Shekou

Ganken Ancient Town

Ganken, one of the “Top Ten Ancient Hakka Villages in Shenzhen”, was once a settlement of Hakka people and is home to many historic buildings. These include Nanxiang Tower, which has weathered more than 120 years, and the Zhuangyuan Mansion built during the Yongzheng era, as well as watchtowers, fortified dwellings, arcade buildings and stilt houses. Together with century-old Hakka terrace houses, these structures offer a window into the ancient Hakka culture.

Admission to the Huang Zhi Museum at Fenghuang Valley: ¥26 · 0.5–1 day

Nan'ao (Dapeng Peninsula)

Perhaps you've seen the seascapes of Sanya, or even Hawaii, but that won't stop you from discovering Nan'ao's raw, down-to-earth sea. Here you'll also find the Dongxichong coastline, which fellow travellers call “the most classic coastal hiking route”. Beginner hikers can give it a try. Besides the thrill of walking the shoreline, you'll enjoy views of Dongxichong Beach. There are no elaborate amusement facilities here, but the sea shows its natural, unspoiled character, making it ideal for families of all ages and for couples. After a day of play, sitting down for a drink, or inviting friends for a card game with the sea view, is pure bliss. Also, the most popular thing to do in Nan'ao is eat seafood on the floating fish rafts (渔排), which are like open-air seafood stalls bobbing on the water.

1–2 days

Dongchong and Xichong Beaches

Dongchong and Xichong are natural beaches in the southeast of Nan'ao Subdistrict, on the edge of the Dapeng Peninsula. What makes them most tempting are the shells: countless colourful shells dot the wide stretches of sand. In addition, Dongchong is a great place to catch the first rays of sunshine in Shenzhen.

Wutong Mountain Scenic Area

Wutong Mountain's main highlights are its two main peaks, Da Wutong and Xiao Wutong. The mountain's most beautiful sight is the mist drifting in from the sea. Because the summit is often wrapped in clouds, it is also known as “Wutong Shrouded in Mist” (雾锁梧桐). The scenic area also includes Xianhu Botanical Garden and Hongfa Temple.

Free; ¥80; ¥15; ¥240 (including Ocean Kingdom); Free; Free · 0.5–1 day; 2–3 hours

Dapeng Fortress

Dapeng Fortress was a coastal defence stronghold in southern China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it still preserves its charming old city gates, watchtowers, streets and residences. Shenzhen's nickname, “Peng City” (鹏城), comes from here. During the Ming dynasty, the fortress produced many famous generals, such as Wulüe General Liu Zhong and the Lai family's “five generals across three generations”, earning it the nickname “Village of Generals”. Visitors can see many former generals' residences as well as relics related to coastal defence.

Free · 2–3 hours

Xiaomeisha Seaside Park

Often called the “Hawaii of the East.” The beach curves like a crescent moon set between blue sky and emerald waves, with an elegant, refined charm. Generous nature has made it an ideal seaside resort for city dwellers. At night, a large open-air barbecue square operates, and visitors can also camp here, enjoying the cool sea breeze and watching the sunrise over the sea the next morning.

¥50; Ocean World ¥170 · 1–2 days