Forget cheap massages: 3 fun things to see and do in Shenzhen, China, from indoor skiing to a hiking must-do
- Shenzhen, where Hongkongers once went to get a cheap massage, has much more to offer these days – such as a skiing facility for you to brush up on your skills
- Those bored of hiking the same trails can attempt Wutong mountain over the border instead; or you can head to a 300,000 square metre park for a spot of culture
Shenzhen used to be where you would go for a cheap massage and a quick day trip out of Hong Kong. These days, the city has so much more to offer than that. Here are our top three picks for entertainment and leisure while you are there.
1. Karoo Ice and Snow World
Karoo Ice and Snow World does not have tremendously long slopes so it cannot replace your trips to Japan or Korea, but if you are looking to quickly brush up on your skiing and snowboarding skills then this is the perfect practice ground for that.
There are separate slopes for adults and children and, if you are a beginner, there are instructors available for hire. Ski jackets and trousers, as well as helmets, skis and snowboards, are available for rent, so you do not have to lug your own equipment around with you.
Address: Mission Hills Sports & Eco Park, Longhua District
Metro: Line four to Mission Hills
2. Wutong Mountain National Park
There are two peaks – Xiaowutong and Dawutong. Xiaowutong, or small Wutong, is considered the must-see spot for locals. It is where Shenzhen TV Tower is located.
Dawutong, or big Wutong, is the highest peak in Shenzhen, at 943.7 metres above sea level. On days with nice weather, one can see not only the cityscape of Shenzhen beneath but all the way to Hong Kong’s New Territories.
March is one of the most popular months to visit the mountain, as it is when the mountain flora is in full bloom. These include a flower native to southern China, called Rhododendron moulmainense. The best place to see them is from Xiaowutong.
March to April is also when the chestnut oak (Castanopsis fissa) trees – native to Hong Kong – are at their most beautiful.
Address: Luosha Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen
Metro: Line eight to Wutong Mountain South station
3. Splendid China Folk Village
China is teeming with history and culture, and there are dozens of provinces and cities to visit.
The folk village, on the other hand, is made up of 27 villages that showcase 56 ethnic customs.
The live shows in the park are highly recommended. The one at 3pm, the “Legend of the Desert”, recreates a battle scene that probably took place in the early 13th century when Genghis Khan was in the process of building the largest empire in history.
The show features mock fighting on horseback, and performers wield weapons and are dressed in full Mongolian armour.
Admission is free for children under 1.2 metres tall and people over 70 years old.
Address: No. 9005, Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District
Metro: Line one to Huaqiao Cheng Station
