3 low-carbon tour routes in Longgang

Three low-carbon tour routes in Longgang District were unveiled during the 2024 Peak Carbon and Carbon Neutrality Forum on Oct. 28. These routes seek to encourage the public to explore the principles of low-carbon living and appreciate the allure of green development.

Featuring a diverse array of sites, including innovative green buildings, educational centers, and exhibition spaces, the new routes showcase advancements in sustainable architecture and energy efficiency.

Green buildings route

Pingdi Liulian Primary School

This school is Shenzhen’s first renovated building to achieve near-zero energy consumption. Its design focuses on photovoltaic energy generation, intelligent energy management, and data utilization to meet zero-carbon goals. Visitors can also see exhibits on low-carbon education and creative environmental projects.

Longgang District Sixth People’s Hospital

Featuring intelligent energy management, this hospital is a demonstration project for zero-carbon healthcare. Visitors can explore its energy storage charging station and low-carbon healing garden.

Future Complex

From the outside, the building looks somewhat avant-garde due to its irregular structure. Unlike traditional office buildings, it features interweaving vertical and horizontal spaces. Inter-floor gardens, which divide the building into seven modules, create “breathing spaces” between the modules, benefiting wildlife such as birds and insects. The unique structure also promotes airflow, which reduces energy consumption. Stepping inside, visitors will be greeted by a landscape filled with edible plants like rosemary and marigolds.

The Future Complex viewed from a distance. Photos by Windy Shao

International Low-Carbon City Exhibition Center

As one of the first national low-carbon demonstration projects, this center is the first near-zero energy consumption venue in China. Serving as a significant platform for international cooperation in the low-carbon sector, it hosts various international forums and expos.

Air Dome Exhibition Hall

The hall, the largest inflatable public building in the world, measures 143 meters in diameter and 38 meters in height. Constructed from lightweight, eco-friendly materials, it is designed for rapid assembly. With excellent insulation and transparency, it effectively reduces air conditioning costs.

The Air Dome Exhibition Hall.

Science popularization route

Visitors can embark on a captivating journey of science popularization and delve into a world of vibrant multimedia displays and interactive experiences that showcase the latest insights on climate change, energy transitions, waste management, and more.

The first stop is the Genesis Cultural and Tourism Base, which is segmented into agricultural labor research, exploration, and leisure zones that offer comprehensive services for labor education, research, and engaging activities for both families and teams.

The second stop, the Shenzhen Space Science and Technology Institute, is a pioneer in China’s manned spaceflight sector and home to the world’s first “Mars habitat.” Visitors can explore aerospace health exhibits, simulate outer space survival scenarios, and partake in space activities like centrifuge experiences and aerospace VR simulations.

Inside the Shenzhen Space Science and Technology Institute.

The third stop, the Yiqi Science Population Base, is dedicated to innovative research and the development of technology-focused labor education. The base offers 52 specialized courses and holds 14 intellectual property rights and invention patents.

The last stop, the Beauty Star Science Popularization Base, revolutionizes the learning experience with its “visit + experience + share” philosophy. Visitors can delve into the fascinating realm of the “Plastic Kingdom” through interactive educational displays and immersive scenarios that provide a fresh perspective on environmental issues.

Industrial tourism route

The route includes five stops — Shenzhen Grandsun Electronic, K&D Technology, the Intelligent Construction Industry Park, the Universiade UAV Industry Park, and the Eastern Environmental Protection Power Plant — and offers a close-up view of how traditional industries are transitioning toward green and low-carbon practices.

Visitors will have the chance to visit former high-energy-consuming factories that have now transformed into models of green production. Participants will be able to witness the extensive use of clean energy, innovative waste recycling technologies, and intelligent production processes that enhance efficiency while reducing pollution.