Gen Zers and vloggers enjoy Pingshan's natural beauty

Pingshan District’s hidden ecological treasures were the focus of a unique excursion on Wednesday, as a group of international students and vloggers (both Chinese and expat) explored the area’s surprising natural beauty.

International students and vloggers stroll at the Shanhaitang Hotel in Pingshan District on Wednesday. Photos courtesy of Pingshan Media Center unless otherwise stated

The tour participants take photos at the “Pingshan Station” space at Gangxia North, Futian District, before heading to Pingshan on Wednesday.

At the Shanhaitang Hotel, also known as the Shenzhen Talent Institute (East Campus), participants were captivated by the picturesque, serene environment at the foot of Maluan Mountain. Whether strolling along lakeside paths or forest trails, admiring the mountain streams, or boating on the lake, everyone enjoyed a memorable experience.

With architecture and decor reflecting Chinese aesthetics, the hotel also integrates many talent-themed elements. In a dedicated book room, some expats tried their hand at Chinese calligraphy.

Tafadzwa Mackenzie Kadere (L) and Saloni Choudhary practice calligraphy at the Shanhaitang Hotel. Photo by Cao Zhen

Students exchange ideas during Wednesday’s tour.

“I didn’t realize Shenzhen had such a peaceful and special place. I really want to come again because we can bring children and do many activities here, such as picking vegetables on the farm or going hiking,” said Sava Tomoiaga, from Romania.

“Its spacious design, lush greenery, and exceptional staff created an amazing experience. The hotel’s ambiance offers a refreshing natural vibe, making it truly remarkable,” said Ihtesham Ghani, a doctoral student from Pakistan majoring in automatic engineering at Shenzhen Technology University.

The tour participants pose for a photo at the Nanbu Water Purification Station in Pingshan District. Photo by Cao Zhen

Moving on to the Nanbu Water Purification Station by the Pingshan River in the Yanzi Lake area, the group snapped photos and recorded videos from a terrace referred to as the “Pingshan Balcony” by locals. There, they enjoyed breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands, flowers, and the under-construction Shenzhen Natural History Museum.

“The Shenzhen Natural History Museum in the distance looks promising. It’s large, and I hope to visit it once it is completed,” said Fedor Kurilo, a Russian student majoring in economics at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen.

Fedor Kurilo records a video at the Nanbu Water Purification Station, with the under-construction Shenzhen Natural History Museum in the distance. Photo by Cao Zhen

At the Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville, participants were impressed by how the dramaville’s centuries-old Hakka architecture has been preserved while being infused with modern touches. They were also interested in Pingshan’s future plans for drama creation in the community.

“I visited Pingshan before, on a class trip to BYD, but today is my first time exploring its cultural and ecological aspects. The dramaville is absolutely amazing. The architecture is polished, yet it clearly preserves history and demonstrates a connection with the local people,” said Kurilo.

International students and vloggers cheer while standing on a modern net-weaving installation atop the half-moon pond at the Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville.

Tour participants watch videos on Shenzhen Pingshan Changshou Dramaville at a theater at the dramaville.

Saloni Choudhary, an Indian student majoring in environmental science and engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology, was captivated by the traditional Chinese shadow puppets displayed at the dramaville. “We’ve seen many significant parts of the city, but I prefer to explore smaller things. In the future, I hope to visit more traditional places,” she said.

The final stop was Jingui Village, also located at the foot of Maluan Mountain. This 400-year-old Hakka village retains its unique features, including centuries-old trees, winding trails, and flowing streams. Some villagers have renovated their homes into inns, and a nature-themed book room regularly hosts natural science events for children.

Sava Tomoiaga (L) and Nadezhda Iatsyshena (C) snap photos of the birdwood’s mucuna flowers in Jingui Village in Pingshan District.

Tour participants play soccer at a campsite in Jingui Village.

Many in the group enjoyed wandering through the village. Tomoiaga continuously took photos of birdwood’s mucuna, a flower commonly seen blooming in Jingui Village during spring. “I’ve never seen or heard of this flower before. The community is well-organized, and the experience is truly delightful,” she said.

The tour concluded at Jingui Village, where participants enjoyed tea together under the lush tree canopy. Ghani, who has been living in Pingshan for a year and a half, said he signed up for the tour to connect and exchange ideas with fellow international students.

Tafadzwa Mackenzie Kadere (R) takes photos of the birdwood’s mucuna flowers in Jingui Village. Photo by Cao Zhen

The tour participants pose for a photo in Jingui Village.

“Pingshan is a relatively new district with many opportunities. Today’s tour provided me with a refreshing and eye-opening experience, further enhancing my appreciation of Pingshan’s beauty. In the future, I look forward to inviting my friends and exploring these places again,” said Ghani.

Wednesday’s tour attracted members of the Z10 Club. Initiated in August 2024 by EyeShenzhen — the international communication center of the Shenzhen News Group — the Z10 Club is made up of Gen Z students from 10 local universities.