When you think of one of China’s strongest economically functioning cities, your immediate thought certainly is not its greenery. And yet, I think Shenzhen has the best city parks that I have ever seen on my travels- a bold statement, I know. Beautiful lakes, skyline promenades, peaceful pagodas, fresh orange juice vending machines and gardening that puts British estates to shame. Shenzhen really have their park landscaping down. And, not to mention, all of this cool nature clashes with its surroundings: the city’s impressive skyline, including the world’s fourth tallest building, the Ping An Finance Centre. If you’re visiting Shenzhen, you’ve got to get yourself to one of these parks. Sorry London, but Hyde Park ain’t got nothin’ on this.
Xiangmi Park
My personal favourite, probably partially due to the fact that it’s only a five minute cycle from my apartment. But, for reals, it is beautiful. My favourite part is the cool skyline walkway- the park essentially has two levels. The first, is filled with gorgeous landscaped flowers, trees and lakes, perfect for winding down the day with a picnic and a book.The second is for when you’re feeling like fast forwarding twenty years in the future. The futuristic feel of a higher walkway overlooks the equally forward=thinking skyline behind a sea of trees. A m a z i n g.
Qiaoxiang Exit B
Shenzhen International Flower and Garden Park
This option is great for hikers and culture seekers alike. The park sprawls a huge area, and a day could easily be consumed by exploring everything that it has to offer. The landscaping is much more wild than Xiangmi Park, with primarily woodland to explore. There are some hidden gems here, too. You can take a sweaty uphill hike to a pretty pagoda that overlooks Futian, leisurely stroll through traditional Chinese gardens and sculpture parks or snap some photos in the flower gardens.
Qiaocheng East, Exit A
Shenzhen Central Park
Hellooooo sporty people, this park is for you. If you’re a cyclist, great. This is one of the few parks in Shenzhen that allows cyclists, with designated cycle routes throughout. If you’re more into ball sports, it boasts a tonne of basketball, football and table tennis courts. These are super popular with the locals on the weekends.
Alternatively, blend in with the locals and tie your hammock up to one of the many trees in the park, and snooze the afternoon away.
Huaqiang North, Exit C
Lianhuashan Park
Another one of my favourites- a great stop on a tour of Shenzhen, Lianhuashan not only highlights the city’s beauty, but also some cool, Chinese hobbies.
The main entrance to the park is a sight in itself. After you reach the top of the steps from Children’s Palace Station, you are treated to a pretty sweet skyline view of central Shenzhen. Walk a few minuites and you’ll find yourself in a sea of locals, all better at flying kites than you. From little foam toy glider planes, to parachute-style kites bigger than my apartment, Shenzhen locals go in on their kite time. A nearby plaque reminds us that kite flying gives us a nostalgia for the freedom and pleasure that youth brings.
There’s also a sweaty uphill hike to a cool statue of Deng Xiaoping, Shenzhen’s favourite man (he did pretty much create the city, to be fair), that offers even more spectacular views of Futian. Another interesting highlight is the area of the park that acts as a venue for match making- local parents stop by to match make for their sons and daughters. Definitely worth a visit if you are single….
Children’s Palace, Exit F1/F2
Lizhi Park
One for our Luohu dwellers, Lizhi Park is somewhat reminiscent of European parks. This is probably because it has a big ass lake with peddle boats on- they naturally conjure up visions of Regent’s Park for me. I guess this vision can easily be ignored when you consider the traditional style bridges that surround these lakes.
Another great place to chill out on a sunny day, Lizhi park is a great option for lazy days and quiet strolls in the park.
Grand Theatre, Exit B
Shenzhen Bay Park
Maybe the most show-stopping, Shenzhen Bay Park, as the name suggests, offers a long coastal strip that gives us some pretty sweet views of Shenzhen Bay and the city’s skyline. The entire bay is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grassland. Big love for chillin’ in a pretty park with the sea and city in view. You can also hike and cycle the length of the park.
Shenzhen Bay Park
So yeah, Shenzhen have their green areas down. Not to mention, I have barely scratched the surface here! If you find yourself in Shenzhen, get yourself down to one of these nature bubbles.
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