The map of Hong Kong travellers heading to Shenzhen just got bigger! Shenzhen Metro Line 13 Phase 2 (Northern Extension) officially opened on 28 June 2026. Board at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint and in about 45 minutes you can reach Guangming District in the northwest — places that used to feel "so far away", like Hongqiao Park and Guangming roast pigeon, are now doable on a quick weekend trip. This guide puts together a one-day Guangming itinerary, perfect for anyone who wants to escape the crowds of Futian and Luohu.
How to get there? Take Line 13 direct from Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint
Line 13 Phase 1 starts at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint Station. With the Phase 2 Northern Extension now open, the line runs through all three districts of Nanshan, Bao'an and Guangming, terminating at Lisonglang Station, and is operated by MTR (Shenzhen). From Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint it takes about 45 minutes at the fastest to reach the Guangming Science City area, and there are plenty of "photo-op stations" along the way: for example, Fenghuangcheng Station is themed "The Phoenix Approaches", while Xinzhuang Station has a blue-purple starry sky canopy and is nicknamed the "underground starry sky hall". To reach attractions like Hongqiao Park, you generally change to Line 6 at Fenghuangcheng Station, or transfer to a bus / call a car.
Morning: Hongqiao Park — a free 4-kilometre "red ribbon" walk
Guangming District's most famous attraction is definitely Hongqiao Park: it covers about 4.03 million square metres with 91.8% forest coverage, and a 4-kilometre bright red elevated walkway called the "Hongqiao" winds between hills, forests and lakes. Seen from above it looks like a red silk ribbon, which is why it is called the "most beautiful red ribbon", and it once won the inaugural "World Architecture Festival • China" Landscape of the Year award. The park is free to enter and needs no booking (opening hours about 09:00-18:00).
- Photo route: Start from the "Guangming Grand Clock" beside the car park (artist Shen Shaomin's work "Time Machine", whose clock speed changes with the number of people), then walk the Hongqiao → red sightseeing tower (overlooking the Guangming cityscape) → Suspension Bridge → Exploration Bridge → Floating Bridge (a pure white three-ring glass walkway). The whole route takes about 1 to 2 hours.
- Note: There are no restaurants or snack shops in the park, so bring your own food and water; there is no shade on the bridges, so take sun protection seriously on sunny days.
- Transport: Take a bus or call a car from Fenghuangcheng Station on Metro Line 6 / Line 13, or just call a car straight there.
Lunch: Guangming Guest House — a roast pigeon institution open since 1983
You can't come to Guangming without eating Guangming roast pigeon. Guangming Guest House is a Shenzhen time-honoured brand (opened in 1983, part of the Guangming Group) and is praised as "the authentic pigeon restaurant every diner must visit in Guangming". Its signature braised roast pigeon has crisp skin and tender meat, and together with buffalo milk curd and sweet corn it forms the "Three Treasures of Guangming". The restaurant is in the Guangming Avenue area, about a 380-metre walk from Exit B of Guangming Avenue Station on Metro Line 6, and costs around ¥100 per person (Trip.com rating 4.4/5).
Afternoon: Guangming Science Park — the 360-degree "Mirror of the Sky" viewing deck
After eating, head to Guangming Science Park to hike off the calories: the park is free to enter (about 06:00-22:00), and its most famous feature is the 360-degree circular viewing deck on the hilltop "Science Peak". Shaped like a flying saucer, on a clear day it produces a stunning "Mirror of the Sky" effect, looking out over the Guangming central district, Guangming Lake and Sun Yat-sen University's Shenzhen campus. If you have children with you, you could instead go to the "Science Children's Dream Park" on the southern side of Science Park — opened on 1 May 2026, free entry, with a futuristic technology-style non-powered play area, interactive science installations and a huge lawn, just about a 1-minute walk from Exit D of Loucun Station on Line 6.
More to add in Guangming: Science Peak + Honghuashan Park + Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum
If you have spare time, there are a few more stops in Guangming worth adding to your itinerary:
- Guangming Science Park (northern side) "Science Peak": one of Guangming's hottest photo spots in recent years. The hilltop viewing deck offers a 360-degree panorama of Guangming, with the best views at sunset and after dark, and free entry. To shoot empty scenery, go on a weekday or arrive right at opening.
- Honghuashan Park: an old-established Guangming park carrying the history of Cantonese and Hakka communities. It has the Honghuashan Sports Centre, so you can hike, run or see exhibitions, all free.
