Hikers warned off Shenzhen's Niunaipai

A video showing people climbing cliff faces along Niunaipai cliff, an undeveloped coastal stretch between Xichong Beach and Dalugang on Shenzhen’s Dapeng Peninsula, has gone viral, sparking serious concerns from authorities and outdoor experts.

A video of people climbing the cliffs at Niunaipai in Dapeng has gone viral online. sznews.com

Officials from the Nanao Subdistrict emergency office confirmed yesterday they are monitoring the situation.Officials confirmed the incident occurred in an undeveloped area that is not open to the public, and described the behavior as highly dangerous. In response, the local office will increase public safety messaging at access points near Niunaipai and begin registering individuals entering the area.

Niunaipai cliff, which gets its name from the foamy white waves crashing against the rocks — resembling milk in appearance — is increasingly popular among hikers and social media users. However, this popularity has brought danger. Two separate incidents involving falls from cliffs or into the sea have already occurred along this coastline in 2025, according to media reports.

Niunaipai is named for the milky-white sea spray created by waves crashing against the rocks along the coastline between Xichong Beach and Dalugang in Dapeng.  File photos

'Don’t hike blindly'

Peng Xinyuan, a seasoned hiker with over 20 years of experience and a member of the Shenzhen Public Rescue Team, expressed growing concern about people visiting Niunaipai solely to capture viral content on social media.

“I’m disturbed by how some hikers casually post so-called guides, turning hazardous and undeveloped trails into trending routes,” Peng said. “This encourages people with no outdoor experience to take dangerous risks. It not only puts lives at stake but also consumes valuable rescue resources.”

He added that Shenzhen — especially Dapeng — is home to some of China’s best natural outdoor areas.“It’s heartbreaking when a place as beautiful as this is notice because of tragic accidents. That kind of notoriety is harmful and unnecessary.”

Environmental risk and overexposure

Niunaipai cliff lies within a protected nature reserve, and increased foot traffic threatens the fragile ecosystem.

“These are rare natural resources,” Peng said. “Once they’re damaged, it’s extremely difficult to restore them. Globally, many famous hiking trails regulate visitor numbers to protect their environments, and we need to take a similar approach.”

Warning signs can bee seen on the foot of the cliff, which are sometimes ignored by venturers.

Peng urged outdoor enthusiasts to recognize their own limits and adopt a gradual approach to more challenging trails. He recommended established routes like the Kunpeng Trail, a well-developed hiking path in Shenzhen designed with safety in mind.

He also called for collaborative efforts to plan, manage, and protect Dapeng’s natural assets. “If done properly, we can offer people safe and enriching outdoor experiences. That also supports cultural tourism and economic development in the region.”

Safety tips for outdoor explorers:

Avoid undeveloped, unmarked routes.

Always check terrain and weather conditions.

Go with experienced companions and proper gear.

Respect protected areas and follow local guidance.

Contact emergency services in case of danger.