Sep 19, 2023
By Goodnight Staff 
Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis known for its technological advancements and vibrant culture, is also a gateway to some of the most stunning natural attractions in the region. From serene islands to expansive lakes and scenic bays, the area offers many options for those looking to escape the urban jungle.
In this article, we'll take you through 15 must-visit natural attractions that promise to rejuvenate your senses and reconnect you with nature.
Wai Lingding Island in Zhuhai is a 4-A national tourist attraction and features scenic spots like Lovers Avenue Scenic Spot and Stone Park; rock carvings at Mo Rock; the morning bell of North Emperor Mt; as well as multiple beaches featuring fine sand and crystal clear waters.
Visit its beach for a relaxing beach vacation; its sea water is clear and fresh, while its rocky beaches provide ideal places to play volleyball or surf. Plus, its prime position allows visitors to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets!
Double Moon Bay, best known for its two crescent beaches resembling a softly curving moon, offers more than meets the eye; beauty can be found in everything from its shifting tides and delicate sea life that flourishes during low tide to traditional structures encapsulating local traditions and culture.
Hiking trails lead to breathtaking ocean vistas and one-of-a-kind sights like Double Moon Bay sea turtle hatchery. For an unforgettable experience, take a guided tour through Ano Nuevo State Park, where thousands of elephant seals congregate each winter to mate, give birth, and fight.
Xunliao Bay's beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make it a highly desirable seaside destination, drawing sun-seekers in for sun worshiping. Additionally, this area is renowned for its incredible karst formations, as well as Reed Flute Cave.
Hiking here can be spectacular, with breathtaking clifftop views of the sea and islands. Be sure to visit the Yin and Yang Rocks, too; here, you can witness the unique geological features of the area.
While exploring Tianhou Temple is not limited to walking on the beach, visitors may also visit its 400-year-old temple dedicated to Mazu, located atop a hill with stunning views of Xunliao Bay with incredible sunrises and sunsets.
Dong'ao Island is a paradise of fine beaches and clear blue waters that stretch far and wide. Additionally, this destination features the Maritime Silk Road Square (Haisi Square) as well as statues commemorating local heroes and historical figures.
Dong'ao offers many activities for visitors to enjoy, ranging from swimming in its sparkling azure waters to hiking and diving. In particular, newlywed couples often visit its natural spring at the top of its largest mountain to drink its waters, which are believed to promote fertility.
On Dong'ao, you can experience local culture at places such as Con Dao Prison and Ham Duong War Cemetery, while religious sites like Dinh Cau Pagoda and Sung Hung Pagoda deserve special mention as destinations worth seeing.
Baiyun Mountain (literally "White Cloud Mountain") lies in the northern suburbs of Beijing and can be best experienced from its cable car ride. Visitors can admire wild birds and rare plants, as well as its national 5A scenic area forests - with spring or after rain being ideal times to visit! Visitors should try and visit during the spring season when clouds encase the mountain's summits more often.
Apart from its natural attractions, this park also provides numerous other leisure activities, including touring cultural relics and artistic works. China's largest landscaped garden with ornamental exotic flowers and trees - the Yuntai Garden - regularly hosts various thematic flower shows that bring visitors flocking in from near and far.
Luofu Mountain is a spiritual mountain steeped in Taoist culture. This place offers breathtaking natural landscapes and lots of outdoor activities, as well as interesting rock formations and waterfalls.
Ge Hong, an esteemed Taoist master from Eastern Jin Dynasty China, once made use of this mountain for refining elixirs during this era. To honor him, four temples were constructed: Sanqing Hall, Well of Longevity, Alchemical Kitchen, and White Lotus Lake.
Hikers looking to explore the scenic beauty and Taoism will find this an ideal spot. Shuttle buses or cable cars may help get part of the way uphill, but once at the top, hiking will be necessary in order to reach its summit and visit its Taoist temple.
Once at its summit, visitors can enjoy stunning vistas before being returned back to their hotels at the conclusion of this tour - making this trip ideal as a day trip from Shenzhen!
Guanyin Mountain National Forest Park boasts one of the largest and most extensive primitive and secondary forests in Dongguan, covering 92%. It attracts many visitors from across China looking for rejuvenating experiences in nature.
Negative oxygen ions make the park an ideal spot to meditate and purify one's soul, as its concentration makes for an effective space to meditate and refresh one's spirit. There are also many beautiful scenic spots within its boundaries, such as Yinghan Peak (Tough Guy Peak), where military police train for their "tough guy spirit" training programs, and White Cloud Hollow Scenic Spot, Jasper Hollow, and Green Rock Scenic Spot are popular attractions within its confines.
Urban residents regularly visit the park to pay their respects, meditate, and cultivate their minds - a popular way to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of city life. Raptor enthusiasts visit in droves as the park provides a sanctuary for migrating birds of prey - its rich ecological resources attract bird watchers from across the nation.
Huizhou is famed for its exquisite woodcarvings, distinct architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and engaging traditions, as well as breathtaking natural scenery. Explore West Lake for peaceful surroundings before heading over to Xunliao Bay, where crystal clear waters await for swimming or sunbathing on its beaches.
