Shenzhen is known for its diverse landscapes abundant in mountains, beaches, and parks, which open up vast opportunities for hiking and cycling amidst refreshing scenery. Here we introduce to readers seven cycling trails that are either challenging or leisurely, but with stunning views nevertheless.
1
OCT Greenway The 16-km-long OCT Greenway is the first community cycling trail in China. Separate from the motor vehicle lane and pedestrian lane, the trail, with large trees on both sides to offer cooling shades on sunny days, is safe and easy to conquer even for a newbie. The route passes Portofino apartments, the Swan Lake, O•POWER culture and arts center, Yanhanshan Country Park, and OCT-LOFT, until it arrives at OCT Ecological Plaza. A man rides along the OCT Greenway in Nanshan District. Liu Xudong Transport: Metro Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit J; then walk 1.1 km
2
Taojin Hill Greenway The greenway in Luohu District starts at the Cuihu community park, passes Buxin Hill and a former patrol route for border guards, and ends at Shawan Road, extending about 7 kilometers. Sitting along the west side of Shenzhen Reservoir, the greenway has 13 lookouts for rest and enjoying the view. Tip: The greenway opens between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. E-bikes and shared bikes are prohibited. Transport: Metro Line 5 to Buxin Station (布心站), Exit D; then walk 2 km
3
Futian River Greenway The 6.1-km trail starts from Beihuan Boulevard in the north and ends at Binhe Road in the south. It connects to Bijia Mountain Park and Shenzhen Central Park. It is also an important ecological landscape corridor, featuring rippling waves, grass and trees, birds and flowers. Not challenging at all, the trail is a great choice for hiking and cycling. A woman rides along the Futian River Greenway. Photo from official WeChat account "ShenzhenLOOK" Transport: Metro Line 2 to Gangxia North Station (岗厦北站), Exit No. 15
4
Yantian-Dameisha Greenway The 4.1-km greenway takes about one hour to cycle through, with upward slopes challenging at times. It starts at Yantian Seafood Street, passes through Dameisha boardwalk and Yuehai Library, and arrives at Dameisha Beach Park. About 10 minutes into the journey, the cyclist will meet their biggest challenge in the form of a series of steep slopes. After that, it’s all about savoring the refreshing sea breeze and breathtaking sea view. The sea view along the Yantian-Dameisha Greenway. Liu Xudong Transport: Metro Line 8 to Yantianxu Station (盐田墟站), Exit B
5
Yinhu Hill Park Located in the heartland of Shenzhen and covering an area of approximately 12 square kilometers, the park features a peak at 445 meters above sea level. With sections of the trail rather steep, the cycling trail that spirals to the hilltop amid forests can be a bit daunting for rookies. But those who can ascend to the top will certainly be rewarded by the refreshing air and a panoramic of the city center. Apart from cycling, people can opt for hiking up the stairs to the hilltop. There is also a lookout halfway up, where people can reach after 30 minutes’ hiking and take a breath. Transport: Metro Line 6 to Yinhu Station (银湖站), Exit D; then walk 1.6 km
6
Dasha River Ecological Corridor Situated at the heartland of downtown Nanshan District, the 13.7-km corridor extends from the Changlingpi Reservoir, Dasha River to the estuary of Shenzhen Bay. Cyclists are recommended to begin their trip in the middle of the corridor. An aerial view of a section of the Dasha River Ecological Corridor. Photo from official WeChat account "ShenzhenLOOK" Along the way, they can enjoy the sceneries of Xili Reservoir, Jiuxiangling Wetland Park, Tanglang Mountain Park, Dasha River Park, and the Serpentine Bookhouse, until they arrive at Shenzhen Bay Park. Tip: Bikes are forbidden to enter Shenzhen Bay Park on weekends and holidays. Transport: Metro Line 7 to Xili Lake Station (西丽湖站), Exit B; then walk 1.5 km
7
Shenzhen Bay Greenway Connecting theme parks, docks, squares and featured attractions, the 15-km greenway, with great views of the sea and the city, has separate hiking and cycling lanes. Cyclists can start at the sports-themed Haifeng Sports Park, and pass through Guanqiao Park, Wanyuegu Park, Liuhuashan Park, skating-themed Zhuifeng Park, until they arrive at the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park. Cycling the other way round to Shenzhen Bay Park to enjoy the sunset can be a highlight of the trip. Tip: Bikes are forbidden from certain areas of the parks between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Transport: Metro Line 2 to Wanxia Station (湾厦站), Exit D; then walk 1.2 km
