On 8 April 2021, Yuan joined fellow Chinese Super League club Shenzhen, reuniting with his former head coach at Chongqing, Jordi Cruyff. He would make his debut on 21 April 2021, in a league game against Henan Songshan Longmen F.C. in a game that ended in a 2-1 victory. This was followed by his first goal for the club on 21 July 2021, in a league game against Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic F.C. that ended in a 3-0 victory.
