Fun events, places in Shenzhen for May Day holiday

New venues 

Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum

Opening on May 1, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, features a futuristic spaceship-like design. Many interactive exhibits combine technology and art, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of science and the close connection between technology and the world. 

A glimpse into Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum. Video by Liu Xudong

Scan the code to buy tickets to the museum. Tickets become available two days prior, and tickets for May 1 go on sale at 8 p.m. April 29.

Add: Intersection of Guangming Boulevard and Guanghui Boulevard, Guangming District (光明区光明大道和光辉大道交汇处)

Metro: Line 6 to Guangming Station (光明站), Exit D

iN City Park 

What sets the iN City Park shopping mall apart is its expansive 30,000-square-meter outdoor sports square, where you can play cage soccer, basketball, tennis, and cycling. Skateboarding enthusiasts will love a skateboarding bowl, which is 18 meters in diameter and 2.5 meters deep, as well as mini-ramps. 

A computer-generated gif offers an aerial view of iN City Park.

With a floor area of 110,000 square meters, the iN City Park mall combines shopping with sports, leisure and dining. Beyond Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisine, fitness fans can find stores offering low-calorie, high-protein light meals. Pet owners should not miss the city’s first Marsmart Pets (火星宠物超市) store where you can find pet products from more than 150 brands.

A computer-generated image of a leisure area at iN City Park.

Add: 1095 Shennan Central Road, Futian District (福田区深南中路1095号)

Metro: Line 1 or 6 to Science Museum Station (科学馆站), Exit F

K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea 

K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea is a waterfront complex that includes the cultural and retail landmark K11 ECOAST, a multifunctional cultural space known as K11 HACC (Hybrid Art and Cultural Center), K11 ATELIER office space, and a coastal promenade. The complex resembles a giant ship docked in Taizi Bay, blending culture, art, commerce and nature. 

K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea opens April 28. Photo by Lai Li

An aerial view of ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea. Photo by Ning Jiewen

Since late March, three ticketed exhibitions have opened at K11 HACC, showcasing Lucy Sparrow’s colorful felt art, Chinese rock music-inspired photographs by Gao Yuan and Li Xiaoliang, and Lu Yang’s new media art. 

You can also enjoy a free Snoopy-themed pop art exhibition and several public art installations, such as Erwin Wurm’s “Hot Dog Bus,” Monika Sosnowska’s “Tower,” and Jake and Dinos Chapman’s “The Ugly.”

Posters of the exhibitions at K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea.

Add: 56 Taizi Bay Road, Nanshan District (南山区太子湾路56号)

Metro: Line 12 to Taiziwan Station (太子湾站), Exit B1

Holiday Plaza in Luohu

Opening officially on April 30, Holiday Plaza in Luohu District offers YH Supermarket, modeled after Pangdonglai’s flexible operation (永辉超市学习胖东来自主调改店) to suit diverse customer needs, alongside international brands, trendy goods, restaurants, and beverage shops.

Computer-generated images of Holiday Plaza in Luohu District.

Notably, a dedicated cultural and art center, designed by Pulitzer Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, is a highlight of the shopping mall.

Add: Intersection of Aiguo Road and Huali Road, Luohu District (罗湖区爱国路与华丽路交汇处)

Metro: Line 3 to Cuizhu Station (翠竹站), Exit B2

Pingshan Cultural House

The new Pingshan Cultural House features distinctive architecture with wooden arched roofs and an outdoor red-brick circular stage. Facilities include a 500-seat theater, rehearsal rooms, a multifunctional hall, and art rooms. The outdoor circular stage is designed to host impromptu performances and creative markets, with direct access to the tranquil Guangzu Park (光祖公园).

Photos of Pingshan Cultural House.

Follow Pingshan Cultural House’s official WeChat account (ID: psqwhg2021) for event updates and services.

