Designed by Pritzker-winner Fumihiko Maki and opened in 2017, the Sea World Culture & Arts Center is a stacked, cantilevered box of glass and stone looking out over Shekou's harbour and across the water to Hong Kong.
Inside is Design Society, Shenzhen's design museum, with galleries, rotating exhibitions and public terraces. The building itself is free to walk around, and the terraces are one of the best free views in Shekou.
Also known as: Design Society · SWCAC · Shekou Design Museum
Visiting Design Society
- Tickets
- The building and public terraces are free · exhibitions are priced per show
- Hours
- Galleries Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat–Sun 10am–9pm (last entry 30 minutes before closing; 2023 listing)
- How long
- 2–3 hours with an exhibition and the terraces
- Booking
- Check Design Society's official WeChat account for current shows and any timed booking.
- Good to know
- Last entry 30 minutes before closing
⚠ Hours and prices change — check before you go.
Inside & at the foot of Design Society
Venues on site or a few minutes' walk away — tap through for what's on
Design Society 设计互联Gallery & museum · L2 · 8 · 12 Sea World Exit A1 on this week
Sea World Plaza 海上世界广场Café & space · L2 · 8 · 12 Sea World Exit AMMAO Livehouse Sea World MAO Livehouse 海上世界Club & live music · L2 Sea World Exit C1 on this week
The Terrace 露台餐吧Bar · L2/8 Sea World Exit A1 on this week
George & Dragon British Pub 圣乔治西餐厅Bar · L2/8 Sea World Exit A2 on this weekWhat's on near Design Society this week
At its venues and around Sea World, Shekou Port metro · updated daily
On now · until 18 Oct
Lindy Lee: Stars of the World — Sea World Culture & Arts Center
Last two weeks: about 50 works by the Australian artist Lindy Lee, including a walk-in room of perforated steel that throws star-like light, in Shekou until 18 October.
Design Society · Shekou设计互联
Today · 1:30pm
Shekou Hash House Harriers: Saturday Trail Run
Every Saturday a bus leaves George & Dragon in Sea World at 13:30 for a hilly trail run or walk, then back to the pub for the circle. Just turn up.
George & Dragon British Pub · Shekou圣乔治西餐厅
Tonight · 9:30pm
Live Band Every Night at The Terrace, Sea World
The Terrace's house band T.A.S. plays covers every night from 9:30pm in Sea World, followed by DJ sets.
The Terrace · Shekou露台餐吧
Tomorrow · 9pm
TakeOut Comedy Open Mic (Sundays)
Free English stand-up open mic upstairs at The Flames, Sea World. Sign up on the night or just watch.
The Flames · Shekou炙焰西餐厅
Wed 14 Oct · 8pm
Sea World Series Trivia Night (Wednesdays)
Shekou's Wednesday trivia league, alternating between George & Dragon and Gecko. No entry fee, teams of up to six.
George & Dragon British Pub · Shekou圣乔治西餐厅
Wed 14 Oct · 8pm
Mamas Gun «DIG!» World Tour — Shenzhen
British contemporary soul band on their DIG! world tour: tight grooves and big harmonies.
MAO Livehouse Sea World · ShekouMAO Livehouse 海上世界
Wed 14 Oct · 9pm
TakeOut Comedy Open Mic (Wednesdays)
Free English stand-up open mic in Sea World on Wednesdays: sign up with the host to do five minutes, or just come and watch.
The Flames · Shekou炙焰西餐厅
Fri 16 – Sat 17 Oct
RustChinaConf 2026 Shenzhen: Rust and AI
China's Rust conference comes to Shekou for two days of talks on Rust for AI, AI for Rust and Rust in production, running alongside GOSIM.
ADEN Hotel Shenzhen Nanshan · Shekou深圳南山伊敦酒店
Where to photograph Design Society
- Public terraces
Harbour views behind the cantilevered boxes.
- Waterfront lawn
Whole-building shot at golden hour from the grass by the water.
Nearby landmarks
All landmarks →
Entry FreeOCT Harbour欢乐海岸Waterfront boardwalks, wetlands and restaurants on Shenzhen Bay.
Height 393 mChina Resources Tower华润大厦 · 春笋The white, ribbed "Spring Bamboo" tower on the edge of Shenzhen Bay.
Opened 2011Shenzhen Bay Sports Center深圳湾体育中心 · 春茧The white lattice "Spring Cocoon" — stadium, arena and a bayfront promenade.Design Society: questions people ask
Is Design Society free?
The building and its public terraces are free; exhibitions are priced per show — check the current one before you go.
Who designed the Sea World Culture & Arts Center?
Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki (Maki and Associates). It opened in December 2017.
Is it open on Mondays?
Its published gallery hours (2023) are Monday to Friday 10am–7pm and 10am–9pm at weekends. Hours can change, so check before you go.
How do I get there by metro?
Sea World station on Line 2, then walk through Sea World towards the water.