Exploring Shenzhen on foot

Seeking a genuine local experience away from the crowds of popular tourist destinations, many young people today are opting for walking tours in urban areas. Shenzhen, a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry, offers many routes for visitors to explore its local life on foot. Let’s delve into some typical routes that will unveil its hidden charms.

Shekou, Nanshan District

Among the various roads named Liyuan, the one in Shekou stands out as a picturesque destination for a leisurely walk. As you tread along this path, you’ll be enveloped by lush trees on both sides that create a serene green tunnel and filter the scorching sunlight into scattered bright spots along the road.

Unlike the towering skyscrapers that dominate downtown Shenzhen, the architecture lining this 2.3-kilometer road mainly consists of low-rise buildings dating back to the 1980s. These structures are interspersed with vast green patches. Along this route you will come across schools, a sports center, a hospital, and parks.

While Sihai Park buzzes with activity throughout the day, hosting amateur musicians, square dancers, and chess enthusiasts, Jinyuan Park is renowned for its lush litchi trees. The well-equipped Shekou Sports Center provides a glimpse into the local sports culture, with facilities for soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, roller skating, and skateboarding.

Two factory-turned cultural parks, G&G Creative Community and Nanhai E-Cool, beckon visitors to explore delightful book bars, galleries, handicraft stores, or simply unwind with friends over a cup of coffee or tea. For those craving tasty snacks, a mere ten minutes’ walk away from Liyuan Road is Old Shekou Street, where delights are served in unassuming small eateries.

Downtown Bao’an District

Visitors take photos with the captivating Bay Glory Ferris wheel in the backdrop at OCT Harbor, Bao’an District.Photos by Liu Xudong

In downtown Bao’an, a 2-kilometer white corridor connects several destinations beloved by cultural and art enthusiasts. Towards the eastern end of the corridor sits Bao’an Library, where visitors can delve into the district’s history and experience its future visions through an engaging urban planning exhibition housed on its second floor.

To the south of the corridor stands Bay Opera of Shenzhen, a waterfront performing arts center inspired by the graceful movement of ocean waves.

OCT Harbor boasts the captivating Bay Glory, a 128-meter-tall Ferris wheel that offers a picturesque backdrop for photos. Enthusiasts of literature and art will find themselves mesmerized by the Zhongshuge bookstore, which spans 1,300 square meters and features a massive, twisting, sideways staircase connecting the entrance to the exit.

Shatoujiao, Yantian District

Visitors at the entrance of the Lighthouse Library in Yantian District.

For an experience of Yantian’s charm, a visit to Zhongying Street is a must. This 4-meter-wide street in Shatoujiao Subdistrict is demarcated by eight boundary stones, reflecting the history of “one street, two systems.” Prior to Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in 1997, the street was divided, with the east side being Chinese territory and the west side under British jurisdiction.

People can visit the Zhongying Street History Museum, capture some snapshots of an ancient water well and a big bell, or simply take a walk along the beautiful coast and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.

Not far from Zhongying Street, a 2-kilometer-long boardwalk skirts the sea, alongside the scenic Yantian Central Park. The Lighthouse Library nestled within offers an idyllic spot to lose yourself in books while enjoying an unbeatable sea view. Nearby lawns provide perfect picnic spots, while smooth pavements invite cycling and jogging.

Futian’s CBD

A verdant corridor meanders through Futian, linking Lianhua Hill Park, the UpperHills mixed-use complex, and Bijia Hill Park.

Although Lianhua Hill’s peak may not be towering, it offers a perfect vantage point to take in the downtown skyline. The park’s kite square invites people to fly kites or simply recline on the grass, savoring moments of relaxation.

The two landmark towers, ballroom pavilion, and expansive elevated corridor make UpperHills a good choice for shopping and dining. The modern architecture is worth admiring.

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Bijia Hill Park, where a network of walking paths and hiking trails await exploration. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the park also boasts numerous sports facilities, a lake, and children’s playgrounds, ideal for families seeking entertainment amid natural surroundings.