Beer, anime, nature, library... new places to check out in Luohu

As one of Shenzhen’s oldest districts, Luohu combines historical landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and modern development. Recently, five stunning new attractions opened, bringing fresh ways for the old and the new to connect.

Huguang Tower, a landmark of the newly opened Shenzhen Reservoir Greenway (Phase II) in Luohu District. File photos

Huguang Tower 湖光塔

Huguang Tower, inspired by the Chinese idiom “湖光山色” (sparkling lake and mountain scenery), is a landmark of the newly opened Shenzhen Reservoir Greenway (Phase II). Visitors can ascend the tower by elevator or spiral staircase to enjoy panoramic views of the reservoir. 

From the top, the greenway unfurls like a ribbon, the reservoir’s water gleams like a mirror, and distant mountains complement the city skyline. At night, the tower’s lighting enhances the cityscape.

Huguang Tower

Huguang Tower lights up the night.

The 2.2-kilometer Shenzhen Reservoir Greenway (Phase II) begins at the southern end of the Wutong Greenway (梧桐绿道), passes through Donghu Park (东湖公园), the right auxiliary dam of Shenzhen Reservoir, and Donghu Hotel, connects to Cuihu Cultural and Sports Park (翠湖文体公园), and finally links with the Taojin Hill Greenway (淘金山绿道), creating a seamless and comfortable greenway network.

Several spots along the greenway and in Cuihu Cultural and Sports Park are equipped with bike rental stations, so visitors can cycle in nature. On an elevated walkway linking Liancui Bridge (连翠桥) in Cuihu Cultural and Sports Park, you can admire mist-shrouded Wutong Mountain and the shimmering reservoir, taking in the area’s “mountains, waters, and city” ecological charm.

An aerial view of Cuihu Cultural and Sports Park.

A walkway in Cuihu Cultural and Sports Park.

Venue: Huguang Tower, Shawan Road, Luohu District  (罗湖区沙湾路湖光塔) 

Metro: Line 5 or 7 to Tai’an Station (太安站), then walk east along Buxin Road (布心路) and turn north onto Shawan Road. (The tower can also be accessed from the south gate of Cuihu Cultural and Sports Park or the west gate of Donghu Park.)

NWH Dimension 9 新白马·次元9号

Dongmen, with roots dating to the mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), has taken on a new look in recent years, and NWH Dimension 9 is injecting youth and energy into this historic commercial area.

Cosplayers at NWH Dimension 9.

With a floor area of 17,000 square meters, NWH Dimension 9 was renovated from the decades-old New Baima Wholesale Market (新白马批发市场). The new cultural hub blends anime, manga, guofeng (contemporary design with traditional Chinese elements), trendy merchandise, and cultural products. 

NWH Dimension 9 in Dongmen.

Visitors crowd around claw machines at NWH Dimension 9.

Shops offer immersive experiences, limited-edition goods, 2D-culture workshops, idol interactions, and themed dining, so visitors can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities. Through Jan. 27, during its trial opening, the venue is hosting a series of events.

Venue: NWH Dimension 9, Dongmen, Luohu District (新白马·次元9号）

Metro: Line 1 or 3 to Laojie Station (老街站), Exit C; or Line 5 to Dongmen Station (东门站), Exit A

Jinpi Plaza 1985 金啤广场1985 

In 2023, the old Kingway Brewery was transformed into Jinpi Fang, a cultural and artistic block that blends brewery industrial heritage with creative art spaces. Adjacent to it, Jinpi Plaza 1985 recently opened, offering fresh brews, fine dining, trendy stores, and games.

Jinpi Plaza 1985.

The Beer Exchange at Jinpi Plaza 1985.

Food stalls at Jinpi Plaza 1985 are packed with diners.

At the Beer Exchange (啤酒交易所), you can sample craft beers in a variety of flavors; elsewhere in the plaza enjoy live music, gourmet snacks from around the country, or health-conscious soups, desserts, tea, and coffee.

Venue: Jinpi Plaza 1985, 62 Dongchang Road, Luohu District (金啤广场1985)

Metro: Line 5 to Buxin Station (布心站), Exit B

Luohu Library and Luohu Youth Palace 罗湖区图书馆和罗湖青少年宫

The new Luohu Library had a trial opening on Jan. 1 and is currently open on levels 1-6. Readers can use 24-hour book lending/return machines, explore various reading and borrowing areas, and observe the library’s intelligent book-sorting and retrieval system.

The new Luohu Library and Luohu Youth Palace.

During the trial period, the library is hosting a range of interactive events — from book-swapping fairs to intangible cultural heritage workshops — offering extra entertainment and learning opportunities.

To visit, follow the official WeChat account “罗湖发布” (ID: newluoohu), send the message “图书馆,” then click “点击预约罗湖区图书馆新馆” to make a reservation.

The new Luohu Library’s intelligent book-sorting and retrieval system.

A glance at the new Luohu Library.

Families read and relax at Luohu Library.

The 21-storey library occupies one tower of a twin building; the adjacent tower houses the 17-storey Luohu Youth Palace. The youth palace is currently open only on the ground plaza and a theater. When fully open, it will feature a 500-seat theater, a 300-seat theater, music and dance studios, visual arts and science training rooms, and multiple sports halls.

Venue: Luohu Library and Luohu Youth Palace, 1016 Yijing Road, Luohu District (罗湖区图书馆); (罗湖青少年宫)

Metro: Line 5 to Yijing Station (怡景站), Exit C

Xiaokeng Reservoir 小坑水库

Nestled on Yinhu Mountain (银湖山), Xiaokeng Reservoir is both an urban oasis and a water-resources education base. Visitors can enjoy the scenic landscape, walk or cycle along a 1.5-kilometer greenway, and interact with a variety of hands-on installations. Expansive lawns and a waterfront boardwalk create a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Views of Xiaokeng Reservoir.

Following ecological restoration and facility upgrades, the reservoir area displays ancient and modern irrigation and water-lifting devices — from waterwheels to hydraulic turbines — alongside exhibits on historic water projects such as the Lingqu Canal (214 B.C.), ancient straw-wrapped silt-block techniques, the Three Gorges Dam, and Roman aqueducts. 

A garden inspired by a Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) water gate.

These features let visitors learn about water management through play while appreciating the ingenuity of past civilizations.

Venue: Xiaokeng Reservoir, Yinhu Mountain, Luohu District (罗湖区小坑水库)

Metro: Line 14 to Luohu North Station (罗湖北站), Exit F, then take a taxi