Shenzhen has plenty of photo spots, but there's only one place with "one street, two systems": Chung Ying Street. This street sits in Sha Tau Kok, Yantian District — one side is Shenzhen, the other is Hong Kong's New Territories. The boundary stones and old shop signs along the middle of the street are a border sight many Hong Kong people heard about as kids but never visited. Recently Chung Ying Street has been running a Mid-Autumn and National Day double-festival market, and with Metro Line 8 now reaching Sha Tau Kok, a trip there is much easier than before — but because it sits in a special border management zone, entry requires booking and a permit in advance. You can't just walk in.
Opening hours and permit arrangements
| Item | Arrangement |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 09:00–22:00 |
| Permit processing / collection hours | 09:00–21:00 (collect your permit at the permit centre after booking online) |
| Exit deadline | Must exit before 22:00 |
| Permit | Sha Tau Kok Special Border Management Zone Permit, one permit per person, valid once on the same day |
| Enquiry hotline | 0755-22743005 |
The permit rules state "one permit per person, valid once on the same day, void once expired", so if you plan to go in for photos and shopping, it's best to get your permit in the morning and enter around midday — don't leave it until evening. Hong Kong residents entering from the Shenzhen side also need to book in advance; the document requirements and any special arrangements (such as whether a designated channel must be used) are subject to the latest announcements from the Yantian District Government and Chung Ying Street officials. Before setting off, it's worth calling or checking official channels to confirm.
Getting there: Sha Tau Kok Station on Metro Line 8
The most convenient way by public transport is to take Shenzhen Metro Line 8 to Sha Tau Kok Station, then walk to the Chung Ying Street checkpoint; you can also take a bus and get off at "Chung Ying Street Checkpoint Front Stop". Starting from the Hong Kong side, all three main checkpoints work for a day trip:
- Lo Wu Checkpoint: Line 1 to Convention & Exhibition Center, change to Line 2, then change to Line 8 to Sha Tau Kok Station — about 45 minutes in total.
- Futian Checkpoint: Line 4 to Civic Center, change to Line 2, then change to Line 8 — about 50 minutes.
- Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint: Line 13 to Houhai Station, change to Line 2, then change to Line 8 — about 1 hour 10 minutes; if you're short on time, a taxi is recommended.
What's there to do? Two routes: history and shopping
Chung Ying Street History Museum is the must-visit first stop. Inside are boundary stones, old photos and artefacts that clearly explain how Chung Ying Street went from a border market town to today's "one street, two systems". Admission is free (generally closed on Mondays; holiday arrangements are subject to official announcements). Around the outside of the museum you can photograph the boundary stones and old arcade buildings — the most classic Chung Ying Street composition.
For shopping, Chung Ying Street has long been known for its concentration of Hong Kong goods, daily necessities, cosmetics and snacks. Shops on both sides mostly accept both RMB and HKD, and some support WeChat Pay and AlipayHK. A few things to note: ① Ask clearly about the source of goods before buying — for expensive electronics and branded items, it's not advisable to buy from these small border shops; ② don't carry goods across the border for strangers — there are tax and legal risks; ③ personal-use items come under duty-free allowance rules, subject to customs announcements.
At the end of the street there's also Yantian Seafood Street — if you're not in a hurry to head back to Hong Kong, you can stop by for seafood, or visit the nearby Dameisha Seaside Park for the beach, making a full day out of one route.
Nearby amenities: food, rain shelter, supplies
Chung Ying Street itself is mainly streets and small shops, with few large malls. If you want air-conditioned dining, walk to the nearby ONEMALL (Yantian District); if you want a more formal meal after Seafood Street, the Yantian area has the widest choice of restaurants and seafood stalls, with prices cheaper than the city centre — but always ask clearly before ordering whether it's priced by weight or by portion. Convenience stores, pharmacies and phone charging spots in the area are limited, so bring your own water and power bank, plus a little cash (some old shops only take cash or WeChat).
Practical tips
- Bring your original identity documents and keep a screenshot of your booking on your phone; you need your original ID card to process the permit.
- Avoid weekends and midday during holidays — queues at the permit centre are longer.
- Dress light — most of Chung Ying Street is an open-air pedestrian area and it's very sunny in summer.
- Remember to exit before 22:00; overstaying is a hassle, so aim to leave before 20:30.
- If it rains, head to a nearby mall (such as Yantian ONEMALL) to shelter and grab a meal.
A bit of history: why "one street, two systems"?
Chung Ying Street was originally called "Chung Hing Street". Because boundary stones were erected along the street and the two sides belonged to the Chinese side and the British side (Hong Kong's New Territories at the time), it gradually became known as "Chung Ying Street". After the 1898 Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, Sha Tau Kok was split in two, yet villagers continued trading under "one street, two systems", creating a scene unique to border market towns: on the same street, one side hangs Shenzhen signs, the other is Hong Kong territory. Today Chung Ying Street still retains its boundary stones, old-name shops and arcade buildings, making it one of the few places in Shenzhen where you can experience border life history up close.
When is it most comfortable? What to note with elderly and children
Most of Chung Ying Street is open-air, and Shenzhen still sees 30°C-plus daytime temperatures in September and October. It's best to enter between 09:30 and 11:30 in the morning or after 17:00 in the evening; midday sun is strongest and there's little shelter when it rains. Crowds peak around holidays, while weekdays are noticeably quieter and easier for photos. If elderly companions are with you, allow time for rest; toilets in the area are mainly around the permit centre and the museum, so it's more convenient to go before entering. Also, in the border area you must not photograph law enforcement officers or checkpoint facilities — check on-site notices before taking photos.
Return journey arrangements
After exiting, if you're not in a rush, you can have dinner at Yantian Seafood Street, or visit Dameisha Seaside Park for the beach (free), then take Line 8 back to the city. If you're in a hurry to return to Hong Kong, allow more than 1 hour of travel back to Lo Wu or Futian Checkpoint, since Line 8 requires two changes.
FAQ
Do I need to book to visit Chung Ying Street?
Yes. Chung Ying Street is in a special border management zone, so you need to book online in advance, then collect the Sha Tau Kok Special Border Management Zone Permit at the permit centre — one permit per person, valid once on the same day.
What are Chung Ying Street's opening hours?
09:00–22:00; permit processing / collection hours are 09:00–21:00, and visitors must exit before 22:00.
How do I get to Chung Ying Street by metro?
Take Shenzhen Metro Line 8 to Sha Tau Kok Station, then walk to the Chung Ying Street checkpoint; you can also take a bus to Chung Ying Street Checkpoint Front Stop.
Is shopping at Chung Ying Street good value?
Daily necessities, snacks and cosmetics are generally cheaper than city-centre chain stores, but supply sources and prices vary. It's best to buy only personal-use items, in small quantities, and things you know well; for expensive items, buying from large malls is safer.
Opening hours, booking arrangements and shopping rules are updated from time to time — refer to the latest official announcements (enquiry hotline 0755-22743005).
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