With its glittering skyscrapers and bustling streets, Shenzhen hardly seems like a city that was just a small fishing village 40 years ago. But that's exactly what makes this metropolis in southern China so fascinating to visit. In just a few decades, Shenzhen has transformed into a global hub of innovation and technology. Here are some of the top reasons you should add Shenzhen to your travel bucket list.

First and foremost is the food. As an international city, Shenzhen boasts incredible culinary diversity. You can find authentic Cantonese cuisine like dim sum, roasted goose, and seafood dishes. Hakka cuisine is also popular, including salt baked chicken and pumpkin rice cakes. And there are regional Chinese cuisines from Sichuan, Hunan, Jiangsu, and more. You can shop for fresh ingredients at massive markets like Dongmen Food Market before dining at restaurants run by award-winning chefs. The city even has an emerging craft beer scene, trendy cafes, and Australian steakhouses if you need a break from Chinese fare.

In addition to local flavors, Shenzhen’s dining scene features world cuisine as well. Sample Brazilian rodízio, artisanal Italian gelato, Japanese ramen shops, Korean barbecue joints, and Michelin-starred French cuisine. You can find just about every type of food imaginable in Shenzhen, from street food carts to high-end dining. It’s a foodie’s paradise.

But Shenzhen has much more to offer than just delicious food. Another major reason to visit is to experience China's version of Silicon Valley. As a Special Economic Zone, Shenzhen has become a global hub for technology and innovation. This is the home of tech giants like Huawei, Tencent, ZTE and DJI. Check out the SEG Electronics Market to browse gadgets and accessories. Or visit the sprawling theme park Window of the World, which has miniature replicas of famous attractions and landmarks from around the world.

In the Nanshan District, you’ll find Shenzhen’s impressive High-Tech Industrial Park, where R&D centers and startups are pushing the boundaries of fields like biotech, AI, robotics and more. The city even has China's first fully automated container terminal at its massive port. From manufacturing to design, Shenzhen is a leader in technological innovation.

You can also experience the city's tech side by visiting Futian, the central business district. The iconic Ping An Finance Centre is currently the fourth tallest building in the world at 599 meters. Stroll along Shennan Boulevard to see other striking skyscrapers, or check out the futuristic convention center shaped like a manta ray.