Penangites! Are you looking for a short getaway that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet? If your answer is yes, then you definitely need to check out Shenzhen, China. This vibrant city across Hong Kong offers a harmonious blend of modern attractions, artsy vibes and cultural charm. It guarantees a trip that is not only relaxing and fun, but also wallet-friendly too! Lai, let us walk you through a 5D4N trip to experience the best of Shenzhen on a budget~
The Ultimate 5D4N Itinerary To Experience Shenzhen On A Budget
Day 1: Departure From Penang International Airport
Say buhbye to transits because AirAsia now offers direct flights from Penang to Shenzhen! Yup, this means you can depart from Penang International Airport and just arrive at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport straight away. Just imagine: hassle-free direct flight, convenient self check-ins, delicious in-flight meals and friendly cabin crew. It’s the perfect start to a great adventure!
Day 2: Arrival – Check In – He Ji Steamed Rice Noodles – MixC World – Nantou Ancient City
The first step to kickstarting our trip is by checking in at the budget-friendly Orange Fruit Hotel (Qianhai Bao’an Center). This hotel is strategically located near the city centre, which makes it convenient to explore nearby attractions! Honest review: we find our room to be comfortable, spacious and clean. Plus, the Chinese-style wooden divider adds a nice touch too~
Lunch time is most important because we’re Foodies after all! He Ji Steamed Rice Noodles 何记簸箕炊肠粉 serves traditional basket-steamed cheong fun from as low as 5 yuan. The rice noodles are thin yet delightfully chewy, and pairs wonderfully with the slightly savoury gravy. We recommend trying out the beef and egg option that’s richer in flavour and texture as it’s absolutely delicious!
Next on the itinerary today is Mixc World, a modern shopping destination and popular photo spot in Shenzhen! The modern buildings here are surrounded by coastal mangrove forest-inspired greenery and give off tropical city vibes. Enjoy a stroll along the outdoor shopping streets, check out cute pop-up installations or go for a shopping spree at The Mixc, an upscale shopping mall!
However, the main reason we’re here is to visit this futuristic retail space. Why? Well, that’s because it hosts the world’s third and largest HAUS NOWHERE project by Gentle Monster! Spanning 6,914-square-meters across three floors, the project features huge sculptures that weaves the fictional tale of 10,000 year relationship between giants, insectoids and animals under the theme of “Insect Kingdom”. You’ll be mesmerised by how realistic, human-like and intricately detailed these sculptures are!
Originally built in 1394, Nantou Ancient City features a walled city with Qing Dynasty-style architecture, traditional residential houses and cultural sites like the Guandi Temple, Nantou Ancient City Museum, Hall of Plaques and more! Trust us when we say stepping into this city feels just like you’re walking straight into a Chinese historical drama~
This ancient city is now a popular hangout spot as there are plenty of artsy cafes, cute local stores and retro photo spots. No doubt, it’s a great place to chill with a cup of coffee or add some pics to your photo gallery!
Day 3: Fan Lou Dim Sum Restaurant – Dafen Oil Painting Village – Sea World
Let’s start the day with some delicious brunch at the award-winning Fan Lou Dim Sum Restaurant! Though they have a number of outlets, we decided to visit the main branch located at Hua Qiang North. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with Chinese elements like traditional lanterns and garden pavilions! It’s best to expect a long waiting queue, so try to allocate more time here and adjust your schedule accordingly.
This popular dim sum spot offers not only classic favourites like Siew Mai but also special dishes like Unagi Pastry! We personally find that the dishes we ordered are delicious and pretty big in portion too. Their signature Steamed Red Rice Rolls with Crispy Prawns is probably our favourite as it’s silky soft outside, crispy in the middle yet soft and tender inside~
Those who love art and crafts will enjoy spending the afternoon at Dafen Oil Painting Village, which is famous for its community of skilled artists plus stunning oil paintings! The entire village is filled with artistic charm, and you get to admire beautiful artwork in galleries and street-side studios. For just 30 yuan, you can also DIY and bring home your very own oil painting masterpiece too!
