In autumn, Shenzhen is best enjoyed by the sea. The Dapeng Peninsula on the eastern side of Shenzhen has long been called the "back garden of Shenzhen", with an old town, beaches and a village of boutique guesthouses — a much slower pace than the shopping malls of the city centre. This guide puts together a route starting from Hong Kong that works as a day trip or an overnight stay: Dapeng Fortress → Jiaochangwei → Nan'ao Glass Sea.
First, the key point: there is no direct metro to the Dapeng Peninsula, and public transport requires bus transfers. The most practical option is to call a car (DiDi) directly from the checkpoint, about 1 hour; split four ways it costs about the same as the bus and saves time. Below, each attraction is covered with its features, transport and costs.
1. Dapeng Fortress: a 600-year-old Ming and Qing coastal defence town
Dapeng Fortress, whose full name is "Dapeng Guard Thousand-Household Fortress", has a history of more than six hundred years and is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing coastal defence garrisons in China, with up to 100,000 square metres of ancient dwellings retained inside its walls. Wandering the bluestone lanes and alleys feels like travelling back in time.
- Must-see historic sites: the "Zhenwei General's Residence" of Lai Enjue, Guangdong Naval Commander, the Zuotang Office ruins, the City God Temple ruins, and the Dapeng Fortress granary
- Location: Pengcheng Community, Dapeng Subdistrict, Dapeng New District, Shenzhen
- Transport: about 1 hour by car from the checkpoint (the most practical option); by public transport, take Shenzhen Metro Line 8 towards Yantian, then bus M457 or M471 to the "Dapeng Fortress" stop (buses are infrequent — check live routes on a map app)
- Admission: the old town area is free to enter; individual attractions charge separately or follow on-site arrangements
- Time needed: about 1.5 to 2 hours
Tip: Dapeng Fortress and Jiaochangwei are actually separated by just one road, a few minutes' walk apart, so it is strongly recommended to visit them together in the same half-day.
2. Jiaochangwei: Shenzhen's Gulangyu, a village of 300 guesthouses
After exploring the old town, cross the road and you are at Jiaochangwei, Shenzhen's most popular seaside guesthouse village. It has a long narrow coastline, clear water and fine sand, plus a whole village of boutique guesthouses and cafes, earning it the nickname "Shenzhen's Gulangyu" online — even variety shows and TV dramas have come here to film.
- Distinctive stays: over 300 guesthouses in different styles, from Greek and Japanese to pure white minimalist
- Beach activities: swimming areas, boat trips, water sports; cafes, seafood restaurants and small bars along the shore
- Transport: one road away from Dapeng Fortress, reachable on foot
- Overnight reference: guesthouses about ¥200–600 per night on weekdays, with noticeably higher prices at weekends and on holidays — check before booking
- Food: seafood dai pai dong about ¥80–150 per person; when ordering seafood, be sure to confirm the price and cooking method first
After dark, strolling by the sea with a drink feels completely different from the city centre; if you have time to spare, staying a night in Jiaochangwei is the most relaxing arrangement.
3. Akanala Glass Sea Resort: a 180-degree glass sea
For the ultimate sea view, head to the Akanala Glass Sea Resort in Nan'ao. The water here is crystal clear, like glass, and it has recently become a hit photo spot on IG and Xiaohongshu. Must-shoot spots include the pure white karst cave design, the rainbow beach corridor and the graffiti highway full of street-art flair.
- Location: Nan'ao area, Dapeng New District, Shenzhen
- Transport: about 1 hour by car from the checkpoint (the most practical option); by public transport, take Shenzhen Metro Line 8 to the Yantian/Xiaomeisha area, then a bus (E11/E92) into Dapeng, then M321 to Nan'ao
- Accommodation reference: sea-view resort guesthouses in the area; rates depend on room type and date, and a two-day, one-night staycation is common
- Good for: couples, friends taking photos, or anyone wanting "glass sea" shots
4. If you have more time: Yangmeikeng, Luzui Villa, Xichong
If you stay an extra day, or want to pack more in, the Dapeng Peninsula has a few more seaside spots worth adding to your itinerary:
- Yangmeikeng: famous for its coastal cycle path, where you can rent a bike and ride along the sea — the most popular cycling route in Dapeng; seafood restaurants and snacks line the coast.
