Shekou Cruise Terminal sits in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, welcoming around 6.5 million passengers each year.
For other China Cruise destinations check out our China Cruise Ports Guide page.
It’s big enough to handle those giant Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean.
Need a visa? You’ve got options – grab a quick 5-day SEZ visa or join a group tour for a 15-day stay.
Getting around is easy with the metro and buses, or splash out on a private transfer starting at $31 if you’re feeling fancy.
Once you’re off the ship, check out the cool Dafen Oil Painting Village, snap some photos at Window of the World, or kick back on an evening cruise.
This guide covers all the bases for a hassle-free trip.
Map of Shenzhen Cruise Ship Port
Shekou Cruise Terminal: The Gateway to Pearl River Delta
Nestled in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, the Shekou Cruise Terminal is a striking triangular building created by French architect Denis Laming. It’s just 1.5km from the old ferry terminal and serves as a perfect jumping-off point to Hong Kong, Macau, and other destinations around the Pearl River Delta.
The terminal is no small operation – it handles 6.5 million travelers each year and stands as China’s only cruise facility that can welcome Royal Caribbean’s enormous Oasis-class ships. Taking a trip? You’ve got options ranging from hourly ferries to luxury cruise liners, and getting there is a breeze with Metro Line 2 dropping you right at its doorstep. Inside the 42,000 sqm complex, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied before departure.
Navigating Customs and Immigration Procedures
Navigating Customs and Immigration Procedures
Getting through customs and immigration at Shenzhen’s cruise terminals might look like a headache, but trust me – if you know what’s coming, you’ll breeze right through.
Got a group tour? Lucky you! You can skip the visa hassle and enjoy a 15-day stay without paperwork. Going solo? Most travelers can grab a 5-day SEZ visa when you arrive, though folks from 25 countries are out of luck on that option.
Don’t forget to speak up about your goodies if you’re bringing in more than the duty-free limits: booze (over 1.5L), smokes (more than 400 cigarettes), serious cash (exceeding $5,000), or fancy stuff. Stick to the red channel if you’ve got anything to declare, green if you’re good to go. Oh, and hang onto those declaration forms for expensive gadgets – you’ll thank yourself when leaving without paying extra fees.
Transportation Options To and From the Port
Transportation Options To and From the Port
Getting around from Shekou Cruise Port is pretty straightforward with three main options. If you want hassle-free travel, private transfers are your best bet – they’ll pick you up right at your door with English-speaking drivers, Wi-Fi on board, and support whenever you need it, starting from $31.
Watching your budget? The Metro Line 2 costs just ÂĄ5-7 and takes about 44 minutes to downtown. There are free shuttle buses to get you to the metro station, or you can hop on direct buses K105 and 328.
Heading to Hong Kong or Macau? Just catch a ferry from the port. If you’re flying out of Hong Kong International Airport, private transfers will get you there in about 90 minutes, border crossing included.
One tip: during busy tourist seasons, book your transport ahead of time so you’re not left stranded!
Popular Cruise Itineraries From Shenzhen
Now that you know how to reach the port, let’s check out where your cruise might take you. Shenzhen offers all kinds of cruise options that fit different travel styles and wallets.
Want a quick getaway? Hop on a short trip (4-7 nights) to Vietnam or Hainan Island for somewhere between $500-$1,200. Got more time to explore? The longer coastal trips show off China’s eastern coastline over 10-14 days, but they’ll set you back at least $7,000.
If you’re after a deeper experience, look into those 15-22 day cruisetours that mix sailing with land trips to China’s famous spots. Fancy something upscale? Silversea has some pretty sweet luxury options. And for the real adventurers, you can catch those global repositioning cruises that use Shenzhen as their Asian starting point.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Guangzhou (Nansha) for a different China Cruise destination.
Nearby Attractions and Shore Excursions
Nearby Attractions and Shore Excursions
When your ship pulls into Shenzhen, you’re literally surrounded by cool spots to check out.
Pop over to Dafen Oil Painting Village where thousands of artists crank out amazing replica masterpieces, or lose yourself in Dongmen Old Street with its authentic Qing dynasty buildings and mouth-watering local food. If you need some green space, hit up Shenzhen Bay Park with its sprawling 13km waterfront walkway, or tackle Wutong Mountain for some seriously impressive views.
Got kids? Window of the World is a blast with 130 mini versions of famous landmarks from around the globe. Or hop on a quick ferry to Hong Kong for even more adventures. And don’t skip the evening cruises on Da Wan Qu Yi Hao where you can grab dinner while watching magic shows on the water.
Dining and Shopping Opportunities at the Terminal
Shenzhen Cruise Terminal’s got loads of places to eat and shop that’ll keep you busy while you’re waiting for your cruise. There’s food from around the world, plus some amazing local Cantonese cooking at all kinds of prices – grab something quick or sit down for a proper meal with gorgeous harbor views.
Shopping-wise, you can browse through duty-free stores with fancy stuff, electronics, and cool souvenirs. Make sure you check out the shops selling proper Chinese tea, silk, and handmade bits and pieces – they make great keepsakes. Lots of other travelers say it’s worth showing up early just to have enough time to wander around before you need to board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Protocols Are in Place During Typhoon Season?
When typhoon season hits, we’ve got you covered with an easy-to-follow color system for alerts, constant weather tracking, and ports that shut down when things get dicey. If the weather turns nasty, you’ll get updates in several languages, and don’t worry – ships use stabilizers to stay steady and know exactly where to shelter when the big ones roll in.
Are There Dedicated Facilities for Passengers With Accessibility Needs?
Yes, we have dedicated facilities for travelers with accessibility needs! You’ll find elevators connecting all floors with food and drink options. But honestly, we’re still working on improving our services – currently lacking proper wheelchair assistance, accessible bathrooms, and priority boarding for folks with different mobility needs. We know we need to do better for all our passengers.
What Entertainment Options Are Available During Layovers or Delays?
Stuck at the airport for a while? Don’t sweat it! You can hop on the free Wi-Fi, grab a bite any time of day (seriously, food spots are open 24/7), check out the sweet ocean views from the observation decks, or kill time browsing the shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, Sea World Plaza is just a stone’s throw away, where they put on some pretty cool water and light shows throughout the day.
How Does the Terminal Handle Cruise Ship Waste Management?
We handle your cruise ship’s waste like clockwork, no worries! The terminal sorts everything into four different categories, and thanks to our Green Hubs program, we keep a whopping 92% of it out of landfills. We process over 43.7 million pounds of waste every year – that’s a mountain of trash being properly managed instead of piling up somewhere!
Can International Visitors Access Wi-Fi and Mobile Services Easily?
Heads up about Shekou port – the Wi-Fi there is a pain since you need SMS verification. Do yourself a favor and download a VPN before you arrive (China’s firewall blocks tons of websites), or just grab a local SIM card when you land. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of headaches trying to stay connected during your trip.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Zhoushan Cruise Ship Port.
