A guide to awesome summer events in SZ

Get ready to make the most out of your summer in Shenzhen! From thrilling movies to mesmerizing performances, dazzling exhibitions and exciting events, this guide has got you covered with a diverse range of activities to enjoy. 

Movies

In all cinemas

A lineup of thrilling films is bound to keep you entertained throughout the summer. Prepare to be dazzled by U.S. movies like “Barbie” and “Meg 2: The Trench,” while experiencing the epic Chinese blockbuster “Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms” and the much-anticipated Chinese drama “The Breaking Ice.” Last but not the least, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is set for release on the Chinese mainland. While an official release date has yet to be announced, movie enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates and be among the first to enjoy this masterpiece.

Ticketing: WeChat miniprogram ”猫眼” or “淘票票电影”

'Ennio Morricone: A Retrospective’

Ennio Morricone fans should not miss the opportunity to watch an array of iconic films with scores composed by him at two Broadway cinemas from Aug. 4 to Aug. 31. You will enjoy watching classic films, including “A Fistful of Dollars,” “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “Cinema Paradiso,” while appreciating Morricone’s music which often evokes strong emotions. All movies will be screened with both Chinese and English subtitles, except for “Everybody’s Fine” and “A Pure Formality,” which will only have Chinese subtitles. Mark your calendar for this exceptional cinematic experience.

A scene from "Cinema Paradiso."

Ticketing: WeChat miniprogram”百老汇影城”

Venue 1: Broadway Cinematheque, 5/F, MixC World, Nanshan District (华润万象天地五楼深圳百老汇电影中心)

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

Venue 2: Palace Cinema, 4/F, Raffles City, Nanshan District (来福士广场四楼深圳百丽宫影城)

Metro: Line 9 to Nanyou Station (南油站), Exit E

‘A Retrospective of Hong Kong Classic Films’

Immersed in nostalgia, movie enthusiasts are treated to 10 timeless Hong Kong films made between the 1970s and 1990s at the “A Retrospective of Hong Kong Classic Films” event, currently taking place in several Shenzhen cinemas, including CGV, Broadway and MixC. Dive into the thrilling world of classic Hong Kong cop and martial arts dramas with Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat and Jet Li, where legendary titles such as “Zu: Warriors From the Magic Mountain,” “Project A,” “The Killer” and “Police Story 2” command the silver screen.

Ticketing: WeChat miniprogram”猫眼” or “淘票票电影”

‘Once Upon a Time in Britain’

Don’t miss the final chance to be a part of a British movie screening event at the Coastal Cinema, as it concludes this weekend. Secure your seats to watch “A Room With a View,” “Maiden” and “Howards End,” and let the magic of British cinema unfold before your eyes.

Venue: Coastal Cinema, Nanshan District (海岸影城)

Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E

Fairs

SZ Game Show

Dates: Until July 23

Venue: Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, Bao’an District (深圳国际会展中心)

Metro: Line 12 or 20 to Shenzhen World Station (国展站) to Halls 1-12, Shenzhen World North Station (国展北站) to Halls 13-20

SZCAF, QTX, CAFEEX, Bakery Expo

The 12th Shenzhen Cartoon and Animation Festival (SZCAF), running through July 23, is one of China’s four major animation festivals. QQ Toys Expo (QTX) on July 28-30 is a large-scale exhibition that gathers the trendiest toys. Café Expo China (CAFEEX) on Aug. 11-13 consists of a coffee exhibition and several events, including barista and coffee roasting competitions, etc. Savor the rich aroma of various breads at the Bakery Expo on Aug. 18-20.

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

Performances

Shenzhen Concert Hall

A few young talents will grace Shenzhen Concert Hall this summer. Prepare to be captivated by performances from pianist Xue Yingjia (July 29), pianist Ju Xiaofu (July 30), cellist Chen Yibai (Aug. 4-5), and violinists Tseng Yu-chien (Aug. 6) and Liu Xiao (Aug. 20). From Brahms’ classics to Beethoven’s masterpieces, you will be bound to discover a program that resonates with your musical preferences.

Booking: WeChat account “szyyt_piao”

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

A scene from "Luduan."

