Escape to SZ's newest riverside cycling path

Summer in Shenzhen always comes with water — but lately, the city’s riverside trails are quietly winning hearts over crowded beaches. Strolling under dappled shadows, listening to the gentle murmur of the Guanlan River, feeling the breeze carry the scent of grass and blossoms — here, life slows down.

Residents enjoy their time at a leisure space along the Guanlan River in Longhua District. File photos

As one of Shenzhen’s five major rivers, the Guanlan River runs northward through the entire Longhua District, earning its place as the area’s “mother river.” A three-year systematic renovation that began in 2023 has transformed what was once a polluted waterway into a clear, green ecological corridor — home to egrets skimming the water and banks lined with flowering trees.

Now, the Guanlan River Greenway is open in full — 14.2 kilometers of uninterrupted waterfront connecting five themed sections: sports, culture, heritage, ecology, and ancient charm.

For cyclists

The entire 14.2-kilometer path is smooth and continuous — no dead ends — welcoming both casual riders and serious distance enthusiasts. The recommended route starts near Boyangju Apartment (铂洋居公寓) at the southern end and heads north along the river. Passing by a small waterfall, the mist carries a refreshing coolness — perfect for summer cycling. For those with energy to spare, the 28-kilometer round trip reaches the Shenzhen-Dongguan border. Families with children may prefer shorter sections, with rest stops along the way.

The greenway is smooth and continuous for cyclists.

Highlights along the way

Longhua Sports Center, a riverside playground

Near the southern section, the Longhua Sports Center features a series of sports facilities built atop a rainwater storage tank, connected to the waterfront path by rooftop walkways. Two basketball courts sit by the riverbank on the opposite side — the sound of dribbling mixed with flowing water creates an atmosphere no indoor gym can match.

Guanlan River Wetland Park, an urban oasis

Continuing north, the nearly 100,000-square-meter wetland park is the green lung of the city. From late spring to early autumn, canna lilies bloom in waves of pink and yellow along the banks. Clear shallows sway with aquatic plants, while egrets and waterbirds glide and forage above the surface. Residents stroll slowly, children ride bikes — the whole park is wrapped in a gentle, unhurried calm.

Longzhou Pavilion, coffee break by the water

The pavilion, designed to resemble a small boat, incorporates the century-old local tradition of dragon boat racing and serves as a prime viewing spot for the annual Dragon Boat Festival races. A coffee shop sits by the river — a perfect place to pause mid-ride, sip a drink, and watch the sunlight dance on the water.

Guanlan Ancient Market, a century-old riverside charm

About half an hour’s ride north from the wetland park, the scenery shifts from natural serenity to the rich heritage of Lingnan.

An alley in Guanlan Ancient Town.

Guanlan Ancient Market, one of the few remaining Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) markets in Shenzhen, preserves its century-old layout with cobblestone lanes, arcade buildings, watchtowers, and red lantern corridors. On one side, the bustle of the old town; on the other, the quiet riverside ruins — two worlds separated by a stretch of clear water, like a scrapbook of old times hidden within the modern city.