Shenzhen is getting a colorful makeover ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, scheduled for November 18 and 19. Key roads, parks and public spaces across the city have been decorated with 20 themed green sculptures, more than 200 landscape installations and over 800 flower displays. Want to see what Shenzhen has prepared for the occasion? Here are some spots worth exploring.
Qiaoxiang Road (侨香路)
A flower-filled green belt stretches for about 900 meters between Xiangmei North Metro Station and Xiangmi Metro Station. Periwinkles, globe amaranth, marigolds, plumed cockscomb and other flowers add splashes of color along the roadside. There is also a small decorative installation featuring roses and heart-shaped motifs, making it a good photo spot.
(Photo: Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
Getting there: Shenzhen Metro Lines 2 and 8, Xiangmei North Station, Exit D
Intersection of Xiangmihu Road (香蜜湖路) and Hongli West Road (红荔西路)
The area around the intersection of Xiangmihu Road and Hongli West Road is one of the city's popular APEC photo spots. Wuzhou Xiangmi Lake Hotel (五洲香蜜湖酒店) and Xiangmihu Flower Wonderland (香蜜湖·四季花谷) are both nearby.
In front of Wuzhou Xiangmi Lake Hotel, large patches of magenta, purple and blue flowers create a colorful scene. Nearby is a topiary sculpture featuring bougainvillea, hydrangeas and other flowers. The sculpture features 21 pillars representing the 21 APEC economies, while animal figures such as flying doves, black-faced spoonbills and leopard cats highlight the city's biodiversity.
(Photo: Converged Media Center of Futian District)
Across the road, Xiangmihu Flower Wonderland features a purple-red butterfly sculpture and oversized flower installations. Head to the second-level platform for a photo featuring both the flower displays and Wuzhou Xiangmi Lake Hotel.
Getting there: Shenzhen Metro Lines 1, 7, 9 and 11, Chegongmiao Station, Exit A; Line 7, Nonglin Station, Exit C; or Line 9, Xiangmei Station, Exit A1
Travel tip: Traffic controls will be introduced near the main venue. Using public transportation is recommended.
Lianhua Hill Park (莲花山公园)
A 21-meter-long floral display on the lawn at Kite Square features colorful flower rings arranged to symbolize unity and cooperation among the 21 APEC economies. The display combines bougainvillea with roses, hydrangeas, lily of the valley and winter jasmine. More APEC-themed installations can also be found around the park.
(Photo: Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
Getting there: Shenzhen Metro Lines 3 and 4, Children's Palace Station, Exit F1
Shennan Boulevard (深南大道)
APEC-themed flags line Shennan Boulevard, fluttering in the breeze against a backdrop of blue skies, green trees and passing traffic. Whether driving, cycling or walking along the avenue, visitors can feel the festive atmosphere. Near the avenue's Chegongmiao section, a prominent APEC-themed floral display stands as a landmark welcome sign along the city's central axis.
(Photo: Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
Getting there: Shenzhen Metro Line 1, Chegongmiao Station, Exit A, B or C, or Zhuzilin Station, Exit A
Best photo spot: Nonglin South pedestrian bridge, south of EPMALL (东海缤纷天地)
Qianhai International Convention Center (前海国际会议中心)
A themed flower street near Qianhai International Convention Center features cockscomb, globe amaranth, hydrangeas and bougainvillea in vivid shades of red, yellow and purple. A floral installation nearby features a five-layer green wall made of preserved moss, resembling rolling waves of greenery, with an APEC emblem shaped like a soaring bird above a bed of hydrangeas.
(Photo: Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
Getting there: Shenzhen Metro Line 9, Yihai Station, Exit C
Gangxia North Station (岗厦北地铁站)
At Gangxia North Station, two giant APEC flags hang above the concourse, while a photo installation bearing the words "APEC CHINA 2026" stands beneath the station's striking dome. APEC posters outside the station add to the celebrations.
(Photo: Shenzhen Fabu)
Getting there: Shenzhen Metro Lines 2, 10, 11 and 14, Gangxia North Station
Civic Center Square (市民中心广场) & Shenzhen Talent Park (深圳人才公园)
After dark, light shows and illuminated landmarks keep the APEC mood going. At Civic Center Square, a special APEC-themed light show will run for four consecutive nights starting from November 12 at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., synchronizing 43 skyscrapers for a spectacular 270-degree panoramic display.
(Photo: SZTV News)
The regular light show runs at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays from November to March.
Reservations are required via the WeChat mini-program"福田中心区夜景灯光预约导引服务 (Guide and Reservation Service for Nighttime Light Displays in the Futian Central District)". Schedules may change during the APEC meeting, so check official updates before visiting.
At Shenzhen Talent Park, a water-screen light show is also set to illuminate the skyline. Water jets, lasers and projections of Shenzhen landmarks will create a moving display against the backdrop of the Houhai business district, including the distinctive China Resources Headquarters Tower, known locally as "Spring Bamboo." Show schedules are subject to official announcements.
(Photo: SZTV News)
Getting there:
Civic Center Square: Shenzhen Metro Lines 2 and 4, Civic Center Station, Exit A or F
Shenzhen Talent Park: Shenzhen Metro Line 13, Talent Park Station, Exit B1
Explore more of Shenzhen with a free half-day tour
Beyond the APEC-themed sights, international travelers can discover more of Shenzhen through the city's free half-day tour service.
At Terminal 3 of Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, travelers can sign up at the International Service Center for a free guided tour, with bilingual guides and a set itinerary. The route connects Lianhua Hill Park, Huaqiangbei and Qianhai Stone Park, offering a quick introduction to Shenzhen's technology scene, urban life and coastal landscape.
(Photo: Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
(Photo: ShenzhenLOOK)
International travelers can also receive a complimentary Shenzhen AI Travel Pass at the service center, subject to availability. It offers AI translation in more than 145 languages and comes with 15 yuan (about US$2) in public transport credit. The card can be used on public transport in more than 300 cities across China.
(Photo: Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
