Cool destinations for summer outdoorsy fun in SZ

Shenzhen is renowned for its diverse array of parks, including urban parks, country parks, and forest parks, offering residents a wealth of options for outdoor activities such as trekking and canyoneering. Here are a few destinations perfect for spending a summer weekend outdoors while staying cool.

Toupi Park

Toupi Park in eastern Shenzhen’s Pingshan District has become a new internet sensation among parkgoers in the city. A visit will prove that it truly lives up to its reputation.

Toupi Park. File photos

Nestled at the foot of Tiantou Mountain in Shijing Subdistrict, Toupi Park is surrounded by mountains and water, with lush forests and fresh air. Here, you can camp, cycle, or hike up the stream, while enjoying the refreshing views.

The stream flows a considerable distance down the Tiantou Mountain, providing plenty of less-crowded spots for water fun. With its shallow and clear waters, children can catch fish and loaches, or engage in water fights in the stream.

There are cycling paths along the stream and hiking trails up the mountain, catering to various recreational needs.

In the park, there is a sand pool where children can spend hours digging and building if they have a set of shoveling tools. Then, the little ones can wash themselves clean of the sand in the stream. It’s a perfect way to lounge away a summer afternoon.

Additionally, the park features a playground equipped with swings and climbing frames made of logs and ropes. Parkgoers are welcome to set up canopies and tents here, and they can also order take-out food for delivery right to the park.

Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Add: Intersection of Jintian Road and Duimianhan Road, Pingshan District

Metro: Line 16 to Tianxin Station, Exit A

Yangtai Mountain Forest Park

Summer is an ideal season for canyoneering in Shenzhen, and Yangtai Mountain Forest Park is a go-to destination for enthusiasts of this adventurous activity.

Yangtai Mountain.

Covering an area of 28.52 square kilometers in northwestern Shenzhen bordering Nanshan, Bao’an and Longhua districts, Yangtai Mountain is where Shiyan, Baimang and Mashan rivers originate, providing the upstream water source of Shiyan, Xili and Tiegang reservoirs.

Within the forest park, there are two popular canyoneering routes, each spanning less than 1 kilometer and suitable for families with children and beginners.

One of the routes is situated in the northwestern part of the Yangtai Mountain in Shiyan Subdistrict, and the other is in the northeastern part in Dalang Subdistrict.

The Shiyan route starts at the park entrance marked by an archway. Following the stairs to the left of the archway, this trail runs alongside a tinkling stream. Along this trail, canyoneers will encounter a lotus pond, the Zhiyin Pavillion, the largest waterfall of Yangtai Mountain, and Juxian Pavilion before arriving at the mountain top.

A waterfall in Yangtai Mountain

The Dalang route begins from the park entrance at Dalang Cultural Square, crossing Longxi Bridge, Huaxi Porch and Qiuqu Pavilion. Adventurers will discover several small waterfalls and at least seven pools of various sizes when hiking on the stone steps constructed along the stream bed.

Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Metro: Line 6 to Yangtai Mountain East Station (Dalang route);

Line 6 to Shangwu Station, Exit C2, then take Bus 767 to Longteng Road Bus terminal (Shiyan Route)

Qingren Valley

If you are seeking a more challenging canyoneering experience beyond the routes at Yangtai Mountain Forest Park, the Qingren Valley, also known as Valentine’s Valley in English, on the border of Shenzhen and Huizhou is the go-to destination.

Canyoneers play with water in Qingren Valley. 

This is an advanced canyoneering route popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The trek combines quite a few elements of different outdoor sports, demanding adventurers to employ a range of techniques to make their way through the valley.

Extending approximately 14 kilometers, you need to ascend for about one and a half hours to reach the No. 53 Boundary Marker, serving as the second retreat point of the Sanshui Route. From there you will pass through dense forests and descend into the valley, negotiating complex geographical features along the way. The latter part of the trek involves upstream travel that requires climbing, stream crossings, and swimming before reaching the final destination. It typically takes five to six hours to complete the trek.

It’s strongly advised to avoid canyoneering at the valley during rains, even for experienced hikers.

Add: Jingui Village, Pingshan District

Metro: Line 16 to Yanzi Lake Station, then take a taxi to Jingui Village

Shenyun Valley,Tanglang Mountain

If the three options recommended earlier are a bit too distant, the Shenyun Valley in Tanglang Mountain, Nanshan District is a conveniently accessible destination within downtown Shenzhen.

Covering an area of approximately 443 hectares at the southern foothills of Tanglang Mountain, the Shenyun Valley scenic area offers a family-friendly environment with three valleys, six hiking trails and streams cascading down the mountain.

A stream in Shenyun Valley, Tanglang Mountain.

The streams are crystal clear with sandy beds, perfect for children to enjoy playing in the water, catching fishes and observing little crabs.

Visitors can hike up the trails to a higher point to enjoy panoramic views of the Shenzhen Bay area, or venture into the valley to encounter a variety of creatures like grasshoppers, lizards and butterflies.

For those seeking a more challenging trekking experience, a hike through the Tanglang Mountain and along the Dasha River Corridor, leading all the way to the Shenzhen Bay Park, offers a rigorous and rewarding adventure.

Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Metro: Line 7 to Shenyun Station, Exit D