General Travel Info
Three apps to set up
Download and link a card to these before you land — they make everything in China seamless.
Alipay
Link a card and pay almost everywhere — shops, metro, DIDI, bikes.
Messaging plus payments and mini-apps for rides, tickets and more.
AMap or Apple Maps
For navigation — Google Maps does not work in mainland China.
Getting to Shenzhen
Shenzhen sits in Guangdong Province in southern China, directly bordering Hong Kong — home to one of the world's fastest-moving hardware ecosystems, from Huaqiangbei's electronics markets to global tech headquarters.
-
By Air
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) has direct flights across Asia and a growing number of intercontinental routes.
-
Via Hong Kong
Many international attendees fly into Hong Kong (HKG) for the widest long-haul choice. Direct cross-border shuttle coaches and ferries (SkyPier → Shekou) run straight from the airport to Shenzhen. Crossing from Hong Kong is an international border — make sure your visa covers it.
-
By High-Speed Rail
A major stop on China's HSR network — about 40 min from Guangzhou and 8 hours from Beijing or Shanghai, arriving at Shenzhen North or Futian station.
Within Shenzhen
-
DIDI Ride-Hailing
Order a DIDI — China's Uber — straight from the Alipay or WeChat mini-app to get anywhere in the city.
-
Metro & Bus
One of the largest metro networks in the world, with English signage throughout. Use the Transit feature in Alipay and scan your QR code at the fare gate.
Key Transport Hubs
Venue — to be announced. Travel times and directions from the airport and stations will be added here once it is confirmed.