Places to explore in Guangming

Speaking of Guangming, the youngest district in northwestern Shenzhen, locals immediately associate it with the Guangming Farm and its roasted pigeons and diary products.

However, Guangming has much more to offer, including new internet sensations like the Hongqiao Park and the Guangming Culture and Art Center, which have attracted large crowds.

Hongqiao Park

The Hongqiao Park is named after the Hongqiao Bridge, which resembles a sleek red ribbon weaving through woods and the mountains when viewed from above.

As the second-largest steel structure in the country, the five-meter-wide Hongqiao Bridge stretches four kilometers, linking the Dadingling Greenway at its east end and with the Xincheng Park at the west end. Built to follow the contour of the mountains, the bridge has an average height of eight meters and features access point every few hundreds meters, allowing visitors to circle up the stairs for a panoramic view of the bridge.

An aerial view of the Hongqiao Bridge inside the Hongqiao Park. Photos by SD-Agencies

The Hongqiao Park covers an area of 4.1 square kilometers, with 91.8% of its total area covered by woods and forests, creating a vast sanctuary free from urban hustle and bustle.

The park has two observation towers, offering sweeping views of Guangming District.

The Yuezai Courtyard is a 24-hour art station in the park that opened to the public in May. It features a small exhibition space, a coffee room, a leisure tea house and a simple rest area.

Add: Intersection of Kelin Road and Chalin Road, Guangming District

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station, Exit B, then take a taxi

Dadingling Greenway

Nestled within the Dadingling Forest Park, the Dadingling Greenway extends from Longhua District to Bao’an District, spanning a total length of 6.4 kilometers.

An aerial view of the Dadingling Greenway.

Dubbed Shenzhen’s most beautiful mountain-lake greenway, it seamlessly integrates ecology, health, creativity and environmental technology. The path of the Dadingling Greenway is flat and wide, making it ideal for beginners. It is also a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Add: Bishui Road, Jingkou Community, Guangming District

Metro: Line 6 to Guangming Street Station, Exit B, then take a taxi

Guangming Culture and Art Center

With a total floor area of 130,000 square meters, the Guangming Culture and Art Center is the largest art infrastructure in northern Shenzhen. The center is affectionately known as the “Eye of Guangming” due to its distinctive half-circular entrance, which creates a large circle with its reflection on the ground, resembling a big eye from a distance.

The entrance of the Guangming Culture and Art Center. 

The Guangming Culture and Art Center houses a performing arts center, a gallery, a library, an urban planning and exhibition hall and an art area.

Add: The intersection of Chuangtou Road and Guanguang Road, Guangming District

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station, Exit B, then walk for about 10 minutes

Zuo’an Science & Technology Park

The Zuo’an Science and Technology Park is developed through the ecological restoration and renovation of the former industrial area along the Maozhou River. Featuring colorful corridors and bridges, a sci-tech exhibition hall, artificial ponds and glasshouses, the park serves as a scenic attraction by the waterway, and is an ideal location for photography enthusiasts.

Zuo’an Science and Technology Park.

Its ponds, varying in sizes and characterized by clear, shallow water, provide a perfect setting for children to enjoy water play and catch fish. There are also aerial walkways and musical fountains to enhance the visitor experience.

Add: North of the intersection of Minsheng Boulevard and Gongchang Road, Guangming District

Metro: Line 6 to Honghuashan Station, Exit A1, then walk for about 15 minutes

Honghua Mountain Park

In Shenzhen, there is a park known as the real-life version of a summer anime created by Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki: the Honghua Mountain Park in Guangming District.

Upon entering the park through the southern entrance, visitors will encounter a straight boulevard, leading to a staircase at the end. Walking up the staircase, flanked by tall trees, one is greeted by the Minghe Tower, a 33-meter-tall structure designed in the architectural style of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

The Minghe Tower in the Honghua Mountain Park greets visitors. 

The park is particularly renowned for its Muhly grass field at the southeastern entrance. From mid-September to mid-November, the field blossoms into a stunning pink hue as the Muhly grass flowers reach their peak. Between the southern entrance and the Muhly grass field, there is a large hillside lawn perfect for picnicking and kite flying .

Add: 88 Zhenming Road, Guangming District

Metro: Line 6 to Honghuashan Station , Exit C