- Luzui Villa: at the eastern tip of the Dapeng Peninsula, with dramatic rocky coastline and viewing platforms, famous for sunrise and stargazing views — superb for photos.
- Xichong Beach: one of Shenzhen's longest beaches, with clear water and fine sand; entry requires an online reservation, and it is good for swimming, camping and stargazing.
These spots are not close to one another; without a car, it is best to pick one or two rather than trying to cram them all into one day. Driving yourself or hiring a car gives you much more flexibility.
5. Sample two-day, one-night itinerary
| Time | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 morning | Call a car from the checkpoint to Dapeng, visit Dapeng Fortress first (about 2 hours) |
| Day 1 afternoon | Cross the road to Jiaochangwei, swim at the beach, rest at a cafe |
| Day 1 evening | Seafood dai pai dong in Jiaochangwei, stay in a guesthouse |
| Day 2 morning | Go to Akanala Glass Sea in Nan'ao, shoot the glass sea photo spots |
| Day 2 afternoon | Cycle at Yangmeikeng or call a car straight back to the checkpoint |
If you only have one day, skip the overnight stay and focus on Dapeng Fortress, Jiaochangwei and Nan'ao, returning to the checkpoint before dusk.
6. Transport and actual costs
| Item | Reference |
|---|---|
| Car from Luohu / Liantang / Futian Checkpoint to Dapeng | About 1 hour's drive; cheapest split four ways |
| Public transport | Metro Line 8 to Yantian, then bus M457/M471 (to Dapeng Fortress), or E11/E92 then M321 (to Nan'ao) |
| Old town admission | Free (individual attractions extra) |
| Jiaochangwei guesthouse | About ¥200–600 per night on weekdays |
| Seafood dai pai dong | About ¥80–150 per person |
Note: bus frequencies and routes are adjusted by season and holiday, so it is best to check the latest schedules on a map app before setting off; on holidays some roads in Dapeng are subject to traffic control, so calling a car is more reliable than driving yourself.
FAQ
Can I fit all three spots into one day?
Yes, but it will be rushed. It is best to cross the border early (before 09:00), do Dapeng Fortress plus Jiaochangwei first (they are one road apart), then head to Nan'ao in the afternoon for the glass sea, and call a car back to the checkpoint at dusk. For a more relaxed pace, stay a night.
What is the easiest way to get there without a car?
Calling a DiDi directly from the checkpoint is the most straightforward, about 1 hour; to save money, take the metro and transfer to a bus, but allow double the time, and since buses are infrequent you need to plan your schedule carefully.
When is the best time to go?
October to November is the most comfortable — not too hot, little rain, and the sea is still warm. Summer holidays are crowded and hot; winter is windy but quiet for photos.
How do I avoid getting ripped off on seafood?
At a dai pai dong, ask clearly about the unit price and cooking method first (steamed / salt and pepper / processing fee), and ideally weigh it on the spot and watch as the order is placed; avoid shops with unclear pricing.
Practical tips
- UV rays by the sea are strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen — even in autumn.
- Jiaochangwei guesthouses raise prices noticeably at weekends; to save, choose a weekday or book two weeks in advance.
- For beach activities and boat trips, ask clearly about the price and safety arrangements, and do not agree to anything on the spot without checking.
- Mobile signal is patchy in some parts of the Dapeng Peninsula, so download offline maps before you set off.
- If you return late at night, note that Luohu Checkpoint closes around midnight; for late returns, use a 24-hour checkpoint instead.
The attraction and transport information in this article is compiled from a July 2026 Flyday report on Dapeng Peninsula routes and public information on each attraction. Admission arrangements, guesthouse prices, bus schedules and traffic controls may change; before setting off, please refer to the latest information from the official attractions and map apps.
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