Shenzhen Metro Line 8 has long been nicknamed the "sea-view line", running east along the coastline from the city centre. On 28 December 2025, Phase 3 of Line 8 officially opened, with its terminus Xichong Station (溪涌站) landing in Dapeng New District — the first metro station in the district's history, meaning Hongkongers can finally ride the metro all the way to Shenzhen's eastern coast to see the sea.
What is Xichong Station? Everything at a glance
- Location: Junction of Xihai Road and Yanyong Road, Kuichong Subdistrict, Dapeng New District (the Xichong Depot is right beside the station)
- Status: Eastern terminus of Line 8, and the future western terminus of Line 32; Line 8 runs through with Line 2, so it's one line to the end
- Opening date: 28 December 2025. Phase 3 of Line 8 is about 3.69 km long, extending from Xiaomeisha Station to Xichong Station
- Station design: Themed "Sunshine+" with an "ecological green valley" concept, walls shaped from distant mountain silhouettes and a green palette throughout — it's a photo spot in itself
Stations along the line that Hongkongers will recognise include: Wutongshan South, Shatoujiao, Haishan, Yantian Port West, Shenwai High School, Yantian Road, Hong'anwei, Yantianxu, Dameisha, Xiaomeisha, and finally Xichong Station (溪涌站). In other words, it's not just Dapeng — Dameisha, Xiaomeisha and the Yantianxu area of Yantian are all on the way too.
How to get to Xichong Station from three ports
- Liantang Port (closest): After clearing customs, walk straight to Liantang Port Station on Metro Line 2/8 and ride all the way
- Luohu Port: From Luohu Station take Line 1 one stop to Grand Theatre Station, then change to Line 2/8 direct to Xichong
- Futian Port: From Futian Port Station take Line 4 to Convention & Exhibition Center Station, then change to Line 2/8 direct to Xichong
- Shenzhen Bay Port: The longest journey, not recommended as a special trip; if you're already in Nanshan, you can board on the Nanshan section of Line 2 (e.g. Sea World Station, Houhai Station) and still ride all the way
A reminder: Line 8 runs less frequently than city lines, and past Dameisha it's a suburban section, so check the last train times before you set off — don't lose track of time at the beach.
10 spots: from a walk or short ride from Xichong Station to a full expedition
The list below is ordered by how far each spot is from Xichong Station, to help you plan your itinerary. Fees and opening hours are subject to the latest on-site or official announcements.
1. Xichong Resort (溪涌度假村) (about 900 m on foot)
Your first stop out of the station. The resort has a roughly 600 m beach with fine sand and clear water; besides swimming you can camp and barbecue, and there's accommodation and restaurants — the easiest stop to bring kids to. Address: 1085 Shenkui Road. Opening hours 09:00–19:00, adult ticket ¥20 (camping charged separately), free for children under 140 cm and seniors aged 60 and over.
2. Shenkui Road, "Shenzhen's most beautiful coastal highway" (about 2.3 km)
The stretch near Vanke 17 Miles, with mountains on one side and sea on the other; around the bends you look out onto an endless ocean. A seaside boardwalk has been built along the roadside — park up or ask your driver to stop and stroll the boardwalk slowly, and don't stand in the road to take photos. Free.
3. Guanshanhai Boardwalk (觀山海棧道) (about 2.5 km)
The Xichong seaside boardwalk, part of the Greater Dapeng Bay Coastal Greenway. The middle section is a circular sky boardwalk spiralling out over the sea with no obstructions — the best sea-viewing spot on the whole stretch. Address: 1015 Shenkui Road, free.
4. Dongbei–Maluanshan Handmade Trail (洞背—馬巒山手作步道) (about 2.7 km)
Start from Dongbei Village (Xiping Road) and follow the Pingda Shige handmade trail into Maluanshan Country Park to see the waterfall. It links mountain forest and coast, a route hikers often take. The trail is handmade path, dirt track and irregular stone slabs — wear hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. Free.