Huizhou West Lake is an artificial recreational lake and one of the main tourist attractions in Huizhou. Dotted with charming pavilions and offering scenic roads that circle it, visitors can rent bicycles to ride in an anticlockwise direction along the path, passing many small bays and lakes along their journey.
Huizhou Lake is an idyllic place surrounded by lush mountains and stunning beaches - providing the ideal setting to unwind. Huizhou also offers numerous other natural attractions, such as Xunliao Bay National Marine Reserve and Luofu Mountain Scenic Area, for visitors looking to escape daily stressors. Take time out from daily life to take in Huizhou's rich cultural and traditional offerings and recharge.
Yeli Island, sometimes referred to as Wild Beaver Island, is a gem situated not far from the heart of Zhuhai. Easily accessible via a bridge, this island is a haven for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With four distinct hills to explore, it's a hiker's and cyclist's paradise.
The island has made significant efforts to be eco-friendly, featuring well-paved bike lanes that make it easy for visitors to explore the area while minimizing their environmental impact.
What sets Yeli Island apart is its versatility as a destination. Whether you're an early bird keen on catching a breathtaking sunrise or more of a twilight person looking to soak in the beauty of the sunset, this island has something for everyone.
The well-maintained roads are lined with lush vegetation, adding to the overall serene experience. It's the perfect spot for anyone looking to reconnect with nature without straying too far from urban comforts.
Qi'ao Island, located in Zhuhai, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local culture. The island is known for its picturesque landscapes, including beaches and various points of interest.
Visitors can indulge in various activities, from hiking to simply wandering through the streets to soak in the local atmosphere. One of the more unusual sights on the island is the presence of mud-stained sponges in the sea, which adds a quirky touch to the overall experience.
What makes Qi'ao Island a compelling destination is its versatility. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures like hiking or prefer a more laid-back experience like beach walking, the island has something for everyone. It's a place where you can not only enjoy the natural scenery but also get a glimpse of local life, including the unique sight of beach-walking chickens.
Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area is a massive eco-tourist park featuring quaint villages, stunning replicas of China’s historical landmarks, and spectacular shows. There are several attractions within the park, including Knight Valley, Interlaken Town, and Tea Stream Valley. The highlight of the park is the Night Show, which features folk dance and opera.
This stunning park offers visitors a scenic escape from the bustling city. There is plenty to see and do here, from lounging on the grass to flying a kite or hiking up the imposing Nanshan Mountain. Hikers can enjoy the magnificent views of Neilingding Island, Shenzhen Bay, and Hong Kong from the peak of the mountain.
For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Dafen Oil Painting Village is essential. This out-of-the-way community of artists is famous for its replicas and reproductions of the world’s most renowned works of art. It is the perfect place for art lovers and those looking for a little bit of culture in Shenzhen.
A popular tourist destination for its scenic trails and scenic views, Guishan Island is also a natural escape where whale watching takes place in season. Visitors can stroll on the cliff-backed beach or hike up to the lighthouse and admire the sea scenery below.
The island is home to Shenzhen Danan Mountain Reform, Open Memorial Park, and Xiaonanshan Park, which are connected by a hiking trail. Hikers can enjoy the scenic peak of Nanshan Mountain, which offers a challenge to climbers and provides panoramic views over Shenzhen.
Another fun thing to do on the island is visit the Kite Square, which is a popular place for kids to fly their kites. The park is a great place to relax with a book or have a picnic, and there are plenty of places to sit by the water.
Located on the western side of Shenzhen, Daya Bay is a natural scenic area where you can enjoy swimming and a wide range of other water activities. This is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and relax on the beach. The sand is white, delicate, and non-polluting.
The area boasts a sprawling coastline where the sea is clear and the sand is soft, making it an ideal destination for water enthusiasts. One of the highlights of Daya Bay is the Gold Coast Public Baths, which feature gardens, beaches, and bathing areas.
Songshan Lake, located in Dongguan, offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic spots that make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. The lake itself is expansive, providing ample opportunities for cycling or renting a vehicle to explore its surroundings.
With rental prices ranging from 20 to 100 units for unlimited time, visitors have the option to choose from bicycles, mountain bikes, and even electric cars. This flexibility makes it a suitable destination for couples and families alike.
What sets Songshan Lake apart is its diverse range of attractions. Not only can you enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings, but you can also visit European-style towns for photography or spend time at the beaches.
Whether you're looking to have a leisurely day by the water or are keen on capturing some Instagram-worthy shots, Songshan Lake has something for everyone.
Located in Paitan Town in the northern mountainous area of Zengcheng District, Baishuizhai Scenic Area is a national 4A-rated scenic spot surrounded by lush forests and beautiful waterfalls.
It is also known as the “Emerald of Tropic of Cancer.” In spring and summer, the mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist. During the fall and winter, the trees are covered with snow, and the waterfalls are frozen.
Visitors can climb the “Foremost Ladder In South China” – a hiking trail with 9999 stone steps, or take a sightseeing bus to get to the top. There are also many other routes for tourists to explore, including the first greenway in Guangdong, a mountain park, and distinctive local restaurants.
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