Shekou, Shenzhen, a slice of international flavor set
against China’s Pearl River Delta. Our base here? The hotel on the Minghua
ship, a once-seafaring French vessel that’s been moored at Shekou Sea World
since the 1980s. Now it’s a hotel with rooms that feel like the vessel they
are—long, narrow, and a bit snug. We’d opted for the “panoramic room,” one of
the few with a larger window, so instead of the usual porthole, we got a real
view of the waterfront.
From the window, the view was more than just scenic—it was lively. This whole area, Sea World in Shekou, is buzzing, with a unique vibe thanks to the heavy international influence here since the 1980s, when Shekou became one of China’s first Special Economic Zones. A quick history lesson: Shekou’s urban scene owes a lot to China Merchants Group, who started building up the port and the neighborhood in the early ’80s as part of China’s grand opening to foreign business. Today, it feels like an expat mini-city in itself, with all the restaurants, cafes, and bars that have sprung up around this very ship that used to cross oceans itself was no luxury suite, but it did have its own character. Sure, the desk looked like it had seen better days, listing slightly to the right, and the minibar had the usual, mildly sad options. But everything worked, and the bed wasn’t bad at all. Plus, in a ship-turned-hotel, a bit of old charm is part of the experience. And for breakfast? The ship didn’t disappoint. Right outside, Shekou delivers food options like no other place in Shenzhen.
After unpacking, our first food stop was a Turkish coffee at
Jojo’s Cafe. Jojo, the owner, brought his talent and rich coffee from
Istanbul. Jojo explained Turkish coffee to us: an ancient brewing style that
dates back 500 years. Instead of filtering, Turkish coffee is boiled with
grounds so fine they dissolve into the drink, creating a strong, rich flavor
that packs a punch with every sip. Sitting there, savoring a tiny cup of thick,
potent coffee, it struck me just how globally Shekou has evolved since its
start as a port town .
The options were endless, from Middle Eastern shawarma to
tacos and Italian gelato. And we hadn’t even scratched the surface of what Sea
World offers. With the stunning lights of Sea World and the vast diversity of
dining, the area came alive as the sun dipped below the horizon. Nearby, street
musicians played as people strolled through the bustling Shekou Night Market,
a blend of international and local flavors that truly encapsulate the energy of
the city .
The night scene has a feeling of its own. Families, couples,
and solo travelers stroll the waterfront, and there’s always something to look
at or try. We found Harry’s Hot Dogs, an expat favorite, nestled beside Chinese
dumpling stalls, and a night market offering craft goods, fresh seafood, and
snacks from around the world. Every few blocks, we saw small local bars tucked
between larger chains like Starbucks, creating a cozy, eclectic mix.
Next up was the World Culture, a gallery spot with
everything from local artworks to vintage curiosities. The center is nestled
among streets lined with pet grooming shops, tech hubs, and the flagship stores
for DJI and Xiaomi are not too far away, a tech lover’s dream where everything
from drones to cameras is on display. The DJI Flagship Store alone is
practically an attraction, showcasing the latest gadgets and giving a hands-on
experience of Shenzhen’s role as a tech powerhouse.
Shekou by day is a place for families, leisurely walks, and
coffee stops. But by night, it’s a place that hums with life—a cultural melting
pot full of energy, music, and flavors from all over the globe, all within
sight of the anchored Minghua ship, a relic of the past that’s as much a part
of Shekou’s story as the modern lights and sounds around it.
