IF you’re exploring the city for the first time or planning weekend outings, here are several classic attractions to get you started; and there’s much more to discover beyond this list.

Lianhua Hill Park 莲花山公园

Lianhua Hill Park sits conveniently downtown with an easy hike to its 100-meter peak. The park is ideal for flying kites, strolling, picnicking, camping, or jogging. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can watch the city center light shows without a reservation; drone shows are sometimes added for major events. Each November, the outdoor Lianhua Hill Glades Music Festival presents classical music performances free of charge. The park is a great place to spend a full day.

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit F2

Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory 深圳天文台

The city’s coastline is a must-see, and the section near the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory comes highly recommended by National Geographic. A 900-meter boardwalk perched on the cliff near Xichong Beach, adjacent to the observatory, offers sweeping views of clear waters and distinctive reefs. The observatory also provides advanced facilities and stargazing opportunities; reservations are required via its official WeChat account (ID: shenzhentianwen).

The observatory is on the eastern Shenzhen’s Dapeng Peninsula, so it’s usually best to drive there. For closer beaches, take Metro Line 8 to Dameisha or Xiaomeisha.

Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden 深圳市仙湖植物园

This multifunctional botanical garden integrates scientific research, plant collection and display, and tourism. Covering 668 hectares, it hosts tens of thousands of plant species and is often called “a jade in the city.”

Some halls and themed gardens have specific opening hours. Bicycles, pets, drones, fishing, camping, and smoking are prohibited in the park. The botanical garden charges admission (concessions available) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; free-entry slots are 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Ticketing: WeChat miniprogram “仙湖植物园入园预约”

Metro: Line 8 to Xianhu Road Station (仙湖路站), Exit C1

Wutong Mountain 梧桐山

Wutong Mountain, with Shenzhen’s highest peak at 943.7 meters, is a must for hikers and offers several trails to choose from:

From Metro Line 8’s Haishan Station (海山站), Exit A2, walk northwest for 10 minutes to the foot of the Bitong Trail (碧桐道) to the Big Wutong (943.7 m) peak.

From Line 8’s Shenwai Senior Campus Station (深外高中站), Exit C, walk west for 30 minutes to the Xiutong Trail (秀桐道) to Big Wutong.

From Line 2/8’s Liantang Station (莲塘站), Exit A, walk north for 10 minutes to the Dengyun Trail (登云道) to the Little Wutong (692 m) peak.

From Line 8’s Wutong Mountain South Station (梧桐山南站), Exit D, walk east for 15 minutes to the Lingyun Trail (凌云道) to Little Wutong.

Xiwan Mangrove Park 西湾红树林公园

This park in western Shenzhen is ideal for sunset photos with sea views. A 3-kilometer promenade runs close to lush mangrove forests; at low tide you can spot mudskippers and small crabs. Other parks with great sea-and-sunset views in western Shenzhen include Qianhai Stone Park, Shenzhen Bay Park, Shenzhen Talent Park, and Tiezai Hill Park, all accessible by Metro.

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

Shenzhen Museum 深圳博物馆

Shenzhen Museum has four divisions, showcasing the city’s history, culture and nature at permanent exhibitions. Diverse temporary exhibitions offer locals more cultural experiences. Currently, the ancient art division is hosting the “Galloping Glory — Heritage of Tang Sancai Horse Figurines” exhibition, featuring exquisite Tang Dynasty artifacts, including sancai glazed horses and wares, as well as painted pottery horses and figurines.

Metro to ancient art division: Line 9 to Hongling South Station (红岭南站), Exit A

Metro to history & folk culture division: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B

Nanshan Museum 南山博物馆

This museum presents permanent displays on the history of Nanshan District, alongside various temporary exhibitions. Current highlights include a Dunhuang culture exhibition with recreated caves and rare relics, and an exhibition of ancient bronzeware from Ordos, Inner Mongolia.

Metro: Line 12 to Nantou Ancient City Station (南头古城站), Exit E3(Cao Zhen)