7 Real High-Tech Experiences in Shenzhen You Can Try Today (No Chinese Skills Needed!) – A Local Guide for Foreigners
- DolphinUnion
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Forget Everything You Know About China’s Tech Scene
You’ve heard of Shenzhen.
It’s “China’s Silicon Valley.”
Full of factories, right?
But can you — a tourist with no local contacts — actually touch the future here?
Most blogs say: “No. It’s closed off.”
And they’re wrong.
I’ve helped over 5,000 travelers since 2018.
Here’s what I’ve learned: Shenzhen is the easiest city in China to experience real, working tech as a foreign visitor.
Take Sven from Sweden, an engineer who came for one day.
He left after riding a driverless taxi, drinking robot-made coffee, and flying a DJI drone at a flagship store.“I thought it would be all factories,” he said. “But I did more tech in 6 hours than in 6 months back home.”
This guide shows you:
Where to ride self-driving buses and order food by drone
Which high-tech companies let foreigners visit for free
How to do it all without speaking Chinese or using WeChat
Let’s skip the myths. Here’s what works.
Ride The Future: No Driver? No Problem In Shenzhen
Want to feel like you're in a sci-fi movie?
Just step outside.
In Shenzhen, driverless cars aren’t just for labs. They’re on public roads.
Try Panda Bus (Māoxióng Zìdòng Bāshī – a cute autonomous shuttle shaped like a panda).
Runs every 15 minutes inside Lianhuashan Park.
Free to ride. Full English voice guide onboard.
Or book a Robotaxi from Pony.ai or DeepRoute.
Download their app (English available).
Use your passport to sign up.
Pick-up zones are marked on the map.
Last year, Lisa from Canada tried it alone:“I was nervous at first. But the car stopped perfectly at red lights. Even gave me a safety tip in English. Felt safer than my Uber!”
To solve this: Use Robotaxis during daytime (9 AM–7 PM).
Avoid rush hour. Some areas get crowded.
Pro tip: Always keep Alipay ready.
It scans fast and works even if your card isn’t linked yet.
Eat Like a Cyborg: Drones Deliver Your Lunch (Shenzhen high-tech experience guide for foreigners)
Yes. Real drones bring food to parks.
Go to Lianhuashan Park (Liánhuāshān Gōngyuán – central park near Civic Center).
Look for the white drone pickup lockers.
Open WeChat or Meituan app.
Order KFC, McDonald's, or local snacks.
Wait 5–10 minutes. Your meal drops from the sky.
Same price as regular delivery.
No extra fee.
One traveler from New Zealand laughed when his coffee landed:“A drone flew over trees and dropped my latte like magic. People clapped. I filmed the whole thing.”
Here’s how to try it:
Only pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Cash won’t work.
Bring small luggage. Lockers fit drinks and burgers — not big boxes.
Rainy days? Flights may stop. Check the app before going.
Visit Real Tech HQs: Free Tours With English Help
Can you tour top Chinese tech firms?
Yes — but only if you know where to go.
Skip Huawei and Tencent HQs. Not open to individuals.
Instead, visit these:
SanNuo Smart Life Gallery (三诺智慧生活创想馆, Sānnuò Zhìhuì Shēnghuó Chuàngxiǎngguǎn – interactive showroom in Nanshan District).
Touch smart homes. Control lights, music, AC by voice.Free entry. Open daily except Monday.
Audio guide in English.
BGI Genomics (Huadu District) – home of China’s National GeneBank.See real DNA research. Learn how genes fight disease.Join Sunday “Open Day” tours.
Email ahead for English guides.
(Shenzhen high-tech experience guide for foreigners)
Lenovo Future Tech Center (联想未来科技中心, Liánxiǎng Wèilái Kējì Zhōngxīn – in Nanshan).
Try holograms, AI classrooms, robot helpers.
Book via WeChat. English audio guide included.
A teacher from Germany loved the gene lab:“I saw actual genome data screens. Kids could play DNA games. So much better than a textbook.”
Plan smart: Book 3+ days early.
Some need group size minimums. We help match solo visitors.
Need Help Moving Between Tech Spots? We’ve Got You Covered
After taking dozens of guests around, I know what works.
That’s why we offer stress-free transfers across Shenzhen.
From airport to hotel.
From drone park to robot bus stop.
We plan every step.
👉 Get Your Custom Transfer Quote Now
WhatsApp: +15715728786
WeChat: DolphinUnion
Email: hansong@dolphinunion.com
We handle payments, navigation, and last-minute changes.
Also check out our new e-guide:
👉 72 Hours Shenzhen - A Shopping Spree of Unbeatable Value
Inside:
✅ Huaqiangbei Electronics Map: Best floors for gadgets + tips to avoid fakes
✅ Shuibei Jewelry Hub: Gold pricing explained + bargaining scripts in Chinese
✅ Nanyou Clothing Market: Retail-friendly stalls + quality checks
✅ East Gate Bargains: Korean-style fashion under $10
✅ Hidden Clearance Zones: Where locals buy luxury dupes cheap
✅ Negotiation Hacks: How to get 40–60% off wholesale prices
✅ Luggage Delivery Tips: Send heavy bags straight to your hotel
✅ Survival Tools: Foldable tote bag list, portable scale, power bank must-haves
Bonus: Includes transit routes, eSIM setup (use code RORODU for 5% off), and Alipay setup steps.
Real story from Diego from Spain:“I bought a gold necklace for half the price back home. Used your guide’s inspection tip. Perfect quality. My fiancée cried.”
Want proof before buying?
Includes sample pages from Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an + full Shenzhen arrival day plan.
Because saving money shouldn’t mean guessing.
Comments