Pet-friendly weekend getaways in Nanshan

In the heart of Shenzhen’s innovation and high-tech landscape, Nanshan District has emerged as a leader in building a pet-friendly environment for the furry companions of many local families. With its greenways, parks, artistic creative-industry hubs, bustling markets and pet-friendly commercial complexes, Nanshan offers a diverse range of options for people to spend some quality time with their beloved pets.

Here are some recommended locations for a weekend escape.

A man walks his dog on a street in Nanshan. Photos from "Shenzhen Weekly"

OCT Ecological Greenway

Technically not a park, the OCT Ecological Greenway features an expansive lawn that is ideal for walking dogs. Pet owners need not worry about insect bites on their furry companions here, as the grass is maintained at an optimal length. Dogs can run freely on the lawn, chasing discs thrown by their owners or playing hide-and-seek during weekdays when the crowds are sparse. On weekends, the area transforms into a perfect socializing spot for dogs as it is bustling with a variety of pets.

Add: 6 OCT East Street

Western corridor of Shenzhen Bay Park

Stretching 6.6 kilometers along the coast, the western section of Shenzhen Bay Park between the Houhai River and the Sea World has become a popular destination for pet owners looking for a social place for their furry friends. Waste disposal boxes and washing stations are conveniently located along the seaside promenade, making dog walking here a hassle-free experience without concerns about hygiene.

Add: Wanghai Road

G&G Creative Community

Known to many pet owners in Shekou, the G&G Creative Community is an exemplary pet-friendly neighborhood. It often hosts various pet-themed activities, such as markets selling pet food and products, pet exhibitions, and pet sports events. The community also boasts a number of coffee shops and restaurants that welcome pets.

Add: 9 Liyuan Road, Shekou

OCT-LOFT

A woman takes photos of her dog at a pet-friendly store in OCT-LOFT. 

Most restaurants and stores at OCT-LOFT are pet-friendly. Some coffee shops even provide pet drinking fountains and non-slip mats for their furry guests. At the Sunday pet market, visitors will find handmade pet snacks, pet portrait drawing service and DIY dog leashes, among other pet products for sale.

Sea World Gateway One

At the Sea World Gateway One shopping mall, pet-friendly elevators and pet-exclusive rest areas have been designated. Nearly half of the businesses in the mall offer pet-related services, such as clothing shops providing free drinking water for pets, and restaurants with pet-exclusive seating. A pet boutique on the second-floor features smart wearable devices for pets and a training corner for furry guests.

Add: 3 Gongye 3rd Road, Shekou

Coastal City

Although pets are allowed indoors at the Coastal City commercial center only when they are placed in a pet stroller, such carts and other pet-related tools are available for rent at the self-service center on the second floor, where pet owners can scan a QR code to complete the renting process on their own. The mall also provides items such as pet hats, leashes, pee pads and muzzles. Additionally, the mall boasts pet-dedicated restrooms and elevators.

Add: 33 Wenxin 5th Road

MixC World

The MixC World commercial complex has been rated one of the city’s top pet-friendly malls, where many rare dog breeds can be seen. Most pedestrian areas welcome leashed dogs, and some stores provide special drinking water and snacks for pets. Each floor of the complex has easy-to-find pet supply rental points, where rare strollers for large canines weighing up to 20 kilograms are also available, making pet access to the mall not only exclusive to small breeds.

Add: 9668 Shennan Boulevard

The pet-friendliness ecosystem of Nanshan goes beyond physical spaces. Pet-related mini programs and apps offer real-time information from 62 pet-friendly locations, ranging from veterinary hospitals with complete vaccinations to boutique homestays that allow pets, as well as gyms that permit dogs and hotpot restaurants that offer dog food. The digital services make traveling with pets easy and convenient.