Shenzhen Grand Theater

Chinese children’s musical “Luduan,” produced by the Palace Museum in Beijing, will be staged Aug. 4-6. The spectacular show features an auspicious animal called luduan in Chinese mythology. Meanwhile, music lovers will be treated to an array of piano, symphony and chorus concerts at Shenzhen Grand Theater.

Booking: WeChat account “深圳大剧院票务在线”

Venue: Shenzhen Grand Theater, Luohu District (深圳大剧院)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Grand Theater Station (大剧院站), Exit C

Other theaters

Indulge yourself in a variety of vocal and instrumental concerts, dances and dramas at: 

* Bay Opera of Shenzhen (Booking WeChat account “深圳滨海艺术中心”)

* Shenzhen Poly Theater (Booking WeChat account “SZpolytheatre”)

* Nanshan Culture and Sports Center (Booking WeChat account “juchengwangluo”)

* Pingshan Theater (Booking WeChat account “PingShanTheatre”)

* Guangming Culture and Art Center (Booking WeChat account “GuangmingArtCenter”)

* Mountain View Theater (Booking WeChat account "cmskpac")

* The MixC World (Booking WeChat account “crartspace”)

* Huaxia Art Center (Booking WeChat account "SZ-HXYSZX")

* Shenzhen Theater (Booking WeChat account "sztheatre")

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

Live gigs

Despite the sold-out status of tickets for Joker Xue, Jolin Tsai, Zhang Jie and Miriam Yeung in the summer, there is still hope for music enthusiasts to purchase tickets for gigs by Yu Kewei (July 29), Zhang Yixing (Aug. 5) and Accusefive (Aug. 19-20) or other livehouse performances via "大麦" WeChat miniprogram.

Exhibitions

Voyage history, bronzeware

Embark on an extraordinary journey at a voyage-themed exhibition at Shenzhen Museum, as it whisks children away to anera of historic voyages of discovery. This exhibition, running through Oct. 12, is a gateway for children to delve into the remarkable storiesthat shaped our world. Another free exhibition running through Aug. 27 showcases ancient Chinese bronze pieces on loan from Shanghai Museum.

Children admire a ship model at Shenzhen Museum’s Ancient Art Division. Cao Zhen

Booking: WeChat account “iszbwg”

Venue: Shenzhen Museum’s Ancient Art Division, Futian District (深圳博物馆古代艺术馆)

Metro: Line 9 to Hongling South Station (红岭南站), Exit A

Canton enamels, fossils

A free exhibition running until Oct. 22 showcases 258 Canton enamels on loan from 10 museums around China. A Jehol Biota fossil exhibition, running until Oct. 8, displays more than 120 fossils formed about 120 millions of years ago.

Booking: WeChat account “iszbwg”

Venue: Shenzhen Museum’s History and Folk Culture Division, Futian District (深圳博物馆历史民俗馆)

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

Pompeii, Maijishan, Jin State

The Nanshan Museum is offering visitors a unique opportunity to travel back in time and experience the ancient Roman city of Pompeii through an exhibition on Pompeii relics until Sept. 3. At another exhibition running through Oct. 29, visitors can meet fascinating smiling sculptures from the magnificent Majishan Grottoes in Gansu Province. And relics from Shanxi Province are on display at an exhibition on the history of the Jin State (1033-376 B.C.), a powerful state in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.).

Booking: WeChat account “nanshanmuseum”

Venue: Nanshan Museum, Nanshan District (南山博物馆)

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

Venice Biennale China Pavilion, ‘Topologies of the Real’

The “Topologies of the Real” exhibition features over 100 works by international artists spanning from the late 19th century to the present, including early experiments on film, photography, video, computer and telepresence art, as well as works by modern artists. Meanwhile, China’s national pavilion from the 59th Venice International Art Exhibition is exhibiting works at another exhibition. Both events end July 23.

Booking: WeChat account “深圳市当代艺术与城市规划馆”

Venue: Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, Futian District (深圳市当代艺术与城市规划馆)

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

Huang Zhijian’s art

Infused with a touch of contemporary spirit, the works of esteemed Lingnan School painter Huang Zhijian (1919-1994) on loan from the Guangdong Museum of Art have taken center stage at a free exhibition running through Aug. 10.

Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (何香凝美术馆)

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

Guan Shanyue’s paintings

The Guan Shanyue Art Museum is holding the “Innovation of Painting” exhibition featuring paintings and sketches by Guan Shanyue (1912-2000) during his trip to Southwest China between 1940 and 1946.

