The Shenzhen Library and the Shenzhen Concert Hall are both designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The library takes an opened book as its design concept — a 6-storey cultural space with a collection of 4 million books. The Concert Hall adopts the concept of traditional Chinese five elements blending five colours into a performance venue of international level.

Even if you don't go inside — stand in the plaza between the two buildings and look at them together. Genuinely extraordinary architecture. Free to enter the library. Worth 30 to 45 minutes of your time. Right next to the Civic Centre so easily combined with the Shenzhen Museum.

How to get there: Metro Lines 2 and 4 — Civic Center Station 市民中心站 — 7 minute walk
Address: Fuzhong 1st Road, Futian District
Hours: Library — Tue to Sun 10am to 9pm — closed Mondays
Cost: FREE

Mandarin phrase tip:
Zhège jiànzhú zhēn piàoliang 这个建筑真漂亮 — This building is really beautiful. Say it out loud. Locals will agree immediately.