Take the metro to the seaside walkway

In fast-paced Shenzhen, Shekou has always maintained its unhurried rhythm. Winding along Shekou's coastline, the Wave Walk connects not just 7.5 kilometers of azure shoreline, but also a journey through the transformative years of China's reform and opening-up.

Stretching from Houhai Central River Park to K11 ECoast, the Wave Walk extends 7.5 km along Shekou's coastline. File photos

Stretching from Houhai Central River Park to K11 ECoast, the Wave Walk weaves together the sea, culture, art, daily life, nature, intangible cultural heritage, and stories scattered through time. Walking by the sea, you can witness the majestic crash of waves and listen to the rhythmic whispers of the tide.

The K11 ECoast is a new landmark and art mall in the area.

What sets this walkway apart is the diverse landscapes it links. On one side lies the city skyline, with office buildings and residential areas shaping Shekou's modern silhouette. On the other side are the lush green mountains, with the Big Nanshan and Small Nanshan peaks in the distance. And right in front of you stretches the ever-surging sea.

The walkway is divided into seven sections, along which educational signs provide fun facts about local species. Visitors will find answers to questions such as: "Why are barnacles so clingy?" and "Why do oysters 'open up'?"

Adorned with lush blooms and greenery, the walk is perfect for a leisurely walk.

Further along, you'll come to the yet-to-open Shenzhen Opera House, where future arias will resonate with the ocean's roar. Interactive installations let you listen to the sounds of the sea.

The next viewpoint offers a panoramic seascape featuring a white lighthouse. In the distance, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge spans the sea, connecting to Hong Kong's mountains. Beside the walkway, informational panels detail the fish lantern dance, a traditional ritual once performed by Shekou's fishermen to pray for safe voyages and bountiful catches.

Educational signs provide fun facts about local species along the walkway. 

The next section, at Fisherman's Wharf, is an anchor of memory. The former typhoon shelter has long since quieted, but panels beside the walkway record its past vibrancy. Not far away in Yu'er Village, the Kaiding Festival is still observed on the 13th day of the first lunar month. On this day, the warm glow of red lanterns mingles with the aroma of Kaiding Tea, preserving Shekou's traditions across decades.

Around the Sea World Culture and Arts Center, signs explain the mangrove ecosystem and its inhabitants.

In Shekou, you can find the balance between nature and humanity, and between work and life.

The next section, at the marine sports zone, jet boats kick up spray. Informational panels here record the bar-tailed godwit's feat: flying 13,000 kilometers nonstop in 11 days from Alaska to Tasmania.

The final stop is K11 ECoast, a striking new art mall and landmark in Shekou.

The walkway is perfect for a jog at dawn, a leisurely post-lunch stroll with a stop at an exhibition, or a family walk with kids to discover cultural activities. Here you can find a balance between nature and humanity, and between work and life.

A map of the Wave Walk.

Walkway length: 7.5 km

Opening hours: 24/7

Metro: Line 2/8 to Wanxia Station (湾厦站), Exit B; Line 12 to Taizi Bay Station (太子湾站), Exit C