Booking: WeChat account “gsyart”

Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, Futian District (关山月美术馆)

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

Liang Quan, Yan Shanchun, Li Liao

Veteran artist Liang Quan is exhibiting his abstract paintings at the “Green” exhibition. At Yan Shanchun’s “Fuchun” exhibition, the artist presents his sensible artistic expression in paintings portraying the four seasons in Fuchun, an ancient area in modern Fuyang District in Hangzhou. “The Wife Went to Start a Business” showcases Shenzhen artist Li Liao’s works based on his temporary job as a food delivery man.

Venue: Pingshan Art Museum, Pingshan District (坪山美术馆)

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

Electronic disassembly art

Lin Xi, a young artist engaged in electronic disassembly art, is exhibiting her works at a new exhibition running until Oct. 18. She tears apart used electronic products and then presents the components in an artistic way, which has gained her popularity on short-video platform Douyin.

Venue: HQB Museum, Futian District (华强北博物馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Huaqiang North Station, Exit A

Tatsuya Miyanishi

Don’t miss out on the extraordinary “Tatsuya Miyanishi’s World of Wonders” exhibition, running through Aug. 27. With Miyanishi’s whimsical illustrations and rich storytelling, visitors will be transported to magical realms and be introduced to fascinating characters.

Venue: OCT Art and Design Gallery, Nanshan District (华•美术馆)

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

A painting created by James Jean. Photo from Sea World Culture and Arts Center

Philip Colbert, James Jean

Philip Colbert is showcasing his stunning lobster artworks at an exhibition running through Oct. 15. His works promise to bewitch art enthusiasts with their bold colors and imaginative interpretations. Another eagerly anticipated event awaits art lovers later this summer as the talented James Jean, who designed a poster for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” prepares to exhibit his awe-inspiring paintings Aug. 12-Nov. 17.

Venue: Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Nanshan District (海上世界文化艺术中心)

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

‘La Liga Club Experience Tour’

Immerse yourself in the “La Liga Club Experience Tour” which runs until Aug. 13 at Uniworld, where a treasure trove of soccer memorabilia awaits. Marvel at the display of autographed jerseys and delve into the rich history of the league with a collection of photos and exhibits. Step into a re-created changing room and a press conference room, allowing you to feel like a true soccer star, and engage in interactive games that put your skills to the test.

Venue: Uniworld, Longhua District (壹方天地)

Metro: Line 4 to Longhua Station (龙华站), Exit A

Events

Trendy art festival

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a trendy art festival taking place this weekend at the repurposed venue of GDH City • Jinpi Fang. You will browse through a wide array of chic artworks and trendy designs, all showcasing the cutting-edge talents of local and international artists. Enhance your experience by sipping on beer as you soak in the artistic ambiance. 

Time: 1-9 p.m., July 21-23

Venue: GDH City • Jinpi Fang, Luohu District (粤海城 • 金啤坊)

Metro: Line 5 to Buxin Station (布心站), Exit B

Water-splashing carnival

The Splendid China • China Folk Culture Villages’ two-month-long water-splashing carnival offers tourists a refreshing and enjoyable experience during hot summer nights. Visitors can also indulge in a 320,000-square-meter light show and a vibrant stall street has been set upin the theme park, offering a diverse range of culinary delights

Ticketing: WeChat account “jxzh1989”

Venue: Splendid China • China Folk Culture Villages, Nanshan District (锦绣中华 • 民俗村)

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

Beer festival

The 28th International Beer Festival at the Window of the World theme park offers a variety of catering and entertainment choices during the summer nights for tourists. It takes beer, food, electronic music, rock and roll, dancing and carnivals as its main elements, running through Aug. 27.

Ticketing: WeChat account “sz6188”

Venue: Window of the World, Nanshan District (世界之窗)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit J

Happy Valley carnival

The Shenzhen Happy Valley amusement park has launched a carnival for its 25th anniversary celebration through Aug. 17. It features seven major highlights including the Samba Carnival, Summer Wave Music Festival, Ice Cream Party and BBQ Food Festival.

Ticketing: WeChat account “szhappyvalley”

Venue: Shenzhen Happy Valley, Nanshan District (深圳欢乐谷)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit A