Living in SZ | Leisure spots in Shenzhen worth checking out

Xinqiao Sports Center

The Xinqiao Sports Center, a smart sports and cultural complex in Xinqiao Subdistrict, Bao’an District, has opened recently.

An aerial view of the Xinqiao Sports Center. Photo from official WeChat account "宝安日报"

Covering an area of 80,000 square meters and with a construction area of 60,000 square meters, the center boasts facilities such as a standard indoor basketball hall with 2,100 seats, an indoor constant-temperature swimming pool with eight 50-meter-long lanes, a real grass soccer field with 2,090 seats, and 14 badminton sites, as well as an outdoor basketball site and an indoor table-tennis hall.

There are also commercial centers and parking lots on the premises.

Currently, the badminton courts on the second floor of the center, and the outdoor basketball, tennis, and soccer fields are available for online booking for free use. The indoor constant-temperature swimming pool is expected to open to the public later this month.

The center will also collaborate with nearby schools and institutions to conduct sports training for young people, providing robust sports talent support. Moreover, the center will host a series of activities to attract more tourists, according to Bao’an Daily.

Add: Xinqiao Sports Center, Bao’an District (宝安区新桥体育中心)

Metro: Line 11 to Houting Station (后亭站), Exit C

Garage-turned library for book lovers

In the midst of Shenzhen’s summer heat, where seeking solace in air-conditioned coffee shops and staying indoors have become a norm, libraries have emerged as a cool refuge for Shenzheners.

Curious Elephant Library. Photo from official WeChat account "ShenzhenWeekly"

Tucked away like a well-kept secret in the northern part of OCT in Nanshan District lies the newly opened Curious Elephant Library.

A palette of blue and yellow creates a serene yet lively setting for book lovers. With a wooden interior design, it’s hard to relate this tranquil library to an underground garage.

The library is adorned with vintage desk lamps, cozy couches and a selection of rare collectibles.

Although it is not as spacious as a public library in the city, Curious Elephant Library is divided into four distinct sections: the reading area, the tea space, the activities corner and a dedicated children’s zone.

The interior of Curious Elephant Library. Photos from official WeChat account "ShenzhenWeekly"

The books in the reading area are available for reading within the premises only, not for sale or borrowing. Its collection touches a rich array of genres, with approximately 40% dedicated to novels, and the remainder covers subjects such as art, culture, architecture, movies, biographies, photography and even some rare imported magazines.

The library owner hosts regular activities like lectures and book-sharing sessions in the activity corner, transforming the space into a cultural hub.

On the right side of the entrance to the tea area is a mini bar where you can savor coffee and desserts for a leisurely break. Due to limited seating, customers are kindly required to make a purchase to secure a seat in the segment.

The library has a separate space specifically for children. There are various children’s books and toy, as well as plenty of literature for teenagers.

Add: G/F, Q-Plex, OCT, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城侨城坊G层好奇象图书馆)

Metro: Line 2 to Qiaocheng North Station (侨城北站), then walk around 1.7 km or take a bus/taxi

Opening hours: 9 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Yuishin Books

Dubbed “the most aesthetically pleasing bookstore” in Shenzhen, Yuishin Books, a local independent brand, stands out for its unique architectural styles, becoming a rising star in the bookstore industry. With locations in Qianhai and Longhua, the bookstore has become a trendy destination for many local book lovers. 

The Qianhai store

The flagship outlet of Yuishin Books, the Qianhai store boasts a striking cylindrical design where both the ceiling and floor are mirrored, creating an intriguing interplay of light. The curved bookshelves add to the visual allure, offering visitors a visually expansive experience that easily tricks the mind into a wondrous illusion of having stepped into a magical world. Upon entry, a visitor feels like traversing a mysterious temporal tunnel to enter a ring-shaped book tower. It is delightful to immerse yourself in the bookstore’s highly technological spatial design.

Yuishin Books' Qianhai Store. Photo from CFP

Add: 2/F, SCPG Qianhai Center, Nanshan District (南山区前海印里2楼愈欣书店)

Metro: Line 5 to Railway Park Station (铁路公园站), Exit B

Business hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Longhua store

Yuishin Books Longhua exudes a sense of technological sophistication that resonates with Shenzhen's reputation as a tech hub. The store employs a Möbius ring design, symbolizing endless love for books.

Yuishin Books' Longhua Store. Photo from CFP

Alongside its extensive book collection, the Longhua store offers various amenities including a tea house, yoga area, picture book room, and a parent-child activity corner.

Add: 3/F, Inreach, Minzhi Boulevard, Longhua District (龙华区民治大道印象汇3楼愈欣书店)

Metro: Metro Line 4 to Baishilong Station (白石龙站), Exit A then walk around 900 meters

Business hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.