Science, culture, and leisure drive Guangming's summer tourism surge

Shenzhen' s Guangming District has emerged as one of the hottest cultural and tourism destinations this summer, blending science, culture, nature, and leisure into a vibrant holiday experience.

Official statistics show that from July to August 2025, the district welcomed 1.75 million visitors, up 35.8% year on year. Among these, overnight tourists accounted for 621,300 visits, an 18.5% increase compared with the same period last year. Tourism revenue soared to 1.36 billion yuan (US$194 million), a 45.1% increase, underscoring Guangming’s growing appeal as a hub where innovation meets everyday life.

Museum becomes new tourism engine

Attractions like the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum, along with numerous parks and cultural and sports venues, created a dynamic environment for consumer spending that boosted summer tourism.

Young visitors try out interactive games at the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum. Courtesy of the museum

Since opening May 1, the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum has become Guangming’s flagship attraction, attracting 1.7 million visitors by the end of August. Of those, 910,000 arrived during the summer holiday alone — 410,000 in July and 500,000 in August — according to museum management. On peak days, attendance exceeded 25,000.

Known to the public as the “Big Spaceship” for its futuristic design, the museum sits at the heart of Guangming Science City. Its U-shaped structure, inspired by natural forms, features a soaring 38-meter atrium. Combined with its 950 exhibits, more than 80% of which are interactive, the museum blends architectural artistry with scientific engagement.

The museum quickly became a favorite for family outings and study tours. This summer, over 2,000 educational activities were held, drawing more than 180,000 participants. Programs such as the One-Square-Meter Science Workshop, where students assembled their own devices, sparked passion in young visitors.

Prof. Zheng Yongchun, the museum’s director, told Shenzhen Daily in an earlier interview that the museum management team’s goal is to embed “Shenzhen DNA” into the venue. “Since this is a science museum in Shenzhen, a city synonymous with innovation, it must showcase Shenzhen’s science, technology, education, and innovation. We want the museum to be a classroom for students, a showcase of tech companies, a forum for scientists, and a lifelong learning space for the public.”

According to a survey conducted by museum management, about half of visitors came from outside Shenzhen, including GBA cities such as Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

The museum also attracted attention from international visitors. Janandi Oshadi Sri Ranasinghe, from Sri Lanka, gasped at the brainwave-powered flower exhibit, saying, “It’s so amazing… This museum, it’s just a road to the future.” Juan Guerra, from Ecuador, highlighting its hands-on approach to Shenzhen Daily, shared, “Here you can see how technology works.”

To manage large crowds, the museum extended its hours of operation, and visitor surveys showed a satisfaction rate of over 90%. “There are multiple routes tailored to children’s interests. Even with so many people, staff were patient and helpful — the experience exceeded expectations,” said Ms. Chen, a visitor from Hong Kong.

Hospitality sector gets a boost

The museum’s success has also fueled the surrounding hospitality industry. Guangming introduced a “ticket-plus” policy, which allows holders of museum or sports venue tickets to enjoy up to 50% off room rates or free upgrades at local hotels.

In partnership with major chains such as Wyndham Grand, Mercure, and Four Points by Sheraton, more than 500 discounted rooms were sold. Several hotels, including the Wyndham Grand and Holiday Inn Express, reported repeated full occupancy.

Accommodation enterprises above the designated size saw tourist arrivals rise 43.9% year-on-year, while revenue climbed 30.9%, data from the district’s tourism bureau showed.

Furthermore, Guangming District’s tourism authorities partnered with travel agencies and educational institutions to create programs centered around the museum. Together, they launched over 30 themed tours and courses, such as the Two-Day Camp of Science Exploration and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Five-Day Research Tour, making educational tourism a new summer trend.

Parks transform into ‘urban living rooms’

Beyond the museum, Guangming’s parks became urban living rooms this summer, hosting more than 70 themed activities and attracting over 600,000 visitors, according to the district’s publicity department.

