Today we head to Shenzhen for the day. Getting to Shenzhen from Hong Kong is pretty simple. We make our way to the MTR and within an hour we are leaving the train, crossing the river and the Chinese border. After existing border control, we find ourselves in Luohu Port. It opens up into a large pedestrian area with malls large shopping centres on both sides along with lots of tasty food stalls.
Dim Sum at Luohu Port
Our first official stop after clearing customs is Luohu Port, and of course the first thing on our mind is food! Papa Minion directs us to a restaurant in one of the malls and we settle in for some very tasty dim sum for our first meal in Shenzhen.
Shenzhen Talent Park
With full stomachs, we hop in a Didi (China’s version of Uber) and head to Shenzhen Talent Park. This is a beautifully designed tribute to the city’s tech pioneers and innovators, set against a stunning backdrop of futuristic skyscrapers. The reflections on the water and the sheer scale of the architecture surrounding the greenery is remarkable.
Shenzhen Drone Delivery
One of the reasons for visiting Shenzhen Talent park is experiencing automated drone food delivery! Seeing the Meituan drones flying with yellow cargo boxes full of treats, we of course had to try! Because the app requires a Chinese Phone number, we fidget with the app on Papa Minion’s Phone. We eventually place an order and wait for it to arrive. Soon we see and hear that familiar buzz of a drone and are excited to see the whole process play out. The drone drops the box of goodies into the drone station, then you need to punch in your code before the box is released to you. After that you can unpack the box, grab your snack and then recycle the box into the receptacle beside the station.
The whole process is pretty wild and a glimpse into the future! We took some video of the whole process to share!
More Shenzhen Talent Park
After having our tasty drone delivered snack, we spend some more time exploring the beautiful Talent Park and all the cool architecture and greenery! There are some very futuristic buildings that integrate well into the park and are very cool to photograph and explore. I did try to find them on the map to identify them, unfortunately Google Maps aren’t very good for China so they remain a little bit of a mystery to me.
Pony Pilot Driverless Taxi
The other cool technology experience in Shenzhen is the driverless taxi by Pony Pilot. It’s another thing on my list and after visiting the park we decide to hail one and have it drive us to the mall. It’s a new experience for all of us and we are all like children in a Candy store as we take the short ride to our destination! Another really cool glimpse into the future!
MixC Mall
We arrive at the ultra-luxury MixC Mall. Calling this place a “mall” doesn’t feel accurate. It’s a sprawling consumer complex with flagship designer stores, sleek modern architecture, and an array of high-end eateries. It’s the perfect place to people-watch and see how the “other side” lives and shops!
Pink McDonalds and MixC Bakery
There is an interesting food area in the mall and we decide to stop off and get some snacks. There is a distinctly pink McDonalds which catches the eye. Directly across from it is this very elaborate bakery with all manner of baked goods and sweet treats! The various Minion family members pick up something that interests them. We then all sit down to snack on the various items! Everything is great and is a good break for us after exploring so much.
After finishing our snacks, we make our way back to the border crossing. We then hop on the train back to Hong Kong. It’s been a very full day of exploration filled with new experiences and wonderful family memories!
Fu Wah Cafe
After returning back to our hotel in Hong Kong and settling down once again, our thoughts turn to dinner. It’s actually raining very hard outside so we decide to stay nearby to our hotel and visit Fu Wah Cafe. It’s a normal Hong Kong Cafe with lots of the favourites that we enjoy at home. Our family order several comfort dishes and we spend the evening munching away.
Tomorrow will be our last full day in Hong Kong. The Sister and I will head home the morning after. We retire to our rooms looking forward to another day to explore!