Shenzhen, China - January 2026

I had enjoyed my train trip to Hangzhou last year and achieved all I wanted for my few days in the Hong Kong office, so I thought I'd take an annual leave leave day and head to Yangshuo, about a 3 hour train ride away. It had been recommended as a very beautiful part of China.

After work, I headed to Shenzhen on the fast speed train from West Kowloon. All very efficient but a bit of a process leaving HK and clearing China immigration.

It took less than 20 minutes to get to Shenzhen North, which is where I will get on the train tomorrow. I stayed a night at Pullman Shenzhen North which is effectively above the station. The hotel is new and big, and I had a room on the 51st floor.

Went for dinner at a Chinese restaurant. These were like a beef wrap. Nice presentation but the beef was dry...

The dumplings were okay but a bit tasteless...

This is the signature drink. It was like a Rose, but the fun thing was the jelly temple in it!

Shenzhen has a lot of impressive buildings...

Lots of greenery...

I then went back to the hotel and crashed.

The next morning I got up early and went to the station about 0730 for my 0800 departure. It's another large Chinese train station but easy to get through. 

The good thing about train travel in China is that you put your passport details in when you book, and you use that - no need for a ticket at the gate - just use your passport. 

I got some food...

I booked First Class and got a little snack pack...