Explore Yantian with extended Metro Line 8

The latest Shenzhen Metro System Map. Image from Shenzhen Metro

Beachgoers heading to the popular Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches in Yantian District now have the convenience of using the Shenzhen Metro Line 8 Phase 2, commencing operation Dec. 27. 

This extension encompasses the Honganwei, Yantianxu, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha stations, complementing the existing Metro Line 8 Phase 1, which opened in 2020, and provides access to various spots in Yantian. 

Shenzhen Metro Line 8. Image from Shenzhen Metro

Dameisha Station 大梅沙站

At Dameisha Station, travelers not only gain swift access to the beach but also to the Dameisha Outlets (大梅沙奥特莱斯) shopping mall, the InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort (大梅沙京基洲际度假酒店) and the OCT East (东部华侨城) park.

An aerial view of Dameisha. Photo by Sun Yuchen 

The sea view at the InterContinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort. Photo by Cao Zhen

Shoppers stroll at the Dameisha Outlets shopping mall. Photo by Lu Ying

Xiaomeisha Station 小梅沙站

The Xiaomeisha resort, which is under renovation and set to reopen during the May Day holiday in 2024, will introduce an ecological park, recreational areas, shopping malls and the Shenzhen MGM Hotel.

A computer-generated image of the new Xiaomeisha resort. Image from the project

Yantianxu Station 盐田墟站

Yandunshan International Friendship Park (烟墩山国际友好公园) near Yantianxu Station is renowned for a lighthouse inspired by the Tower of Hercules, a Roman structure in A Coruña, Spain. This Shenzhen replica commemorates the bond between Yantian and this Spanish city. The original Spanish lighthouse, built in the second century, stands 55 meters tall and overlooks the North Atlantic coast of Spain, while the Shenzhen one, built in 2017, stands 24 meters tall and overlooks Dapeng Bay.

The Tower of Hercules replica at Yandunshan International Friendship Park. Photo from WeChat account “enjoyYT”

On top of Yandun Hill, there’s a beacon tower model to commemorate the military defense system used here in ancient China to pass military signals by smoke and fire; “yandun” in Chinese means beacon tower.

Exiting the park, one can stroll to the nearby Yantian Seafood Street, known for its signature seafood and steamed vermicelli rolls. Filled with shrimp, beef, eggs or Cantonese barbecued pork, steamed vermicelli rolls are a popular Guangdong delicacy.

The Yantian Seafood Street. Photo from Shenzhen Economic Daily

Haishan Station 海山站

Haishan Park has the nickname of “Shenzhen’s Little Barcelona” because some of the colorful and playful architecture in the park is inspired by renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi’s designs in Park Guell in Barcelona. In the park, you will find a similar undulating continuous bench in replica, with its entire surface encrusted with ceramic shards of all colors, some randomly arranged and some in patterns.

The architecture in Haishan Park is inspired by Antoni Gaudi’s designs in Park Guell in Spain. File photo

The giant octopus playground designed by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman is seen at Yantian Central Park. Photo by Sun Yuchen

Furthermore, visitors can access the popular Yantian Coastal Promenade (盐田海滨栈道), which is 19.5 kilometers long. Don’t forget to check out the Lighthouse Library (灯塔图书馆), an ideal place for you to spend a quiet afternoon reading books and enjoying the sea view. Yantian Central Park (盐田中央公园) and the One Mall (壹海城) shopping center are also popular places for you to relax.

An aerial view of a section of Yantian Coastal Promenade. Photo by Sun Yuchen

Lighthouse Library. Photo by Sun Yuchen

Shatoujiao Station 沙头角站

Zhongying Street (中英街) is a 250-meter-long lane with a unique historical identity, straddling the border between the mainland and Hong Kong. Visitors can explore the street’s rich history at a museum. The castle-like Zhongying Street Library nearby houses more than 6,000 books and is also an Instagrammable spot for you to take photos.

Shoppers in Zhongying Street. Photo by Sun Yuchen

The castle-like Zhongying Street Library. Photo from Yantian District Library

Three stations to Wutong Mountain 

Three stations provide access to Wutong Mountain, Shenzhen’s highest peak, offering breathtaking city and sea views and pristine mountain air. From Wutong Mountain South Station (梧桐山南站), you will reach the foot of Lingyun Trail (凌云道), leading to Little Wutong peak. Haishan Station offers access to the Bitong Trail (碧桐道), leading to the 943.7-meter high Big Wutong peak, while the Shenwai Senior Campus Station (深外高中站) leads to the Xiutong Trail (秀桐道), also guiding trekkers to Big Wutong peak.

An aerial view of Wutong Mountain. Photo by Sun Yuchen

People relax on the foot of Wutong Mountain. Photo from Shenzhen Special Zone Daily