Living in SZ | Shenzhen's highest sightseeing platform opens

Towering at an impressive altitude of 753 meters on top of the Meishajian Mountain — the third-highest peak in Shenzhen — the recently opened Cloud Viewing Platform in Yantian District has captured public spotlight, drawing those eager to reconnect with nature.

An aerial view of the Cloud Viewing Platform on Meishajian Mountain. Photos from WeChat official account "深圳微时光"

The new landmark is connected to a hiking trail, making the ascent to the peak for breathtaking views less daunting but more accessible to all demographics in as little as 30 minutes. 

The viewing platform promises a panoramic vista of the mountains and sea, showcasing the OCT East theme park, Dapeng Peninsula, Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches and the Yantian Port. Under favorable weather conditions, visitors may even encounter seas of clouds. On clear days, the views are exceptional, allowing glimpses of prominent landmarks such as the main building of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University in Longgang District and the Ping An International Financial Tower in Futian District.

The Cloud Viewing Platform offers breathtaking views of mountains and seas. 

Resembling an aircraft carrier in shape, the Cloud Viewing Platform consists of only two levels, with the second floor serving as the deck, while the lower level provides shade, wind protection and rain cover. Designed by architect Meng Fanhao, the platform features a simple yet robust appearance, aligning with the concept of better integrating with nature.

Despite its straightforward design, the construction of the platform posed significant engineering challenges. It stands as the highest construction site on a mountaintop, with the smallest working surface, and utilized a diverse array of transportation methods during its build, including drones, cable cars, tractors and donkeys. Construction work began in July last year, and concluded March 15.

Meishajian Mountain is known for its steepness, making it a more formidable challenge compared to the Wutong Mountain, the highest peak in Shenzhen. However, the new hiking trail offers a less challenging route to reach the Cloud Viewing Platform, making it accessible to individuals of different physical conditions.

Hikers take photos on the hiking trail. 

Here are four main hiking routes of varying difficulty for visitors to choose from.

Route 1

This is the least demanding trail, thank to a shuttle bus that takes hikers halfway to the Meishajian Hiking Point. From there it takes about 30 minutes to reach the sightseeing platform.

Route 2

Short but steep, this route is favored by outdoor enthusiasts. Starting at the Shanhai Daguan Viewing Platform, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the summit via 2.2 kilometers of stone steps. Views along this way are stunning. Please note that there is no parking lot available at this location. So public transport is recommended. Take Metro Line 8 to Yantian Station, Exit D, then take a taxi to the starting point for the hike. 

Route 3

This trail starts at Yantian Checkpoint and spans approximately 10 kilometers one way to the summit. It takes about five to six hours to complete, featuring mainly winding mountain roads set in a tranquil environment. Public transportation is recommended for this route. Take Metro Line 8 to Yantian Road Station, exit at E, and follow the directions to Yantian District Public Security Bureau to find the hiking entrance.

Route 4

Combining stone steps and dirt paths, this route is suitable for families with young children. The entire journey takes about two hours, with scenery dominated by mountains and forests. Simply follow the signs directly to the summit without worrying about getting lost, as there are no branching paths along the way. There is a public bus to the hiking entrance at the Gengzi Shouyi Sculpture Park, which commemorates the first uprising led by Sun Yat-sen in 1900.