Chung Yeung Hiking: 18 October 2026 — a Hong Kong holiday, and mountains in Shenzhen
In 2026, Chung Yeung Festival falls on 18 October (Sunday), the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. Since ancient times, Chung Yeung has carried the custom of climbing high to pray for blessings, and later took on the meaning of honouring elders too — perfect for bringing the family's older members along. Shenzhen has more mountains, and prettier ones, than many people imagine, and most are free and reachable directly by metro. This guide is organised by three checkpoints, with 6 hiking routes from easy to hard, all with metro lines, stations and exits.
The one-line summary: for an easy trip with elders — Lianhuashan, Bijiashan; for a proper hike — Wutongshan, Yangtaishan; for mountains and sea together — Tanglangshan, Boluoshan. In October, Shenzhen daytime temperatures are around 25–30°C, so remember to bring water and sun protection.
1. From Luohu Checkpoint: Wutongshan (Shenzhen's highest peak)
Wutongshan spans the three districts of Luohu, Yantian and Longgang. Its main peak, Dawutong, is about 944 metres — the highest in Shenzhen, taller than Hong Kong's Lantau Peak and only slightly lower than Tai Mo Shan. At the summit you may catch the "Wutong mist and clouds", one of Shenzhen's Eight Scenic Sights. There are many route options: the North Gate archway route is friendlier for beginners (a winding mountain road with gentle gradients); for a challenge, take the Dengyun Trail, starting from Wutongshan South Station Exit D, about 5 kilometres in total with nearly 800 metres of ascent.
Transport: Shenzhen Metro Line 2/8, "Wutongshan South" Station Exits A/D (Lingyun Trail/Dengyun Trail entrances); or bus 211 to "Wutongshan Terminus" (North Gate)
Tickets: free | Opening hours: about 06:00–22:00 (subject to management office notices)
2. From Futian Checkpoint: Lianhuashan Park + Bijiashan Park (best for elders)
Lianhuashan Park (Metro Line 3/4, Children's Palace Station)
One of the most famous parks in central Futian. The summit plaza is only about a hundred metres up, a 20–30 minute walk, and from the top you can look down over the Civic Center and the Futian CBD skyline. Big lawns, shady trees, toilets and convenience stores — no pressure at all with elders or children.
Transport: Metro Line 3/4, "Children's Palace" Station, or Line 4, "Lianhua North" Station
Tickets: free | Opening hours: about 06:00–23:00
Bijiashan Park (Metro Line 7, Huangmugang Station)
The park has three main peaks — Bijun Peak, Biguan Peak and Bixiu Peak — shaped like a brush rack. The main peak, Biguan Peak, is 178 metres above sea level, and from the top you can take in Shenzhen Bay, Shekou and even Sheung Shui and Yuen Long in Hong Kong all at once. Next door is Bijiashan Sports Park (Shenzhen's first municipal sports-themed park), with running trails and ball courts.
Transport: Metro Line 7, "Huangmugang" Station, then walk to the park entrance (refer to Amap navigation)
Tickets: free
3. From Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint: Tanglangshan Country Park (Nanshan, direct by metro)
Tanglangshan is in the northeast of Nanshan District, about 430 metres above sea level, and one of Shenzhen's Ten Peaks. Its biggest advantages are being in the city, direct by metro and not too difficult: choose between the winding mountain road and the hiking trail, and from the top you get a 360° view of Shenzhen Bay, the Houhai CBD and rolling hills. A new roughly 200-metre hiking boardwalk has also been added, linking Shenyun Sports Park with Tanglangshan — a 5-minute walk and you're "on the mountain and in the park".
Transport: Metro Line 7, "Taoyuancun" Station Exit D, about a 500-metre walk to the trailhead
Tickets: free | Opening hours: 07:30–22:00
4. Two more: Yangtaishan (Longhua) + Boluoshan (Yantian)
Yangtaishan Forest Park (Longhua District)
Spanning the three districts of Bao'an, Longhua and Nanshan, it has the "highest peak in western Shenzhen", Dayangtai (587.1 metres above sea level), and Xiaoyangtai (460.7 metres), linked by a ridge trail, with a lake at the foot of the mountain. Afterwards you can head down to Longhua for the shopping malls.
