Nanshan Travel Guide

Discover the culture, natural beauty, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, and more in Nanshan, Shenzhen. Plan your trip with our detailed itinerary, transportation options, and recommendations for places to stay and things to do. Learn about local customs, safety and health, and nearby destinations to explore.


Introduction to Nanshan

Nanshan is a district located in the western part of Shenzhen, in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong province in southern China. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its booming technology industry, as well as its beautiful parks, cultural landmarks, and delicious food. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, Nanshan has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Nanshan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Window of the World: An amusement park that features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the world.
  • Tanglangshan Country Park: A natural oasis with scenic trails and breathtaking views of the city.
  • Nanshan Museum: A modern museum showcasing the history and culture of Nanshan district.
  • Chiwan Tin Hau Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea, with beautiful architecture and artwork.
  • Keyuan Garden: A classic Chinese garden with traditional architecture, tea pavilions, and fish ponds.

Natural Attractions of Nanshan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nanshan Park: A park with stunning views of the city and the sea, hiking trails, and a beautiful pagoda.
  • Shenzhen Safari Park: A zoo where visitors can see lions, tigers, elephants, and other animals up close.
  • Nanshan Mountain: A mountain with hiking trails, beautiful temples, and stunning views of the city.
  • Lixiang Park: A park with serene lakes, beautiful gardens, and a colorful light show at night.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nanshan

Nanshan is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual biker, there are plenty of routes to explore. Some popular hiking and biking trails include:

  • Nanshan Mountain Trail: A challenging hike with stunning views of the city and the sea.
  • Tanglangshan Country Park Trail: A scenic hike through lush forests and towering mountains.
  • Shenzhen Bay Park Trail: A flat and easy bike ride along the coast, with beautiful views of the sea and the skyline.

Best Things to Do in Nanshan: Activities and Tours

  • Explore the Technology Hub: Visit the headquarters of tech giants like Tencent and Huawei, and see the latest innovations in technology.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Sample delicious Cantonese and Sichuanese dishes at local restaurants and street vendors.
  • Take a Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride around Shenzhen Bay, and see the city from a different perspective.
  • Watch a Light Show: See the famous “Window of the World” light up at night with colorful displays and music.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nanshan

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in at Hotel

Day 2: Explore the Technology Hub

Day 3: Visit Museums and Historical Places

Day 4: Hiking/Biking in Nanshan

Day 5: Try Local Cuisine and Shop for Souvenirs

Day 6: Take a Boat Ride and Watch a Light Show

Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Nanshan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shrimp Dumplings: A Cantonese specialty made with fresh shrimp and a thin, delicate wrapper.
  • Sichuan Hot Pot: A spicy and flavorful soup filled with meat, vegetables, and noodles.
  • Roast Goose: A crispy and succulent roast goose with a flavorful glaze.
  • Wonton Noodle Soup: A comforting and satisfying soup with tender wontons and chewy noodles.
  • Egg Tarts: A sweet and flaky pastry with a smooth and creamy egg custard filling.

Local Beverages

  • Tea: China is known for its many varieties of tea, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and more.
  • Chinese Wine: Try a glass of Baijiu or Rice Wine, popular Chinese alcoholic beverages.
  • Fruit Juice: Nanshan is known for its fresh and delicious fruit juices made from local fruits like lychees, oranges, and mangos.

Where to Stay in Nanshan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Shangri-La Hotel Shenzhen: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city and the sea.
  • Clifford Hotel: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a swimming pool.
  • Yesinn Hostel Nanshan: A budget-friendly hostel with clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Home Inn Plus Shenzhen Nanshan Yitiansan Road: A convenient and comfortable hotel with free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

What to Buy in Nanshan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tea leaves and teapots: Take home some of China’s finest teas and traditional teapots.
  • Silk scarves and clothing: Buy some beautiful silk scarves or clothing made from high-quality silk.
  • Jade and pearls: Shop for beautiful jade jewelry and high-quality freshwater pearls.
  • Chinese calligraphy and artwork: Buy some beautiful Chinese calligraphy or artwork to decorate your home.

Local Culture and Customs of Nanshan

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, including Shenzhen. Cantonese is also widely spoken.
  • Etiquette: It is important to show respect for elders and authority figures, and to avoid public displays of affection.
  • Customs: Many Chinese customs and traditions revolve around family and respect for ancestors. Respect for the elderly is also an important aspect of Chinese culture.

Best Time to Visit Nanshan

The best time to visit Nanshan is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and damp.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nanshan

Do:

  • Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Try the local cuisine and street food.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t discuss political topics or criticize the Chinese government.
  • Don’t take photos of military or government installations.
  • Don’t litter or vandalize public property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nanshan

Shenzhen is a relatively safe city, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Avoid areas with a high crime rate, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Health in Nanshan

Make sure to get vaccinated before traveling to China, and take precautions to avoid getting sick. Only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled, and avoid raw or undercooked food.

Getting to Nanshan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nanshan

  • Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): This is the main airport serving Shenzhen and is located about 15 km from Nanshan district.

Bus Stations Near Nanshan

  • Shenzhen North Bus Station: This is the main bus station in Shenzhen and has frequent buses to and from other cities in China.

Other Options

  • Metro: Shenzhen has an extensive metro system with several lines that reach Nanshan district.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Shenzhen, but make sure to only use licensed taxis.

How to Get Around in Nanshan

The best way to get around Nanshan is by public transportation, including the metro, buses, and taxis. Biking and walking are also good options for exploring the city.

Where to Go Next from Nanshan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Hong Kong: Take a ferry or train to visit this bustling metropolis.
  • Macau: Visit this former Portuguese colony for its unique blend of European and Chinese culture.
  • Guangzhou: Visit this historic city known for its delicious food and beautiful temples.

Conclusion

Nanshan is a beautiful and exciting destination in southern China, with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in technology, history, nature, or food, Nanshan has it all. Plan your trip today and experience the best of this vibrant neighborhood.

Miniature versions of Chinese scenery at Splendid China Miniature versions of Chinese scenery at Splendid China A Chiwan minibus A Chiwan minibus Part of Tianhou Temple Part of Tianhou Temple Nantou Ancient City gate Nantou Ancient City gate The ''Ming Hua'' ship, now a hotel complex at Shekou Sea World surrounded by all the international restaurants a homesick traveler could want The ''Ming Hua'' ship, now a hotel complex at Shekou Sea World surrounded by all the international restaurants a homesick traveler could want Nightly show, Window of the World Nightly show, Window of the World View towards central Shenzhen from the top of Tanglang Mountain View towards central Shenzhen from the top of Tanglang Mountain A sculpture at Shenzhen Bay Park A sculpture at Shenzhen Bay Park Coastal City Coastal City Performance at Splendid China Performance at Splendid China