Stroll, sip, relax: Greenway walks and cozy cafés at Wutong Mountain

Boasting more than 200 kilometers of hiking trails across the city, Shenzhen offers outdoor options in varying degrees of difficulties to suit all levels of enthusiasts. The Zhengkeng waterside greenway at the foot of the Wutong Mountain in Luohu District, recently added to the city’s greenway network, makes a perfect weekend escape from the October heat for those who want to get close to nature without the hustle and bustle.

A waterfall greets visitors along the Zhengkeng greenway. File photos

Spanning 3.67 kilometers in length, the greenway connects Dawang Village in the south with Benhuan Academy in the north, and is the first ecological country greenway in Luohu District. The entire route is mostly flat with virtually no uphill stretches, making it an easy, effortless walk of about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.

The 3.67-kilometer Zhengkeng greenway connects Dawang Village in the south with Benhuan Academy in the north. 

The northern half of the greenway features a distinctive white elevated wooden boardwalk that looks like a ribbon floating above the stream. Upstream from the boardwalk, a waterfall adds cooling, refreshing sounds to the setting.

The Phoenix Valley garden houses hundreds of potted plants.

At the northernmost end of the open-loop greenway, hikers reach a tranquil garden a few steps past the academy entrance. Named Phoenix Valley, the garden houses hundreds of potted plants, and serves as the cultivation base for the Shenzhen Bonsai Association. A pavilion at its center provides a calm spot to rest after a stroll. The garden is open for public visits free of charge.

Sitting at the foot of Wutong Mountain, three roomy, relaxed cafés along the greenway offer great spots for hikers to unwind after an afternoon stroll. These quiet, nature-embracing venues are also well worth a detour for coffee lovers.

Shanxi Garden

Shanxi Garden

Tucked on the left side of the main road before entering the greenway, Shanxi Garden can be easy to miss. Watch for the unassuming storefront. A small path leads into an open, verdant courtyard where most seating is outdoors against a forested backdrop. The seats closest to the trees are especially popular. The outdoor area is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Fourth Space Café

A corner of the Fourth Space Café.

The Fourth Space Café feels like a secluded art house. Upon entering, visitors encounter numerous paintings, pottery and carefully arranged furniture that shows the owner’s attention to the detail.

Add: 102 Hall A, Dawang Culture Highland, Luohu District

Opening hours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hins Café

About a five-minute walk from the greenway exit, Hins is a Korean-style corner café housed in a white, standalone building. Spanning two floors with large glass windows, it offers a minimalist, airy interior. Sit by the glass windows, and the everyday scenes outside become a series of moving pictures framed by the window.

Add: 565 Dawang Village, Luohu District

Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.