MANY parks in Shenzhen feature viewing platforms, either built on hills or elevated above ground level, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the scenery or simply savor a cup of coffee. These platforms, with their sleek designs and nestled amid lush greenery, provide perfect backdrops for photography. Additionally, there are several accessible hills ideal for easy hiking and landscape viewing.

Wutong Pavilion 梧桐亭

Inspired by the delicate structure of a dandelion, Wutong Pavilion is a peaceful retreat where visitors can savor coffee or immerse themselves in books. The pavilion provides stunning photo opportunities framed by sky, sea, Wutong Mountain, and Yantian Port.

Metro: Line 8 to Haishan Station (海山站), Exit B. Then walk south along Haishan Road and take the shuttle bus named “山海专线” to the “梧桐山森林会客厅” stop. From there, a short walk leads to Wutong Pavilion.

Guangming Science Park 科学公园

The Science Summit (科学顶) in Guangming Science Park stands out like a cosmic UFO in the Chaishan Hill forest. Featuring an open-air design with a circular walkway, it offers visitors a stunning 360-degree view of the cityscape, the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum, and the Sun Yat-sen University Shenzhen Campus. Some sections of the walkway are adorned with mirrored glass, reflecting the picturesque sky.

Metro: Line 6 to Science Park Station (科学公园站), Exit A

Yunhai Park 云海公园

Nestled among clouds, mist, forests, and mountains, Yunhai Park lies south of Meishajian Mountain and Sanzhoutang Reservoir in Yantian District. Its 4,000-square-meter grassland is perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. The park’s cruise ship-shaped Yunhai Forest Service Station (云海森林服务站) is a striking sight.

From its balconies, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Yantian Port while sipping coffee or enjoy reading.

Metro: Line 8 to Haishan Station (海山站), Exit B. Then walk south along Haishan Road and take the shuttle bus named “云海专线” to the “云海公园” terminal.

Jiangang Hill 尖岗山

At an altitude of 202 meters, the Jiangang Hill offers an easier hike compared to the neighboring Yangtai Mountain. It is surrounded by a 632-hectare forest. From the summit, visitors can enjoy vistas of the grand Tiegang Reservoir and the cityscape of Bao’an District.

Metro: Line 5 to Xingdong Station (兴东站), Exit D

Xiaonanshan Hill 小南山

The Xiaonanshan Hill is a favorite spot for Shenzhen locals to watch the sunset. With an altitude of 287 meters, you can hike to the summit in about half an hour. From the top, enjoy views of Chiwan Port, Mawan Port, Dachan Island, Xima Island, Lingding Island, and even Hong Kong on clear days. When night falls and the port lights come on, the scene becomes especially romantic.

Metro: Line 2 to Chiwan Station (赤湾站), Exit E

Tiezai Hill Park 铁仔山公园

Close to the airport, Tiezai Hill Park features “Cloud Pavilion and Azure Sky” (云阁碧空), an ideal spot to watch planes flying over the sea and Shenzhong Bridge, all set against the backdrop of an orange sunset.

Metro: Line 1 to Gushu Station (固戍站), Exit A

Dalinggu Park 大岭鼓公园

Built on hilly terrain, Dalinggu Park features diverse topography. A standout element is the striking elevated, shield-shaped walkway named the Shield of Sky (天空之盾). Visitors can stroll along this walkway for panoramic views or find tranquility underneath it. Standing on the eight-story-high walkway feels like being in the sky. It is especially recommended to visit at sunset to soak in the romance of twilight.

Metro: Line 3 to Henggang Station (横岗站), Exit C, then take a taxi

(Cao Zhen)