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum: opened in 2025, and within about 9 months of opening visitor numbers passed 3 million, making it Shenzhen's top choice for family science learning; tickets and opening hours are subject to official announcements, and booking ahead is recommended during holidays.
- Dadingling Greenway: a countryside greenway linking up Guangming Forest Park, good for cycling and hiking, most comfortable in the cooler autumn and winter weather.
- Guangming Farm Grand View Garden: an old-established agricultural tourism spot in Guangming with farm-life experiences, and another option for eating Guangming roast pigeon.
Suggested itinerary: to fit everything into one day, do "Hongqiao Park in the morning → roast pigeon lunch at Guangming Guest House → Science Peak at Science Park in the afternoon → Honghuashan Park or Dadingling Greenway at dusk". Attractions in Guangming District are fairly far apart, so without a car it's best to use Metro Line 6 (around Guangming Avenue Station and Science Park Station) combined with ride-hailing to link the stops.
How to get to Guangming from three checkpoints (transport quick reference)
| Shenzhen entry checkpoint | Route | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint | Line 13 direct (towards Guangming) → change to Line 6 or call a car at Fenghuangcheng Station | About 45 minutes |
| Futian Checkpoint | Line 4 → change to Line 1 at Convention & Exhibition Center Station → change to Line 6 at Science Museum Station | About 60–70 minutes |
| Luohu Checkpoint | Line 1 from Luohu Station → change to Line 6 at Science Museum Station | About 60 minutes |
Line 13 is operated by MTR (Shenzhen), with newer carriages and signage, making it the top choice for a single-line ride from Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint; Line 6 runs through Longhua, Bao'an and Guangming, and is what you rely on to reach Guangming Avenue Station and Fenghuangcheng Station. Attractions in Guangming District are spread out, so once you're there, a mix of "metro + ride-hailing" is recommended rather than walking only.
Other things to do along the way in Guangming
- Guangming Farm Grand View Garden (88 Bishui Road): an old-established sightseeing farm under the Guangming Group, with milking demonstrations, fruit and vegetable picking and a cute animal interaction area, great for children; tickets are required, generally 9:00–18:00 with last entry around 17:00, and tickets and opening hours are subject to official announcements.
- Guangming Science City area: connects with Guangming Science Park and Science Children's Dream Park, so you can plan them together — hiking plus family fun, all free.
- Three Treasures of Guangming: roast pigeon, sweet corn and buffalo milk curd are known together as the "Three Treasures of Guangming". Besides Guangming Guest House, there are other pigeon restaurants in the district, so when it's busy you can "eat first, walk later".
Guangming one-day trip FAQ
Can I do it without driving?
Yes. The metro plus ride-hailing is enough for the whole trip; Hongqiao Park is a fair distance from the metro station, so calling a car from Fenghuangcheng Station is usually quickest.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Hongqiao Park's walkways are gentle, Science Children's Dream Park has non-powered play equipment, and the farm has animal interactions, so you can shorten the itinerary according to your children's energy.
Do I need to book?
The parks and Science Park are free and need no booking; the farm requires tickets, and in peak season it's best to buy them in advance through official channels or travel platforms.
How do I get to "Science Peak" at Guangming Science Park?
Take Metro Line 6 to the Science Park Station area and walk in, or call a car from Hongqiao Park, about a 10-minute drive; it's free throughout.
When is the best time to go?
Autumn (October–December) is the most comfortable, not too sunny and cool; in summer avoid midday, bring plenty of water and take full sun protection.
Suggested one-day itinerary
- 09:00 Clear customs at Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint → take Line 13 (about 45 minutes) → transfer at Fenghuangcheng Station
- 10:00-12:00 Walk the red ribbon and take photos at Hongqiao Park
- 12:30-13:30 Roast pigeon lunch at Guangming Guest House
- 14:30-16:30 Guangming Science Park / Science Children's Dream Park
- Before 17:00 Return the same way to Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint (allow a little extra time to avoid the evening border-crossing peak)
A reminder: attractions in Guangming District are spread out, so it's best to combine Line 13 and Line 6, or just call a car (DiDi) point to point; checkpoints and metro are busier on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so remember to allow time for queues.
Guangming accommodation and shopping
Are there hotels for an overnight stay?
Guangming District has business hotels and chain brands, so if you want to take it slow you can stay a night before heading back; book through Ctrip or Meituan, and you'll need your Home Return Permit to check in.
What are the shopping options?
Guangming is mainly residential and research areas, so shopping spots are limited; if you want a serious shopping spree, it's best to head back to the city centre after your trip, or stop by the Bao'an Uniwalk area on the way.
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