoramas. Perched high above the city's tech district, this architectural marvel offered me a front-row seat to Shenzhen's glittering skyline and the iconic 'Spring Bamboo Shoot' tower. From sipping afternoon tea at 57 floors up to discovering Cantonese culinary masterpieces at the cloud-level Wan Li Xuan restaurant, every moment felt like floating above the city. Whether you're in Shenzhen for business or leisure, this hidden gem delivers a sky-high experience that redefines urban hospitality—complete with ancient history just steps away at the nearby Nantou Ancient Town.
Trip Overview
When: December 2020
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: With parents
Budget: ~1,300 RMB (~$180 USD) per person
Location: Renaissance Shenzhen Bay Hotel, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Day 1: Arrival and Sky-High Afternoon Tea
When I first stepped into Shenzhen for a business trip, I knew I had to make the most of my limited time in this dynamic city. I decided to treat my parents to something special—the newly opened Renaissance Shenzhen Bay Hotel, which had just welcomed its first guests on October 27th. From the moment I spotted the entrance, I could tell this was going to be extraordinary.
The hotel sits in the heart of Nanshan District's high-tech zone, surrounded by the headquarters of major tech companies and international corporations. Standing at the entrance, I was immediately struck by the sophisticated design and the unique skylight above the doorway, through which I could glimpse the sleek office towers surrounding us—an intriguing contrast between nature-inspired architecture and urban modernity.
After checking in and settling into our room, I couldn't wait to start our experience. We headed straight to the R Bar on the 57th floor for afternoon tea. The moment I sat down by the floor-to-ceiling windows, my breath caught—I had a panoramic view of the entire Shenzhen Bay, with the city's famous landmark, the "Spring Bamboo Shoot" (春笋 Chūnsǔn) Tower, standing majestically in the distance.
The English afternoon tea service was as beautiful as the view—delicate pastries and pristine white tableware that begged to be photographed before touched. But what truly fascinated me was learning about the hotel's design concept. The entire property is built around four natural elements derived from deconstructing the Chinese characters for "Shenzhen" (深圳 Shēnzhèn): water (水 shuǐ), wood (木 mù), earth (土 tǔ), and river (川 chuān).
As I explored the hotel, I noticed this theme everywhere. In the elevators, I felt like I was surrounded by fireflies dancing through a forest—an unexpected touch of nature in a steel box. The lobby featured dynamic 4D holographic projections on the backdrop wall, showing soaring birds and swaying tree shadows that gave the public space incredible depth and imagination.
🎯 Hotel Design Highlights
Location: Nanshan High-Tech Park, near major tech headquarters Design Theme: Four natural elements (Water, Wood, Earth, River) Opened: October 27, 2020 Brand: Marriott International - Renaissance Hotels
Walking through the corridors, I was drawn to the silver mountain decorations and winding lights that echoed the "river" element, stretching the space visually and creating an almost infinite perspective.
Our bay-view room was a sanctuary of minimalist elegance. The design was sophisticated yet understated, with a clever layout that defined different functional areas while maintaining flow. The centerpiece—a stunning central bathtub—caught my eye immediately. Warm khaki lighting bathed the room in a peaceful glow, creating an atmosphere of refined tranquility.
I particularly loved the window seat by the floor-to-ceiling glass. During the day, I sat cross-legged enjoying fruit and journaling; at night, I leaned against the glass watching the city's neon lights and endless streams of traffic below—a mesmerizing urban tapestry that made me feel like I was floating above it all.
For dinner, we ascended to the 58th floor to Wan Li Xuan (万丽轩 Wànlì Xuān), the hotel's signature Chinese restaurant. The design was breathtaking—white and light gray tones paired with cloud-like curtains, but what truly stole the show was the starry ceiling. Dining beneath a constellation of lights created an atmosphere that felt almost celestial.
The restaurant specializes in Cantonese cuisine with nine luxurious private dining rooms, each offering stunning views. Every dish was a work of art—from the rich soup with seasonal vegetables to the crispy red rice dumplings in spicy sauce. The highlight was definitely the claypot fish head with yellow pepper sauce—absolutely irresistible over rice!
Other standouts included the diced wagyu beef with garlic—tender and perfectly seared—and the fresh fish maw soup that was simmered to perfection, thick and rich with springy maw. The oat-crusted prawns delivered a surprising sweet-then-savory flavor explosion, while the chilled lobster with wasabi and fruit rivaled Michelin-level presentations. I couldn't resist the avocado crispy rolls arranged on Oreo crumbs—pure indulgence!
As evening descended, the R Bar transformed. By day a sophisticated afternoon tea lounge, by night it became a mysterious and dynamic cocktail bar. What made it special? Tanya Chua (蔡健雅 Cài Jiànyǎ), the renowned singer-songwriter, serves as Renaissance's brand ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region, and she collaborated on four exclusive cocktails.
