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There is something fascinating about Shenzhen. Once a modest fishing town, it has evolved into one of China’s most dynamic cities, a sprawling metropolis of futuristic architecture, ambitious design and technological innovation. Its skyline feels almost otherworldly, its shopping malls are destinations in themselves, and there is an unmistakable sense that this is a city looking firmly towards the future.
For my family and I, visiting Shenzhen offered an opportunity to experience a different side of China. Having spent time in Hong Kong, crossing the border feels like stepping into another world, despite the two cities being so close geographically. The energy is different, the scale is extraordinary, and the architecture offers a glimpse into a city that has reinvented itself at remarkable speed. Choosing the right base from which to explore it, then, feels particularly important.
In the heart of the Futian Central Business District, Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen offers a more traditional expression of luxury against this decidedly modern backdrop. Grand in scale and unmistakably polished, it brings the familiar warmth of Shangri-La hospitality to a city that is constantly reinventing itself.
There is a certain pleasure in arriving at a grand hotel after a day navigating a busy city: the transition from the movement and noise outside to a calmer, more considered environment. Futian Shangri-La has that classic five-star character, with generous public spaces and an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the fast pace of the surrounding business district.
Yet this is not simply a hotel for business travellers. For families, the appeal lies in having a comfortable, well-connected base from which to explore, without sacrificing the little luxuries that make a trip feel special. Travelling with a toddler inevitably changes the rhythm of a city break. There are sightseeing plans to juggle with nap times, snacks to produce at a moment’s notice and the occasional need to abandon an itinerary altogether. A hotel that makes those practicalities easier can transform the experience.
Futian Shangri-La offers family-friendly accommodation, with spacious room options and baby cots available on request, subject to confirmation with the hotel. Its indoor swimming pool provides another welcome option for downtime between excursions, giving little ones the opportunity to splash about while parents enjoy a slower moment. It is a particularly useful addition after a busy morning exploring Shenzhen’s shopping districts or architectural landmarks.
The location is another significant advantage. Situated on Yitian Road, the hotel places guests within easy reach of some of Shenzhen’s most recognisable landmarks, including the soaring Ping An Finance Centre. Futian Station is also nearby, making the hotel convenient for travellers arriving by high-speed rail from Hong Kong or exploring other parts of mainland China.
For those who enjoy a little retail therapy, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunity. COCO Park, one of Shenzhen’s best-known shopping and lifestyle destinations, is close by, while the wider Futian district is filled with contemporary malls, cafés and urban spaces that make simply wandering around a city part of the experience. It is a destination where an afternoon of shopping can easily turn into an evening spent discovering somewhere new.
Food is another part of the appeal. One of the pleasures of staying at a full-service luxury hotel is having a variety of dining options to choose from, particularly when travelling with children, and Futian Shangri-La makes it easy to enjoy everything from refined Chinese dining to a more relaxed buffet without having to leave the hotel.
For a taste of more traditional Chinese cuisine, Shang Garden is the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant, specialising in authentic yet innovative Huaiyang cuisine. The menu brings together beautifully presented dishes and classic regional flavours, with highlights including double-boiled pork ball soup, braised pork belly, Jin Ling-style salted duck and a richly flavoured fish head with sea cucumber and abalone in superior broth. There is also a selection of dim sum, fresh vegetables, double-boiled soups and other seasonal dishes, alongside an extensive choice of premium teas and wines.
Shang Garden also has nine elegant private dining rooms, making it particularly appealing for families or groups looking for a more intimate dining experience. These spaces offer a quieter alternative to the main restaurant and are well suited to everything from family celebrations to business dinners, allowing guests to enjoy the restaurant’s more elaborate dishes in a private setting.
For something more relaxed, Café Zen offers an entirely different experience. The all-day dining restaurant is centred around an international buffet, with a broad selection of Asian and Western dishes and live cooking stations. For families, it is an especially convenient option: there is plenty of choice for different tastes and ages, meaning everyone can find something they enjoy without the formality of a lengthy à la carte meal. The buffet also makes it easy to sample a little of everything, from Chinese favourites and noodles to Western classics and desserts.
One of the highlights is the seafood buffet, which brings a particularly indulgent element to the dining experience, with an impressive selection of seafood alongside the wider buffet offering. It is the sort of dinner that works especially well after a busy day exploring Shenzhen — relaxed enough for travelling with a little one, but still feeling like a treat. With the convenience of having such a varied dining experience within the hotel itself, there is little need to venture out in the evening unless you want to.
Together, the restaurants give Futian Shangri-La a real advantage for longer stays: whether you are in the mood for an elegant Chinese dinner, a private family meal or an easy-going buffet with plenty of choice, the hotel offers a dining experience to suit the occasion.
The rooms provide a welcome opportunity to slow down, with generously proportioned accommodation and city views offering a comfortable retreat from the bustle below, while the interiors lean towards a more classic interpretation of luxury than the minimalist aesthetic found in many newer lifestyle hotels. For travellers spending several days exploring Shenzhen, having space to unpack, recharge and properly unwind can make a considerable difference.
Of course, no stay in Shenzhen would be complete without taking in its remarkable architecture. The city has become synonymous with ambitious skyscrapers and cutting-edge design, and the towering Ping An Finance Centre is a reminder of just how dramatically the urban landscape has changed. For photography lovers, there is no shortage of striking lines, reflections and perspectives to capture, particularly as the light shifts across the glass façades.
What makes Futian Shangri-La interesting is the contrast it offers. Outside, Shenzhen represents China’s rapid transformation, with futuristic buildings, expansive shopping complexes and an urban landscape that feels distinctly contemporary. Inside, the Shangri-La experience is rooted in a more enduring idea of hospitality: comfort, attentive service and the pleasure of having somewhere familiar to return to at the end of the day.
For Lewis and me, travelling with our son has reinforced that luxury and family travel need not be mutually exclusive. The best stays allow us to enjoy the experiences we love – discovering new cities, exploring the food scene and photographing extraordinary architecture – while making room for the practical realities of travelling with a young child.
For couples, business travellers and families alike, Futian Shangri-La offers a well-positioned base from which to experience one of China’s most intriguing urban destinations. Its central location makes exploring straightforward, while its traditional five-star atmosphere, dining variety and family-friendly facilities provide a welcome counterpoint to the futuristic world beyond its doors.
Shenzhen may be a city obsessed with what comes next, but there is something reassuring about having a little timeless luxury at its centre. At Futian Shangri-La, the two sit comfortably side by side, making it an appealing starting point for discovering a city that continues to surprise.
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
