Shenzhen's East Coast: From Dapeng Fortress to Luzui Cliffs
Take the "subway to the sea" and explore Shenzhen's natural and historical roots
Beyond tech hubs and skyscrapers, eastern Shenzhen hides a stunning coastline and centuries of history. From the bustling Dameisha beach to the ancient Dapeng Fortress and the cinematic Luzui cliffs, this is a blue escape from the CBD.
When people talk about Shenzhen, they usually think of tech companies in Nanshan or skyscrapers in Futian. However, the other side of this city is a coastal paradise with hundreds of kilometers of beautiful shoreline. Heading east past Yantian, we enter Shenzhen's "backyard"—the Dapeng Peninsula.
Subway to the Sea: Dameisha
The first stop is Dameisha Seaside Park in Yantian District. With the opening of Metro Line 8, this has become one of the very few beaches in China where you can step onto the sand almost immediately after exiting a subway station. Its two-kilometer-long open beach, iconic "Winged Man" statues, and clear waters make it Shenzhen's most popular seaside destination. Walking east along the coastal boardwalk, you can listen to the crashing waves while feeling the city's vibrant energy.
The Origin of "Pengcheng": Dapeng Fortress & Jiaochangwei
Continuing east, we reach the heart of the peninsula: Dapeng Fortress. Shenzhen's nickname, "Pengcheng" (City of the Giant Bird), originates from this very coastal defense fort built in the Ming Dynasty (1394). Walking on the cobblestone streets, you are flanked by well-preserved generals' mansions and brick houses, many now converted into artsy cafes and craft shops. Just across the street from the ancient fort is Jiaochangwei Village. Known as Shenzhen's "Gulangyu," it features hundreds of colorful, uniquely styled guesthouses. Step out of your B&B, and you're just a few steps from a quiet, shallow beach—perfect for zoning out.
The Easternmost Cliffs: Luzui Villa
Our final destination is the easternmost point of Shenzhen's coastline: Luzui Villa (Yangmeikeng). This is where the city greets its first ray of sunshine. Unlike the gentle sands of Dameisha, Luzui is famous for its magnificent cliffs and crashing waves. If you've seen Stephen Chow's blockbuster *The Mermaid*, you will recognize this place immediately—the dramatic cliffs where the mermaids lived were filmed right here. Standing on the observation deck at the edge of the cliff, facing the vast Pacific Ocean, all urban stress simply blows away with the wind.
Dameisha is highly accessible—just take Metro Line 8 to "Dameisha Station." To get to Dapeng Fortress, Jiaochangwei, or Luzui Villa, it is best to rent a car, or take the E11 express bus from downtown to Dapeng Center and transfer to a local bus.
During summer weekends (May-Oct), driving into Dameisha and the Dapeng Peninsula requires an advance "driving reservation" via the Shenzhen Traffic Police WeChat account to avoid fines. Entry to Dameisha also requires free booking. To reach the cliffs at Luzui Villa, you must take a speedboat or shuttle from Yangmeikeng.