Longhua District in northern Shenzhen has become a highly sought-after destination for travelers from Hong Kong due to improved connectivity between the two cities. One of the main draws for Hong Kong tourists is the Mission Hills Resort, located in this district, which offers tailored packages and features Hong Kong-themed cafés and restaurants.

“About 60% to 70% of our guests during weekends are from Hong Kong,” a manager of the resort’s five-star hotel told Shenzhen Daily.

Major cultural and tourism sites have not only attracted a significant number of Hong Kongers but also are witnessing a shift in consumer preferences, as tourists are no longer solely interested in dining and entertainment, but are also looking for overnight stays and immersive cultural and entertainment experiences.

Visitors have fun on the ice rink in Karoo Ice and Snow World in Longhua District. Photos by Chen Xiao

In July, the National Development and Reform Commission released 20 measures to promote consumption, and the Mission Hills Group responded by extending the nighttime operating hours.

Among the Hong Kong travelers are Miss Ng and her family, who recently had a four-day and three-night summer vacation there. They conveniently reached the resort by taking Metro Line 4 from Futian Checkpoint.

“I heard about such a package from friends and felt that they offered a great variety of choices and fun activities, so here I am,” Ng said.

Their first stop was a seafood barbecue buffet dinner featuring crayfish and a sizzling plate of steak. After the remarkable dining experience, the family visited the Mission Hills Ecological Sports Park, where they enjoyed a light show called “Starry Sea.” The park is illuminated with an enchanting display of lights, where visitors can navigate a 10-meter-long light tunnel, as well as themed sections including a misty forest, a romantic planet, and a space station. The park management said that the light show has been attracting more than 1,000 visitors daily, many of whom shared stunning photos on social media.

Ice and snow experiences

The Karoo Ice and Snow World is a must-visit for Hong Kong tourists.

This 5,400-square-meter ski resort features artificial snow that resembles natural powder snow. During the visit, Ng’s family met several other Hong Kong visitors. “It’s so exciting. Hong Kong children don’t often get the chance to see snow,” a parent said.

The attraction covers a vast area of 12,000 square meters and comprises an indoor ski hall, an ice skating hall, and a comprehensive service hall.

 Constructed with an innovative air membrane structure technology, the three halls provide a spacious interior without any beams or columns. The park’s exterior resembles two white capsules, while the interior design showcases Nordic elements. Visitors can find imitations of famous landmarks such as the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory in Switzerland, St. Mark’s Bell Tower in Venice, Italy, and the Hunter House in Finland.

The ski site spans an area of 5,400 square meters and reaches a height of nearly 23 meters, offering visitors a spacious environment with superb views.

 The temperature is maintained between minus 3 and minus 5 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The most striking feature inside is a 100-meter-long and 20-meter-wide ski track, with the starting platform elevated to 10 meters. Skiers can reach the platform by riding an electric magic blanket. Younger children enjoy playing in the snow area, engaging in snowball fights and building snowmen, while older ones are eager to try snowboarding or skiing.

Holidaymakers ski in Karoo Ice and Snow World.

“The 100-meter track is a challenge for many even after several days’ training,” a park manager said.

“Many visitors have felt the charm of ice and snow sports and have developed an interest in skiing, as the number of inquiries about ski training or direct sign-ups has increased significantly,” the manager said.

Cultural fun

Upon leaving the sports park, many Hong Kong tourists will visit the nearby Patio Café and Fai Lok Kee, a traditional Hong Kong-themed restaurant.

Across the street is MH Mall, a shopper’s paradise. Housing a selection of global flagship and concept stores, both new-to-market and established brands, the shopping center attracts over 100,000 visitors daily during its peak time, its management said.

MH Maker, located near the mall, is also favored by tourists seeking parent-child activities. It features an intangible cultural heritage promotion center and several workshops showcasing traditional Chinese arts and crafts.

Various types of summer camps and study tours have attracted a continuous stream of visitors, and there are many hotel guests who come with experience package coupons. An MH Maker manager said the venue is also planning a cultural heritage week to allow more people to learn about intangible cultural heritage, and to promote public participation.

“We are enhancing the cultural charm of the scenic areas with various youth sports activities and a variety of traditional cultural activities, making the tourist experience more immersive and engaging,” said a manager in charge of Mission Hill Group’s cultural and tourism sector.