Add: At Pingshan Science, Technology and Culture Center, Ziping Road, Pingshan District (坪山区梓平路坪山科技文化中心内)

Metro: Line 14 to Kengzi Station (坑梓站), Exit A, then walk 1.4 kilometers south 

Events 

All for Coffee

A total of 185 coffee brands from China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea will gather at the annual All for Coffee event, bringing specialty brews. Don’t forget to check out robot baristas and hot-food machines operated by robots at the event.  

A poster of the All for Coffee event.

Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., through May 5

Tickets: Free

Venue: Outside One Avenue, Futian District (福田区卓悦中心外中央大街)

Metro: Line 1 or 10 to Gangxia Station (岗厦站), Exit B

Tipsy Carnival 

In partnership with the BBCO China Craft Beer Expo, a string of domestic breweries will bring craft beers in various flavors, accompanied by snacks from across China and live music. Enjoy quirky art installations, pop-up markets, and interactive games with endless surprises!

Posters of the Tipsy Carnival event.

Dates: May 1-5

Venue: Sea World, Shekou, Nanshan District (南山区蛇口海上世界)

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A

Wine Market 

Ten wine brands and three snack booths will help you relax during the holiday. A single ticket grants you access to sample more than 120 different wines, a souvenir passport to collect stickers, and chances to win refrigerator magnets and wine-related gadgets. There will also be booths promoting the care of stray dogs and cats, as well as live concerts for entertainment.

A poster of the Wine Market.

Time: 3:30 p.m.-10 p.m., May 1-2

Tickets: 58 yuan per person, 108 yuan for two persons

Venue: a Park, intersection of Meili Road and Meilin Road, Futian District (福田区梅丽路和梅林路交汇处一个公园)

Metro: Line 9 to Xiameilin Station (下梅林站), Exit A

Cars, anime, home decoration

From fancy new cars to family outing gadgets, the 2025 Shenzhen (Futian) International Car Expo has something for everyone. Don’t forget to take advantage of government subsidies when purchasing your cars. 

Posters of the fairs at Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. Scan the codes on the posters to purchase tickets.

Meanwhile, meet your favorite comics and cosplayers at the comic and anime festival, and discover trendy items for your home at the home decoration fair. These three events are sure to provide you with a memorable holiday experience.

Dates: May 1-3

Venue: Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, Futian District (福田区深圳会展中心)

Metro: Line 1 or 4 to Convention and Exhibition Center Station (会展中心站), Exit C

Shenzhen Animation Dream Exhibition 

The Shenzhen Animation Dream Exhibition is an audio-visual feast for cosplayers and animation enthusiasts alike. It’s not just an exhibition but also an interactive event featuring photography opportunities and limited-edition merchandise sales. This exciting gathering welcomes everyone eager to explore a world of fantasy.

A poster of the Shenzhen Animation Dream Exhibition. Scan the code on the poster to purchase tickets.

Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 1-2

Venue: Hall 8, Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, Bao’an District (宝安区深圳国际会展中心8号馆)

Metro: Line 20 to Shenzhen World Station (国展站), Exit D

Changshou Drama Week 

The Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville, located in the centuries-old Changshou Village in Pingshan District, is a dynamic venue for drama performances and cultural exchanges. During the May Day holiday, visitors can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, kylin dances, drama workshops, a movie screening, and a Hakka-themed board game.

Posters of the May Day holiday events at Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville.

