How Shenzhen Bay Marina Club is positioning itself in China’s evolving yachting landscape

When it comes to marina infrastructure in China, much of the attention has focused on Hong Kong, with established sites such as Gold Coast Marina and Lantau Yacht Club, as well as newer developments like Skytopia and the Hung Hom waterfront project. However, with many of Hong Kong’s marinas operating at or near full capacity, attention is gradually shifting toward neighbouring Shenzhen as a viable and increasingly attractive alternative for yacht owners.

As one of China’s most dynamic urban centres, Shenzhen has undergone rapid transformation since its designation as a Special Economic Zone in 1980. Today, it is home to more than 17 million people and stands as a leading hub for innovation, finance, and technology. The city hosts the headquarters of major tech firms including Tencent, DJI and Huawei, and its sustained economic growth has fuelled the rise of a sizable high-net-worth population. This concentration of wealth and industry has, in turn, generated strong domestic demand for luxury services, including yachting.

SuperYacht Times features writer Enrico Chhibber recently visited Shenzhen Bay Marina Club with Ronnie Wang of Yachting Encounters Asia to explore how the marina is positioning itself within the wider Greater Bay Area. During the visit, Chhibber toured the marina’s facilities and spoke with Managing Director Alex Liu about its evolution, the services it offers, its role in supporting the broader development of yachting infrastructure across the region, and the future plans set to enhance Shenzhen’s position as a yachting destination.

The visit to the marina began with a 40-minute ferry ride from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, followed by a short drive from the terminal to Shenzhen Bay Marina Club. Upon arrival, we were welcomed and given a tour of the marina’s indoor facilities, which were immaculately presented. The interiors featured imported sandstone finishes and a range of amenities, including conference rooms for members and hotel-style accommodation for visiting yacht owners staying on site for several nights. After the tour, we sat down for coffee in the dining area with Alex Liu, Managing Director of Shenzhen Bay Marina Club and son of the marina’s owner.

Origins of the marina

Liu began by recounting the origins of the marina, which opened in 1994 as part of a broader government initiative to strengthen maritime infrastructure in Shenzhen. “We launched with a vision to create a luxurious and service-oriented yachting community, inspired by Shekou’s prestigious maritime traditions,” Liu explained. Designed by AECOM, Shenzhen Bay Marina Club reflects this heritage while setting new standards for modern yachting facilities in the region.

Marina capacity and evolving trends

As the conversation turned to berthing capacity, Liu explained that Shenzhen Bay Marina currently offers around 300 berths and can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet (approximately 61-metres) in length. Of these, around 200 berths are occupied. “While we do have a strong local Chinese client base, we attract many international yacht owners from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas,” Liu said. He noted that approximately 50 percent of the yachts are based in Shenzhen, with 30 to 40 percent coming from Hong Kong and Macau, and the remainder from overseas.

Liu also highlighted a rising number of Chinese yacht owners living abroad who are choosing to berth at Shenzhen Bay Marina. “We’ve observed a growing trend towards larger, more luxurious yachts, with owners increasingly interested in eco-friendly features and customised onboard experiences,” he added.

As we walked through the marina, a notable number of Ferretti 850s were berthed alongside the 26.82-metre Pershing motor yacht Alduch, several Heysea models, and a 46.84-metre Jinlong superyacht Rui Zi 4601. The scene reflected the diversity of yacht sizes the facility is equipped to accommodate.

Cross-border connectivity and Shenzhen Bay Marina Club's strategic position

With marina capacity in Hong Kong reaching its limits, Shenzhen Bay Marina is emerging as a natural alternative for yacht owners seeking high-quality berthing options within close reach of the city. Liu noted that the overflow from Hong Kong presents a significant opportunity for Shenzhen, particularly as the region continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and service capabilities.

Launched in 2017, the ‘Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Yacht Free Travel’ scheme allows Hong Kong-registered yachts to stay at Shenzhen Bay Marina for up to 183 days as tax-free visiting vessels, provided they operate within designated cruising areas in Guangdong waters. The scheme also permits Chinese-flagged yachts to travel to Hong Kong, with Shenzhen Bay Marina Club remaining the only approved mainland port under the policy. Describing the initiative as a “game changer,” Liu emphasised its significance in shaping the marina’s role in the region. The arrangement has not only facilitated cross-border yachting activity but also strengthened Shenzhen Bay Marina Club’s position as one of the more attractive marina destinations within the Greater Bay Area.

A key limitation, however, remains the restriction on the number of people allowed onboard, which is currently capped at 12 including crew and guests.

Events and initiatives driving engagement at Shenzhen Bay Marina Club

In discussing how Shenzhen can strengthen its position within the Greater Bay Area’s yachting landscape, Liu highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and curated events in attracting new yacht owners. “Partnerships can attract more yacht owners. Promoting Shenzhen as a luxury yachting hub through international events and marketing campaigns will also elevate its profile,” he stated.

Shenzhen Bay Marina Club has increasingly positioned itself as more than a berthing facility by hosting high-profile events that blend lifestyle, branding, and yachting. Collaborations with the Ferretti Group, for example, have featured on-site yacht displays aimed at connecting directly with prospective buyers. The marina has also become a sought-after venue for international fashion houses, with both LVMH and Kering Group holding exclusive events at the waterfront location.

These events are also designed to engage the city’s growing base of high-net-worth individuals, many of whom have accumulated their wealth through Shenzhen’s booming tech and innovation sectors. By aligning with luxury brands and curating exclusive experiences, the marina aims to engage this emerging clientele and build stronger links between the yachting lifestyle and the region’s next generation of wealth.

Future plans and developments

Future plans and developments Looking ahead, Shenzhen Bay Marina Club has set out an ambitious roadmap aimed at enhancing both infrastructure and service. “We aim to introduce state-of-the-art docking technology, expand luxury accommodations, and develop a series of exclusive, members-only facilities and events to elevate the overall yachting experience,” Liu explained. “We also plan to expand into yacht management, strengthen our infrastructure, and engage in wider consultation with industry partners.”