Looking for the perfect family getaway? The InterContinental Shenzhen is a fantastic family-friendly urban resort located in the heart of Nanshan, just a short trip from Hong Kong. With its themed rooms, a Caribbean-style pool complete with a pirate ship (!), engaging indoor play zones, and an amazing location near family-friendly attractions, this hotel offers the ultimate balance of fun and relaxation. Team Little Steps put it to the test with a family of five — three young children aged 5 and 2 — during a quick 2-day, 1-night adventure, and it did not disappoint! Nestled amidst lush tropical greenery yet close to Shenzhen’s bustling city life, the InterContinental Shenzhen delivers a memorable escape the whole family will love.
Want more:
The journey is easy and family-friendly. Take the train from Hong Kong to Futian or Shekou, then a short taxi ride to Nanshan. Many families prefer private transfers for convenience with young children and luggage. The hotel is just a quick trip away, making it perfect for a stress-free Shenzhen getaway.
This Nanshan resort shines with themed rooms, a thrilling pirate ship pool, dedicated play zones, and kids’ activities. It’s designed for unforgettable family memories with excellent service and spaces for all ages. Little Steps Asia families love these thoughtful touches.
Yes, the spacious family rooms and themed options comfortably fit parents and kids. Connecting rooms and thoughtful amenities make stays relaxing and fun for everyone.
The pirate ship pool is supervised and designed with children in mind, offering shallow areas and fun elements while maintaining safety standards. Lifeguards are on duty, so parents can relax while kids enjoy splashing around.
You’re close to theme parks, shopping malls, and nature spots ideal for day trips. The prime location makes it simple to combine your resort stay with exciting family outings just minutes away.
Nanshan District is one of Shenzhen’s most dynamic and family-friendly areas, known for its mix of innovative technology, lush green spaces, and exciting waterfront attractions. Families will enjoy the stroller-friendly paths, beautiful parks, and a range of shopping and entertainment options all within easy reach.
Key highlights include OH Bay, featuring the stunning Shenzhen Observation Wheel, the Bay Opera of Shenzhen, scenic waterfront promenades, and fun, futuristic elements like robot interactions and drone deliveries, which are sure to amaze little ones. The district is also home to major family destinations:
Families looking for retail and dining options will love that Coco Park and MixC Mall, two of Shenzhen’s most popular shopping centers, are just a short distance away. Both offer a variety of kid-friendly restaurants, play zones, and interactive experiences for children.
Another major perk of Nanshan is its close proximity to Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, only a 25-minute drive, making this area a convenient and accessible choice for Hong Kong families. Whether you're looking for theme park adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxing strolls along the waterfront, Nanshan District has it all for a memorable family getaway.
Families are warmly welcomed at the InterContinental Shenzhen by friendly, English-speaking staff who aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Early check-in, available as early as 10 AM, is often accommodated, making travel days much smoother.
The family opted for a themed AI room, thoughtfully designed with two double beds, a cozy kids’ tent, a floor mattress, and a luxurious bathtub. The vibrant AI-themed decor captivated the children, offering a playful yet modern ambiance. Interactive stories tied to the room’s theme added an engaging touch, though English-only speakers may find some features less accessible.
The hotel provides a variety of themed rooms, each featuring creative designs and amenities to delight families, ensuring a fun and memorable stay for kids and parents alike.
The highlight of the Intercontinental Shenzhen's stunning pool area is undoubtedly the Caribbean Oasis pirate ship, a majestic Spanish galleon floating in the center of the pool. Complete with a real sandy beach perfect for sandcastle-building and plenty of loungers for parents to unwind, it offers a true resort experience surrounded by lush tropical greenery. This urban oasis spans an impressive 10,000 square meters, creating a tranquil getaway filled with waterfalls, a kids’ pool, and an outdoor play area. Highlights for kids include the ever-popular foam party at the splash pool and a delightful resort train ride that adds an extra element of fun to the day. Planning is essential for weekend activities to secure spots.
Younger kids will love the splash zone waterpark, featuring fun slides and water features, while adults can sip on fresh coconuts and cold drinks at the swim-up bar. For rainy days, head to the indoor jacuzzi or dine at Mercado Restaurant & Café for even more options.
Pro tip: Arrive early, as the pool tends to fill up after 9:30 AM. Whether you're relaxing on holiday or enjoying a family staycation, this Caribbean-themed retreat is pure magic for all ages!
While the little ones nap, parents and older kids can take advantage of the free outdoor playgrounds, featuring slides, climbing equipment, a fun maze, swinging hammocks, and a cheerful merry-go-round set amidst lush greenery. For a break from the heat, the air-conditioned indoor block-building area offers a cool and creative retreat where kids can explore endless building possibilities.
For younger children under 8, Joy Kids Utopia is a vibrant indoor playroom filled with exciting activities. Kids can dive into a spacious ball pit, navigate a multi-level play structure, slide down a smaller indoor slide, or curl up in the cozy reading corner. Admission is RMB 200 per child for a full day of play, with in-and-out access, and includes scheduled craft activities to spark their creativity. Parents can either join the fun or relax while the kids explore this engaging and safe environment.
Outdoor fun continues at the real sand beach and splash pool, perfect for sandcastle-building and water play. For rainy days, the resort offers excellent indoor alternatives, including an indoor pool and an undercover jacuzzi to keep everyone entertained no matter the weather.
We ended our trip with lunch at Mercado Restaurant & Cafe, though the restaurant attached to Joy Kids Utopia looked like it had fantastic kids' meal options—make sure to book ahead for weekends, as it gets busy. Planning your activities in advance is key to making the most of Shenzhen's family-friendly offerings and avoiding disappointment!
Got kids? Little Steps Asia provides you with the insider’s guide to all the best things to do and see with babies, toddlers, and kids in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond. From family-friendly hotels, kids and baby shops, to the best schools and after-school activities, pregnancy tips, meet-ups and more – we have you sorted. Join our community to stay in the know and on the go in Asia with kids!
Sign up to receive the free Little Steps email newsletter packed with news, offers, and hidden treasures for families. Join us weekly in your city or monthly for travel and education news around Asia!
**Important: Vote only in the categories you choose; skip any that don’t apply.**
Sign up now for the latest in Hong Kong pregnancy news, monthly updates and more!
"*" indicates required fields