I ordered the "Red High Heels" (红色高跟鞋 Hóngsè Gāogēnxié)—a cocktail as bold and memorable as the song it's named after. Alongside "Blank Space" (空白格 Kòngbái Gé), "Stranger" (陌生人 Mòshēngrén), and "Darwin" (达尔文 Dá'ěrwén), these signature drinks brought a musical soul to the evening. Watching the bartender perform the cocktail-making ritual was entertainment in itself.
There was no loud music or wild partying—just good drinks, soft tunes, and conversation. It was a night I'll remember not for its wildness, but for its relaxed elegance and unique charm—a perfect balance of sophistication and comfort high above the sleeping city.
Day 2: Leisurely Mornings and Ancient Discoveries
The next morning, I woke up refreshed and ready for another day of discoveries. We headed to "Ran" Restaurant (燃) for breakfast, where warm lighting and pristine interiors welcomed us. The extensive buffet offered both Western and Chinese options—from toast and croissants to fried eggs, soy milk, and Chinese crullers (油条 yóutiáo)—satisfying every craving and setting a perfect tone for the day.
After breakfast, I explored the hotel's recreational facilities. The 25-meter indoor heated pool was stunning, surrounded by designer lounge chairs that looked like art installations themselves. It was the kind of space that makes you want to stay all day—elegant, serene, and incredibly photogenic.
The fitness center, open 24 hours, was impressively equipped with professional trainers on hand. Even at midnight, guests could maintain their workout routines—a thoughtful touch for business travelers.
For lunch, we tried "Wan" Restaurant (湾 Wān) on the first floor, which offers creative light meals combining traditional ingredients with modern cooking techniques. Unlike the other restaurants, this space had a more exotic, relaxed vibe—colorful and playful rather than sleek and sophisticated.
🍽️ Dining Options Overview
Wan Li Xuan (58F): Premium Cantonese cuisine, private rooms, ~300-500 RMB/person R Bar (57F): Afternoon tea & cocktails, signature drinks by Tanya Chua Ran Restaurant: Breakfast buffet, Western & Chinese options Wan Restaurant (1F): Light meals & lunch sets, ~48 RMB lunch special Pool & Gym: 25m heated pool, 24-hour fitness center
We opted for the seafood paella lunch set—a midday special at just 48 RMB (~$7 USD) that included the paella, cream of mushroom soup, seasonal fruits, and a small cake. It was beautifully presented, surprisingly generous, and included fresh juice. Other options like the chicken rice and beef brisket sets looked equally tempting. This was proof that luxury hotels can offer incredible value too!
With our remaining time before departure, I decided to explore Nantou Ancient Town (南头古城 Nántóu Gǔchéng), conveniently located near the hotel. I had seen hand-drawn comparison sketches online and was intrigued to experience this historical site myself.
Hidden among modern skyscrapers, this ancient town is actually the birthplace of Shenzhen's history. Though it may look weathered and forgotten today, this was once a crucial military and administrative center since the Jin Dynasty (晋代 Jìndài), governing what is now Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Dongguan for centuries.
The town's unique blend of ancient history and urban fabric has attracted designers and artists who, working with local government, have breathed new life into these old streets. Walking through the narrow lanes, I felt the weight of 1,700 years of history beneath my feet, yet surrounded by creative energy and contemporary art.
What struck me most was this seamless blend of old and new—ancient city walls standing shoulder-to-shoulder with modern galleries, traditional snacks sold alongside artisanal coffee. It's a microcosm of Shenzhen itself: a city that honors its past while racing toward the future.
Quick Reference Guide
Getting There
Address: Renaissance Shenzhen Bay Hotel, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China (深圳南山区)
Nearest Metro: Hi-Tech Park Station (高新园站), Line 1
From Airport: ~30 minutes by taxi (~100 RMB / ~$14 USD)
Best Time to Visit
Shenzhen enjoys mild winters, making December a pleasant time to visit with fewer crowds. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November) offer the most comfortable weather.
Room Tips
Request a bay-view room for the iconic "Spring Bamboo Shoot" tower view Higher floors (50+) offer the best panoramas The central bathtub rooms are Instagram-worthy
Nearby Attractions
Nantou Ancient Town: 5-minute walk, free entry, 2-3 hours Shenzhen Bay Park: 10-minute drive, perfect for sunset walks Windows of the World: 20-minute drive, miniature global landmarks Oct Loft: 15-minute drive, creative arts district
💡 Pro Tips
Book the afternoon tea in advance for window seats The R Bar cocktails are worth the splurge—try the Tanya Chua signature series Wan Restaurant's lunch sets offer exceptional value at 48 RMB Nantou Ancient Town is perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll Download WeChat for mobile payments—most places are cashless