Talent-themed greenway in Longhua

Shenzhen is renowned for an extensive network of greenways and hiking trails totaling more than 200 kilometers. Part of the network is the Talent Greenway (Rencai Greenway) in Longhua District, the country’s first green path themed around talent and civic life.

A section of the Talent Greenway in Longhua District. Photos from WeChat official account "ShenzhenStyle"

The gently graded, 8-kilometer trail starts at Shenzhen North Railway Station Central Park and climbs into wooded hills, linking viewpoints, interactive features and five themed stops. At a relaxed pace, a full loop takes roughly two hours, making it a good outdoor destination for families with young children and hiking beginners, ideal for strolling, casual cycling, dog walking and family outings.

A section of the Talent Greenway. 

As its name suggests, the Talent Greenway integrates workplace culture, lifelong learning and civic identity into its landscape design. The route connects five major spots — Qunxian (gathering of talents) Plaza, Qiuzhi (knowledge) Garden, Pinbo (striving) Ridge, Path of Dedication, and Butterfly Valley — each offering distinct scenery, installations and activities that reflect different stages of career life. 

Qunxian Plaza. 

The hike begins at Qunxian Plaza, where a winding “reform trail” marks milestones of Shenzhen’s reform and opening-up drive. Nearby is a multifunctional hub with an exhibition hall, a lecture room, meeting spaces, a book bar and a talent service desk that hosts regular events.

The Fenghuang (Phoenix) tree standing at the center of Qiuzhi Garden. 

At the center of Qiuzhi Garden stands a flourishing Fenghuang (Phoenix) tree, the Tree of Wisdom, surrounded by benches inscribed with university and discipline names. A Nature Education Center runs science programs and themed workshops, and a children’s play area with slides and climbing features makes the garden family-friendly.

Continuing upward, Pinbo Ridge is built along a gentle cliffside slope, and features stone installations engraved with inspirational quotes chronicling key moments of Shenzhen’s history.

A resting point along the greenway. 

Winding through forested valleys, Path of Dedication is lined with sculptures representing different professions to honor everyday contributors. Terminus of the greenway, the Butterfly Valley follows a stream planted with symbolic species.

The greenway links directly to the 170,000-square-meter Shenzhen North Railway Station Central Park, which is easily reached by Metro. The park itself is worth exploring: highlights include a 100-meter skywalk with 360° views, an arced flower waterfall, the blue-themed “10th Planet” children’s playground, and the Cloudtop Book Bar — a cloud-shaped reading nook atop the hill where visitors can relax with coffee and views of the station.

Metro: Lines 4,5 and 6 to Shenzhen North Station (深圳北站), Exit A and walk through the West Square

Tips: 

1. Wear long sleeves and use mosquito repellent;

2. Drinking-water points are provided along the greenway, or bring your own water as there are no convenience stores on the route;

3. Restrooms are available along the trail.