SHENZHEN might be the world’s youngest megacity, but it didn’t materialize from thin air as some would have you believe. This itinerary explores Shenzhen’s sometimes hidden historical corners and the many rich layers that helped make the city what it is today.

Chiwan Tianhou Temple

Shekou, at the southernmost tip of Nanshan, has some fascinating historic nuggets well worth tracking down. This rebuilt temple complex is dedicated to Tianhou, the Taoist goddess of seafarers. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it had the honor of hosting Zheng He off on one of his legendary treasure voyages.

Quick tip: From Chiwan Metro Station (赤湾站), a set of steps near the Metro exit takes you up to the main road and saves a lot of walking. However, it might be more convenient to get a taxi from Shekou Sea World instead.

Chiwan Left Fort

A short cab ride from the temple is this hilltop gun emplacement buried in tropical foliage and dating back to the Opium Wars. The cannon was installed here to guard over the entrance of the pearl river and access to Guangzhou (back then known as Canton).

Quick Tip: If you’ve got the Didi app, it might be a good idea to order a taxi to drive up to the fort and take you to the next stop on the itinerary.

Tomb of Song Shaodi

This unassuming hillside tomb, facing the sea but obscured behind apartment buildings, claims to be the final resting place of Zhao Bing, the last emperor of the Song Dynasty (960-1276) and just 7 years old when he met his end. Whether or not his remains really lie here, locals come to pray for their own children on certain auspicious days.

Nantou Ancient Town

A walled garrison settlement during the Ming Dynasty, Nantou served as the administrative center of the region for centuries and morphed into an urban village, leading to the peculiar melange of architectural eras on show today. Look closely and you’ll find old stone gates and several restored historic buildings, including a clan guildhall and temple.

Shenzhen Museum

The “Ancient Shenzhen” gallery at the city’s premier museum goes into considerable detail on the history of Nantou Ancient Town, along with a range of historical exhibits taking you from prehistory right the way up to the 1950s. The history and customs of Shenzhen’s influential Hakka settlers are also covered through engaging and lifelike dioramas.