City kicks off shopping season with 500+ activities

Tourists gather at the Bay Glory Ferris wheel in Shenzhen’s Bao’an District during the May Day holiday. Shenzhen Economic Daily

Shenzhen announced yesterday the launch of a new cross-year shopping season, which will feature over 500 promotional activities.

The campaign, announced at a press conference held by the city government yesterday, will highlight technological innovations through public demonstrations of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — offering residents a preview of future "air taxi" services – alongside new product experience zones established in partnership with leading local tech companies.

Food stalls in Longhua District attract crowds of residents on Oct. 27. Photo by Bao’an Daily

Special initiatives targeting Hong Kong and Macao residents will include exclusive packages, cross-border payment discounts, and streamlined customs clearance services, further enhancing integration between Shenzhen and the two special administrative regions.

The shopping season will emphasize traditional Chinese culture through intangible cultural heritage workshops and interactive activities. Eight major themed tourism campaigns will be launched, including "Travel Shenzhen with Sports Events," "Festivals in Shenzhen Parks," and "Shenzhen Museum Marvel Season."

Visitors fill the streets of Gankeng Hakka Ancient Town in Shenzhen on July 13, as the night economy draws strong crowds. Photo by CFP

A citywide tourism map will be released featuring curated shopping routes, must-visit destinations, and dining guides. A "Must-Buy List" will highlight technology-enhanced products and new fashion items.

Shenzhen will implement measures to boost its first-store economy, attracting brands to open flagship stores, host exclusive launches, and hold inaugural exhibitions. The city expects to welcome over 1,200 new flagship and concept stores this year, according to the press conference.

A store employee in Shenzhen’s Longhua District introduces drone products to an international shopper. Bao'an Daily

To enhance the experience for international visitors, downtown duty-free shops will introduce "online reservation, port pick-up" and "in-city booking, entry pick-up" services. The city will expand tax-free shopping options and pilot instant tax refunds while developing international-friendly business districts.

During the 15th National Games, which will open this Sunday and run through Nov. 21, Shenzhen will distribute 10,000 free tickets for tourist attractions. The city will also introduce "free half-day city tours" for inbound tourists alongside 20,000 AI city travel cards.

Fans fill Longgang Universiade Center in Shenzhen for a packed concert. Photo courtesy of the Longgang District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports

Digital yuan payments will be widely promoted across key business districts, chain stores, and cultural venues. The city will also facilitate the linking of international bank cards to Chinese e-wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay, providing multiple payment options for international visitors.

The shopping season represents Shenzhen's latest effort to create a vibrant environment that appeals to both domestic and global consumers through technological innovation, cultural integration, and enhanced convenience measures.