• · Gao Xiaofei’s drama workshop: 2:30 p.m., May 4

• · Kylin dances: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 3-3:10 p.m., 3:20-5 p.m., May 3

• · Soothing music concerts: 2:30-3:50 p.m., May 2-3

• · Paintings by Yang Ziyan and Hua Qing: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., May 1-31

• · Movie “When Love Blossoms”: 7:30 p.m., May 1, 10, 17

• · Italian mosaic art masterclass: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., May 2

• · Guitar concert: 5 p.m.-6 p.m., May 2

• · Lingnan music: 10:30 a.m. (concert), 2:30 p.m. (salon), May 1

• · Rock concerts: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., 5-6 p.m., May 4

• · Hakka-themed board game: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m., May 4-5

Venue: Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville, Pingshan District (深圳坪山长守戏剧谷)

Metro: Line 16 to Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall Station (东纵纪念馆站), Exit A and then take Bus M575 or 964 to Changshou Dramaville Stop (长守戏剧谷站)

Performances 

‘Life of Pi’ 

Based on Yann Martel’s bestselling novel, the stunning theatrical production of “Life of Pi” has made its way to Shenzhen. Winner of five Laurence Olivier awards, “Life of Pi” narrates the extraordinary story of a boy stranded on a lifeboat with four animals, battling the elements to survive. Praised for its visual spectacle, the “dream-like fable” promises a dazzling theater experience.

A poster of “Life of Pi.”

Time: 8 p.m. May 1-4 (May 3-4 also at 3 p.m.)

Booking: WeChat account “深圳滨海艺术中心”

Venue: Bay Opera of Shenzhen, Bao’an District (深圳滨海艺术中心)

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit D

The King’s Singers

Enjoy an evening of a cappella with the renowned British vocal group, The King’s Singers, known for their versatility and award-winning recordings. The program includes Western folk, rearranged operatic pieces, Chinese and Western pop, and jazz.

A poster of the King’s Singer’s show.

Time: 8 p.m. May 4

Tickets: 80-380 yuan

Booking: WeChat account “szyinyuet”

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音乐厅)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D

Karen Souza, ‘Dinosaur World Live’ 

Experience the captivating charm of Latin jazz with Karen Souza’s soulful melodies. The diva will sing songs from her latest “Recipes for Love” album, as her tender voice transports you on a journey of romance.

For families, discover a prehistoric world of astonishing life-like dinosaurs in the British interactive show “Dinosaur World Live.” Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite tyrannosaurus rex.

Posters of the shows at Nanshan Culture and Sports Center.

Karen Souza: 7:30 p.m. May 3

“Dinosaur World Live”: 3 p.m. May 4; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., May 5

Booking: WeChat account “juchengwangluo”

Venue: Nanshan Culture and Sports Center, Nanshan District (南山文体中心)

Metro: Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station (南头古城站), Exit E2

Exhibitions 

Shenzhen Museum’s History and Folk Culture Division

Set aside an hour or two to visit a new exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum, where 267 dazzling ceramic artifacts from the Mediterranean coast, West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia are on display. You will see distinctive pieces featuring unusual shapes and intricate patterns.

A poster of the“Shaping Clay into Myriad Forms: Ceramic Art Across Ancient Eastern and Western Civilizations” exhibition.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Tickets: Free, no reservation needed

Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B

Shenzhen Art Museum in Longhua

Ten diverse exhibitions showcase paintings by various artists, traditional Chinese paper-cutting art, and Polish posters. 

Posters of the exhibitions at Shenzhen Art Museum in Longhua District.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Tickets: Free, no reservations required

Metro: Line 4 or 6 to Hongshan Station (红山站), Exit A1

MOCAUP

Vibrant abstract paintings and pop collages created by Chinese artist Xue Song are on display at his “Meta-Nature” exhibition at Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MOCAUP). The works in bright colors, set against the backdrop of white walls in the spacious halls, create an enthralling experience for visitors.

A poster of the “Meta-Nature” exhibition.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tickets: 35-50 yuan

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit A2

Nanshan Museum

For the first time in Shenzhen, the epic saga of European knights is featured in an exhibition of 140 pieces from the Musei Reali Torino in Italy. It highlights exquisite craftsmanship of weapons and armor in Europe from the 16th to 19th centuries. Visitors can try on a replica knight’s armor at 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 2–4 p.m. Meanwhile, another exhibition showcases exquisite Chinese jade objects from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Posters of the exhibitions at Nanshan Museum.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (May 1-2, 4-5), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (May 3)

Tickets: Free, no reservations required

Metro: Line 1 or 12 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B

He Xiangning Art Museum

Three painting exhibitions offer a soothing holiday atmosphere, featuring works by masters He Xiangning and Chen Shuren, as well as contemporary young artists. Every visitor will receive a postcard at the “Kapok Flowers in Bloom” exhibition for collecting stamps and leaving comments. Collect six stamps to claim a notebook, or share photos of comments on social media to receive badges or mirrors.

