Shenzhen Museum is one of the country's most-visited free museums. Housed in the east wing of the Civic Center, it has four permanent galleries: Ancient Shenzhen (Neolithic to Qing), Reform & Opening (the story of Shenzhen's 1980 designation as China's first Special Economic Zone — the standout exhibit), Folk Customs of the Pearl River Delta, and a fine-arts hall with rotating shows. Free entry with passport (you'll go through security and a quick bag check). Allow 2-3 hours; the Reform & Opening hall takes the longest and is genuinely informative for foreigners trying to understand modern China. English signage throughout. Audio guides 20 RMB.
Address
Civic Center, Block A, Fuzhong Road, Futian District
福田区福中路市民中心 A 区
Highlights
- Reform & Opening exhibition (改革开放)Best in China for understanding modern Shenzhen — start here
- Ancient Shenzhen galleryPearl-River-Delta prehistory through Qing trade era
- Free entry with passportClosed Mondays; arrive before 14:00 to avoid the school groups
- Audio guide20 RMB; English version is solid; rent at the front desk
For foreign visitors
- English service: english tour
- Cards accepted: cash_only
- Booking / entry: recommended
- Best time: Weekday mornings; closed Mondays
- Wi-Fi: free
- Transit access: metro direct
Photos
What travelers say (5 reviews)
HistoryFan_DE·TripAdvisor·4/5
The Reform & Opening exhibit is genuinely illuminating — how a fishing village became a megacity in 40 years. Free entry, passport required.
2026-03-20
深圳历史·Xiaohongshu·4/5
免费看深圳40年发展史，从渔村到全球科技中心的脉络很清晰。市民中心内，建议和图书馆一起逛。
2026-02-17
Daniel K.·Google Maps·4/5
Skip the natural-history wing — go straight to the 'Reform and Opening' permanent exhibit. The only museum that explains modern Shenzhen.
2026-04-23
MuseumHopper·YouTube·4/5
Smaller than Guangdong Museum but better focused. The 1980 SEZ founding-document originals and Deng's brushwork are highlights.
2026-01-25
Bei C.·Ctrip·4/5
免门票（需护照预约）。地铁2/4号线市民中心站。深圳40年改革开放史，对外地朋友最有意思的展厅。
2026-03-31