A butterfly show at Hongqiao Park. Photos via Shenzhen Guangming WeChat account except otherwise stated  

Hongqiao Park, known for its ribbon-like Red Bridge, staged the Butterfly Art Season from July 19 to Aug. 29, offering over a dozen events that fused art, music, cuisine, and ecological exploration.

An idyllic view at Hongqiao Park.

Guangming Science Park launched the Science & Art Festival, where visitors tested cutting-edge innovations — printing chocolate with 3D printing machines, making popcorn using brainwaves, exploring Mars through VR, and battling robots in mech competitions.

A child tries a brainwave-control game at Guangming Science Park.

Minghu City Park focused on family and social needs. Every weekend in August, it hosted beginner-friendly parent-child tennis activities. Lifestyle brand Dongrunshiguang Camp organized six car-themed parties and nine outdoor leisure sessions, while also hosting corporate team-building events, birthday parties, and even romantic proposals.

Community programs brought a human touch. In Matian Subdistrict, the Little Migrant Bird program gathered 45 children of migrant workers to co-create a public art installation titled “Nest Whisper: Building Dreams in Guangming.”

Participants pose for a photo during an educational camp at Dayanshan Natural Forest Park.

Meanwhile, the Dayan Mountain Nature Education Center ran four summer workshops where more than 80 parents and children built creative bridges between humans and nature.

A cultural fest for all ages

The district’s cultural venues delivered a summer rich with art, heritage, and reading opportunities, catering to citizens of all ages.

The Guangming Culture & Art Center presented 20 performances, two major art exhibitions, and more than 10 interactive activities, attracting over 170,000 people during the summer holiday. Highlights included the play “The Taste of Warmth” starring Liu Haoran and the original musical “Baoyu.”

Exhibitions held at the center, such as the “Dialogue Between Wind and Islands — CIAC National Illustration Support Program Thematic Exhibition and City Shutter — Traditional Black and White Photography Exhibition,” offered citizens a rich visual experience.

The Cultural Center of Guangming District organized 483 activities ranging from youth drama festivals and intangible cultural heritage workshops to painting exhibitions, serving over 40,000 participants.

Libraries saw record-breaking attendance. From July 13 to August 26, 816,600 visits were logged and 364,000 books loaned. To meet rising demand, Maozhouhe and Yutang libraries extended their service hours. Across the district, 602 “Reading+” activities — including reading camps, storytelling workshops, and cultural salons — drew more than 136,000 participants, making reading a highlight of Guangming’s cultural summer.

Sports activities fuel summer enthusiasm

Sports also played a major role in Guangming’s summer vibrancy. Gyms, swimming pools, and stadiums across the district became popular gathering spots for residents and visitors alike.

The Honghua Mountain Sports Center, serving as a core venue, hosted nearly 40 large-scale events and public welfare activities between July and August. These included the 6th Opt Cup Basketball Invitational Tournament, the Double-Speed Track and Field Open, and the National Tai Chi Open. The activities encompassed sports competitions, public training sessions, and cultural performances, cumulatively recording over 370,000 visits.

The Maozhou River Sports and Arts Center organized 30 cultural and sports events. These featured not only nine major performances, such as the Cantonese Opera Excerpts Special Performance and 12 reading lectures, but also introduced two high-level competitions — the Soccer League Opening Match and the First National Swimming Grade Standards Qualifying Event. These provided professional competitive platforms for enthusiasts of different ages and skill levels, recording over 150,000 visits.

The Yutang Cultural and Sports Center launched exciting competitions like the Three-Point King Basketball Championship and the 3v3 Urban Basketball Tournament, drawing numerous sports enthusiasts to compete. At the same time, it paired these with public education activities such as swimming safety classes. This approach not only ignited passion for sports but also enhanced public safety awareness, achieving mutual reinforcement between sports and community well-being.

Meanwhile, Guangming’s cycling-friendly routes and fitness trails welcomed steady streams of outdoor enthusiasts.

To tie sports with tourism, the district bundled discounts for sports venues and nearby hotels, ensuring that families combining sports and leisure could enjoy a seamless holiday experience. This integration of health, recreation, and tourism further enhanced Guangming’s reputation as a lively and welcoming summer destination.