Transport: Metro Line 6, "Yangtaishan East" Station, then transfer to a bus to the trailhead (refer to Amap navigation)
Tickets: free
Boluoshan (Yantian District)
At 363 metres above sea level, it looks out over Dameisha, Yantian Port and the islands of Hong Kong — the top choice for a "sea view" route. Afterwards you can head down to Dameisha Seaside Park or the No. 8 Warehouse outlet.
Transport: Metro Line 8, around "Dameisha" Station, then walk or take a taxi to the trailhead
Tickets: free
5. Hiking options in other districts
If you'd rather avoid the crowds, or you're staying near another district, almost every district in Shenzhen has a mountain to represent it:
- Maluanshan Country Park (Pingshan District) — home to Shenzhen's largest group of wild waterfalls; follow the hiking trail upstream to see the falls up close. Most peaks are under 500 metres, so it's fine for families.
- Honghuashan Park (Guangming District) — the Minghe Pagoda at the summit is a Guangming landmark; climb it for distant views, taking in the hills and waters around Gongming.
- Qiniangshan (Dapeng New District) — Shenzhen's second-highest mountain, stone paths throughout. The first viewing platform section is fairly gentle, but it gets steeper the higher you go — an advanced route, so beginners should be prepared.
- Fenghuangshan Forest Park (Bao'an District) — "Fengshan's blessed waters and abundant land"; halfway up is the ancient Fengyan Temple, thick with incense smoke, ideal for climbing high and praying for blessings.
- Yuanshan Scenic Area (Longgang District) — surrounded by green forest, with Biyu Pool and Dakang Stream Valley; afterwards you can cool off by the water.
Chung Yeung hiking practical tips
- Start early: in October, Shenzhen sunrise is around 06:20. Morning hiking is cooler and quieter; the popular routes on Wutongshan and Yangtaishan start getting busy after 9 in the morning.
- Bring enough water: there are few supply points on the mountains — at least 1–1.5 litres per person; Wutongshan and Yangtaishan are 4–8 kilometres in total, allow 3–5 hours.
- Wear grippy shoes: the Dengyun Trail on Wutongshan and Qiniangshan are stone paths/steep slopes — don't wear flat white sneakers.
- Bringing elders: choose Lianhuashan, Bijiashan or the Tanglangshan winding mountain road; finish with morning tea at the foot of the mountain — perfect for honouring elders at Chung Yeung.
- Weather: late October in Shenzhen occasionally brings typhoons. Check the Observatory/Shenzhen Meteorological Observatory before setting off, and reschedule if there's thunder and rain.
Transport: how to get to the trailheads from the three checkpoints?
- Luohu Checkpoint → Metro Line 1, transfer to Line 2/8, to Wutongshan South Station.
- Futian Checkpoint → Metro Line 4, transfer to Line 3, to Children's Palace Station (Lianhuashan); or Line 7, Huangmugang Station (Bijiashan).
- Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint → Metro Line 13, transfer to Line 7, to Taoyuancun Station (Tanglangshan).
FAQ
When is Chung Yeung Festival in 2026?
Chung Yeung Festival 2026 is on 18 October (Sunday), the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.
Do you need tickets to hike in Shenzhen?
All the places introduced above — Wutongshan, Lianhuashan, Bijiashan, Tanglangshan, Yangtaishan and Boluoshan — are free to enter and need no booking; some country parks have opening-hour restrictions.
Which route is best for bringing elders?
Lianhuashan Park (about 100 metres) and Bijiashan Park (178 metres) are the easiest; Tanglangshan has a winding mountain road, so you can also take it slowly. Wutongshan and Yangtaishan are medium-to-high intensity — not recommended for elders to push themselves.
What should you bring for hiking in Shenzhen?
Water, sun protection, a hat, grippy shoes and a few snacks; download offline maps on Amap on your phone, as signal in the mountains may not be stable.
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