Shenzhen Outward Bounds

3/3/2017 ThomasIronmonk Activities Shenzhen 2560

A city of twelve million and counting is hardly a place to get away from it all. Indeed Shenzhen might be the buzzword for high-rise or high-tech but outbound activities, now that’s a different story. Or is it? In fact, the city is located in a dramatic environmental region, one of the verdant hills, thick forests, and sandy coves.

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For those with a thirst for the outdoors, there’s plenty to keep your muscles moving. The only thing you need consider is how to motivate yourself to leave the distractions of the city behind. After all, there are many. Here, in no particular order then, are some pointers to water your wanderlust. You’ll find your curiosity shouldn’t take long to bloom.      

Water Sports

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If fun for you implies getting wet, you’d best head out to Dapeng, a peninsula on the eastern periphery of the city. Here you’ll find several remote and relatively crowd-free beaches. Xichong and Dongchong on the southern coast of the peninsula are the beaches preferred by the surf crowd. That’s right, be it winter monsoon or summer typhoon, Shenzhen is blessed with year round waves. On Xichong foreign-run Secret Spot café and hotel heads-up, a nascent surf scene while on Dongchong Blue Surfers rent boards, hold parties and general incubates a beach-bum lifestyle with Chinese characteristics.

For those that prefer the wind to waves, Jinshuiwan is the place to set your sights. The old Hakka fishing village, not far from the Dapeng Fortress, has blossomed in recent years into a tourist village par excellence, with backstreet bars and quirky guesthouses aplenty. Those overlooking the water typically rent canoes, peddle boats, paddleboards or more significantly the wind and kite surfing equipment. The frontierswoman Sonia Ding that opened the first (and arguably the best) hotel, bar and windsurf school, namely Aloha. Recognised early on what an ideal location Jinshuiwan has: There’s a consistent onshore wind so you won’t get swept out to sea and the water is relatively shallow so should you fall from your board you’ll be out of harms way.

Finally, Shenzhen even boasts a dive school for those sub-aquatic friends amongst you. Shenzhen Scuba Centre is located on the Dapeng Peninsula as well and often leads dives from Daoaowan Beach where Dive For Love, a conservationist center, is located. Though Shenzhen has suffered from overfishing in recent years, local dive enthusiasts here have built artificial reefs to provide new habitats for marine life. They also run educational activities for school children and aspiring environmentalists in Shenzhen.

Greenways

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If you’re a land animal, you probably prefer walking, running or cycling when venturing into the great outdoors. This means you should probably head for one of the many trails that snake through the city of Shenzhen (as well as connecting it with its satellites). The greenways account for over 1,000 miles of asphalt bisecting some 200 forest parks in the Pearl River Delta region. From the coast to the border with Hong Kong to Luohu Reservoir and beyond to Wutong Mountain, the greenways are an excellent means to explore the city and its many lovely parks. They’ve already played host to several charity bike rides and even a greenway marathon, so keep your eye on the local news for forthcoming events.

Hiking and Climbing

Most of Shenzhen’s notable parks and hills offer more of a hike than a climb. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be thrills (or even spills). For instance, the hike between Xichong and Dongchong along cliff paths and over rugged terrain is a challenging one while ascending Wutong Mountain to its summit takes the best part of six hours.

For climbers, the best bet is to head to clubs and gyms with climbing walls and related safety paraphernalia. Of note Xiantong Climbing Club in Xiantang Sports Park near Liantang, is said to be the largest of its kind in the region. They offer wall climbing, including a 15-meter ascent and six for-meter bouldering options as well as a 13-meter speed route. They also offer climbing excursions to nearby rural areas. Meanwhile, over on the far west of town in the expat hub of Shekou Bosheng Climbing Club is conveniently located near the local Wal-Mart supermarket. The club’s wall offers climbers six different routes to climb as well as a bouldering wall.

Now is there any excuse not to stretch your legs in Shenzhen?

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