Shenzhen is a vibrant city where everything is expensive. Although it is a fast-developing economic city with less tourist charm, the city has many relaxing parks. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in and around the city.
1. Wutong Mountain
Wutong Mountain is the highest mountain in Shenzhen. The top of the mountain commands fantastic views of the city's skyline.
The mountain is on the east side of the city, bordering Shenzhen Reservoir on its west. There is a highway leading up to the mountain top. A hike up to the mountain top takes around 3–4 hours. It is an arduous and exhausting climb, but quite worth it. You will pass clear brooks, streams, and waterfalls on the way. We recommend you take a car to the top of the mountain and hike down, an easier walk of about 2 hours.
How to get there: Take public bus 211 and get off at Wutong Mountain station.
2. Lianhuashan Park
Lianhuashan Park, in the center of the city, offers a quiet and peaceful place, which is in stark contrast with the busy atmosphere outside the park wall.
There are plenty of trees, open areas, and pleasant walking paths. You will see locals having picnics, flying kites, or playing outdoor sports there. There is an uphill path to the statue of Deng Xiaoping, where you can get a bird's eye view of the city.
Location: 6030 Hongli Road, Futian District, on the opposite side of the Childrens' Hospital
How to get there: Many public buses pass the park, like 10, 14, 15, and 25.
3. Mangrove Nature Reserve
This park offers a relaxing escape from the stress of urban city life. It is quite large with a lot of open space. You can have a picnic; go hiking or biking, or fly kites there. Looking up at the sky you will see a lot of birds.
Location: It is close to Nanbianche Public Temple on Shennan Avenue 深南大道南边车公庙附近
How to get there: Public buses 203 and 204 can take you there.
4. Lychee Park
Lychee Park, like the other parks mentioned above, offer a relaxing place in the center of the city. There is a large lake, streams, pleasant lakeside walking paths, children's playground, lots of green trees, and plentiful open areas. Local people like to go this park for singing, dancing, playing music, or just for enjoying a nice walking.
Location: 福田区红岭中路 Hongling Middle Road, Futian District, close to Shenzhen Library.
5. Central Park
Central Park is a green and quiet gem in the center of the city. There are lawns planted with palm trees, a playground, and a pond for fishing.
Location: It is located on Zhenghua West Road (振华西路), close to Shanghai Hotel.
6. Dameisha Beach
This is the only easily accessible beach in Shenzhen. The beach is clean and quiet in the low travel season. Avoid going there on weekends and during peak times when the beach is filled with people. If you stay at Sheraton Dameisha Resort there is more private beach and good accommodations.
Location: It is located in Yantian District, about half an hour's drive from the center of the city.
7. Other Free Parks in Shenzhen
Other free parks in Shenzhen are: Zhongshan Park, Agriculture Research Center (农科中心), Bijia Hill (笔架山), East Lake Park, Hong Lake Park, People's Park, Children's Park, Meilin Reservoir, South Hill, Sihai Park (四海公园), and Azalea Hill.