Posters of the exhibitions and photos of souvenirs at He Xiangning Art Museum.

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: Free, no reservations necessary

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C

Guan Shanyue Art Museum

Admire masters’ designs and paintings, as well as young artists’ innovative works, at four exhibitions at the Guan Shanyue Art Museum.

Posters of the exhibitions at Guan Shanyue Art Museum. Ye Limei’s painting exhibition date is extended to May 18. 

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (May 1, 4-5), 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (May 2-3)

Tickets: Free, no reservations necessary

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit F2

China Resources Tower Arts Center Gallery

Russian artist Leonid Tishkov brings his poetic moon-themed works to Shenzhen. He portrays the moon through light installations, paintings, sculptures, videos, photography, and poetry. At the exhibition, visitors will be immersed in a 2,000-square-meter exhibition hall — a romantic universe that reflects Tishkov’s belief that “the moon overcomes our loneliness in the universe, uniting many of us around it.”

A poster of the “Letter From the Moon.”

Hours: 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (Mon.-Thu.), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Fri.-Sun.)

Tickets: 78 yuan (various discounts available)

Metro: Line 2, 11, 13 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit L

Pingshan Culture Center

Leonid Tishkov’s moon installations are also displayed at the public square at Pingshan Culture Center in Pingshan District. In addition, bazaars and moonlight concerts take place throughout the holiday. 

A posters of May Day holiday events at Pingshan Culture Center.

Join handcraft workshops at the Shenzhen Book City Pingshan Store or poetry reading salons at the Pingshan Library.

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1

Pingshan Exhibition Gallery 

The “Splendors of the Sun and Moon” exhibition showcases works by 50 renowned domestic and international artists, including Paul Cézanne, Giorgio Morandi, Zao Wou-ki, Giuseppe La Belluna, and Fang Lijun. 

Posters of the exhibitions and a scene at Pingshan Exhibition Gallery.

Meanwhile, a printmaking exhibition features 144 prints by 12 international artists, exploring the 12 zodiac signs; and the China-Italy jewelry art exhibition displays splendid mosaic jewelry. 

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1

MXTR Gallery at The MixC World

Art lovers can admire Sanyu’s paintings and prints at an exhibition featuring over 100 works. Considered a master of form and color, Sanyu is sometimes referred to as “the Chinese Matisse.” His paintings of human figures, flowers, and animals highlight a unique cross-cultural aesthetic distinguished by lighter colors and soft tones. 

A poster of the “Sanyu Art Exhibition.”

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tickets: 88 yuan (various discounts available)

Metro: Line 1 to Hi-tech Park (高新园站), Exit A

Jupiter Museum of Art

Shiota Chiharu returns with the “At the Edge of Fate” exhibition, where visitors can immerse themselves in her stunning installations woven with yarn that reflect the connection of life.

A poster of the “At the Edge of Fate.”

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tickets: 158 yuan (various discounts available)

Metro: Line 3 to Futian Bonded Area Station (福保站), Exit B

Sea World Culture and Arts Center 

Admire photographer Liu Heung-shing’s nostalgic photos, immerse yourself in the contemporary artworks of Jaffa Lam and Li Shan, and enjoy sleek Swiss design pieces at four different exhibitions.

Posters of the exhibitions at Sea World Culture and Arts Center.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tickets: The Swiss design exhibition is free and the other three charge various tickets.

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A