Jinshawan
With views looking onto Hong Kong’s island, Peng Chau, and wooded hillsides circling the three kilometres of sand, Jianshawan proves a stunning get away from Shenzhen’s hustle and bustle. Called the “Golden Sands Bay,” it provides particularly beautiful vistas at dusk, when the sun glimmers orange as it sinks behind the mountains in the distance. The beach attracts windsurfers and barbeque revelers alike.
Dameisha
Set in an ampitheatre with a stunning mountainous backdrop, Dameisha is the closest beach to the city. For that reason, it’s also usually the busiest and is best avoided on weekends or public holidays. A wide beach lined with coconut and palm trees, it’s free, but has all the required amenties. Inexpensive sea food restaurants abound. A group of 20 foot high sculptures of angels add to the beach’s modern feel, but what really makes it special is it’s view of Hong Kong New Terrorities shimmering in the distance.
Xiaomeisha
A little bit more off the beaten track is the minute Xiaomeisha beach, one of Shenzhen’s first resorts to undergo development. With barbeque pits and palm trees, it makes for a wonderful day out. It’s home to the city’s marine park, Seaworld, which should not be confused with Shenzhen’s other Seaworld, a popular entertainment complex in Shekou. As this beach has an entry fee, it tends to be a bit cleaner than Dameisha owing to better maintanance.
Na’nao
Meaning “southern inlet”, Na’nao is a hamlet of Hakka origins, Hakka being an ethnic minority in China with its own culture and dialect. With iconic straw hats and salty seafood snacks, this little beach provides a wonderful setting to explore the local culture. The charming seafood market in this authentic and underdeveloped corner of Shenzhen is well worth a visit.
Xichong
On Dapeng peninsula’s southeast tip, Xiochong beach is part of a protected national park so it can be a bit tricky to get to. With the impressive Qiniang mountain serving as backdrop, this secluded spot is off a dirt path that passes lakes and palm trees. With its white sand and deep blue waters, this beach is an unsung gem of Shenzhen. In the autumn and winter months it’s popular amongst surfers.