Besides oil paintings, this artsy village also has a must-visit attraction known as the Jay Chou mural wall. It is vibrantly covered with names and lyrics of the singer’s iconic songs, making it a popular photo spot for both tourists and fans alike!
Let’s end this beautiful day with a laid-back evening by the sea! Though it’s located a bit further away at SheKou, Sea World is an open-air hub that offers a relaxing and atmospheric escape from the city buzz. There’s a large floating ship permanently docked at the heart of this seaside plaza, and the whole area is surrounded by a variety of eateries and charming cafes!
Many locals and tourists visit this place for the chill picnic vibes, golden sunset and scenic seaside views while sipping on a cup of coffee. It’s definitely one of the best places to enjoy leisure strolls, people-watching and a peaceful escape from the bustling city!
Day 4: Window of the World – Melania Town
Being one of the most iconic attractions, Window of the World is a must for those visiting Shenzhen for the very first time! This theme park is where you get to explore famous landmarks from around the globe all in one place. From the Eiffel Tower and Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Taj Mahal, this park features detailed miniature replicas that make you feel like you’re on a whirlwind world tour without leaving the city~
Beyond sightseeing, the park also hosts fun rides, cultural performances and themed parades too! Tickets are priced at 220 yuan and we recommend spending at least 6 hours here to enjoy the full theme park experience~
Before you leave, don’t forget to explore Melania Town that’s conveniently tucked right beside the Window of the World. Launched in July 2024, this little town boasts colourful European-style architecture that feels like you’ve stepped into a whimsical children’s book!
Here, you’ll come across a replica of Prague Astronomical Clock, a fairytale-inspired cathedral and more vibrant buildings that are just too cute to miss out on! Some of the shops even provide dress up services so you can transform into a beautiful princess for a special photo sesh too~
Day 5: Departure From Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
Our adventure officially comes to an end as we bid goodbye to the vibrant city of Shenzhen! After checking out from the hotel, we made our way to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport for a direct, hassle-free midnight flight back to Penang. Our bags packed and hearts even fuller, it’s time to head home with unforgettable stories, beautiful snapshots and core memories that will last a lifetime. Until next time, Shenzhen!
AirAsia Is Offering A 48-Hour Flash Sale Every Thursday & Friday! Fly To Shenzhen Directly From Penang With 20% OFF
Yes that’s right, Shenzhen proves that you don’t need to spend big to have an amazing travel experience! Even better, AirAsia is offering a 48-hour Flash Sale every Thursday and Friday! So if you’re ready to book that holiday, check out AirAsia’s Penang to Shenzhen direct flights and enjoy 20% OFF~
Booking Period: 7 – 8 August 2025
Travel Period: 15 August – 30 November 2025
Travel Fares: All-in one-way fare from RM423* (20% OFF)
*Includes passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. T&Cs apply.
Book on AirAsia MOVE now!
Win Prizes Worth Up To RM10,000 At AirAsia RedRun 2025 This September!
Get ready to have some fun and challenge yourself to the AirAsia RedRun 2025 that’ll be happening at Gurney Plaza on 28th September (Sunday)! There’s also gonna be a lively festival packed with games and live performances by 3P, Danny Koo and 1119. PLUS, stand a chance to win amazing prizes worth up to RM10,000 including cash, vouchers, free AirAsia flights, and more~
AirAsia RedRun 2025
Location: Gurney Plaza, Penang
Date: 28 September 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 6am – 10am
Run Categories: 3km Fun Run, 5km Run, 10km Open, 10km Veteran
Register here: https://www.heyjom.com/event/AirAsia-RedRun-2025
*Limited to 5,000 participants only, first come first serve!
Link(s): Website | Facebook | Instagram
Also read: 10 Sweet Stops In Penang That’ll Sunshine Your Day! (2025 Edition)
Check out our documentary series – Foodie Originals
–
We would like to invite you to join our New Telegram Group! We will regularly post about good food, casual promos, giveaways, and interesting findings in Malaysia.