5. Beizaijiao Boardwalk & Beizaijiao Lighthouse (背仔角棧道＆背仔角燈塔) (about 3 km)
The last stretch at the eastern end of the Yantian seaside boardwalk, built right by the sea, passing crystal-clear "glass sea" and reefs. At the end of the boardwalk is a red-and-white lighthouse — superb for photos on a clear day. Opening hours 06:00–21:00, free. Note: the boardwalk is sometimes closed for maintenance, so check whether it's open before you go.
6. Rose Coast (玫瑰海岸) (about 3.4 km)
A long-established Shenzhen wedding photography base, with plenty of photo installations on the beach; because there's an entrance fee, it's less crowded than the free beaches. Address: 551 Shenkui Road. Weekdays 07:00–20:00, weekends 07:00–22:00; adults ¥50, children/seniors ¥25.
7. Nan'ao First Beach (南澳第一沙灘) (about 24 minutes by car)
In Nan'ao, the heart of Dapeng, a row of colourful houses lines the shore against deep blue water — nicknamed "Shenzhen's little Cuba". Address: Haibin North Road, opening hours 08:00–18:00, free.
8. Yunhai Resort (雲海山莊) (about 27 minutes by car)
Also known as Yunhai Angel Bay, most famous for its "capsule train". The beach isn't big but there's plenty of water sports (speedboats, sea swings), plus a sea-view platform, restaurants and a pier. Address: inside 15 Shuishan Road, opening hours 08:00–22:00. Free entry, capsule train round trip ¥30 per person.
9. Dongxichong Traverse (東西涌穿越) (about 45 minutes by car)
Hiking from Dongchong to Xichong, listed by National Geographic as one of China's ten most beautiful hiking routes: 80% coastline and 20% mountain path, taking 4–6 hours. Navigate to "Dongchong Community Work Station". Beginners shouldn't go alone — join a group and watch the tides.
10. Shenzhen Observatory (深圳天文台) (about 45 minutes by car)
The observatory stands on a 224 m cliff; you can take a shuttle part of the way or climb the 600-odd steps to the top. Navigate to "Xichong Beach No. 4", opening hours Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–17:30, free but by reservation — slots for the week are released every Monday at 10:00 and go fast.
Add-on stops: Dapeng Fortress + Jiaochangwei
If you have time to spare, extend your trip to Dapeng Fortress (大鵬所城) — a Ming-Qing coastal defence fortress with over 600 years of history, free entry, and Hakka food nearby afterwards; then head to Jiaochangwei (較場尾), a seaside village of guesthouses and beachfront cafés, great for photos. Neither is on the metro line, so you'll need a bus or a taxi.
Eat: Nan'ao Seafood Street + 3 sea-view restaurants
Dapeng is known for seafood and Hakka cuisine, and Nan'ao Seafood Street is the most concentrated stretch. If you want to eat while watching the sunset, consider these (all real venues; book ahead in peak season):
- Shanye · Mu Cliff Sea-View Restaurant (苫也·暮懸崖海景餐廳): Inside Nan'ao Haibei Bay Resort (33 Haibin South Road), Thai and Western food, front-row sunset sea views
- Shanhai Coffee Sea-View Diner (山海咖啡海景餐吧): 6, Lane 8, Jiao'er West, Jiaochangwei, guesthouse plus café, with an "underwater" photo spot
- Banshan Banhai Panoramic Sea-View Restaurant (伴山伴海全海景餐廳): B2, Building 44, south side of Yangchou Bay Garden, cave pool and swings, specialising in sunset sea-view afternoon tea
Seafood prices vary by season and species — ask clearly before ordering, and don't just order on seeing the words "market price".
One-day itinerary (doable without driving)
- 09:00 Clear customs at Liantang/Luohu, board Line 2/8
- 10:30 Arrive Xichong Station, walk to Xichong Resort (about 900 m)
- 12:30 Stroll the Shenkui Road seaside boardwalk, or take a taxi straight to Nan'ao for seafood
- 14:30 Nan'ao First Beach / Yunhai Resort
- 17:30 Sea-view restaurant for sunset and dinner
- 19:00 Ride back from Xichong Station to the city, and home to Hong Kong
FAQ
- Is there a beach right outside Xichong Station? No. The nearest, Xichong Resort, is still about 900 m on foot, and other spots need a taxi or bus — wear comfortable shoes.
- Can you do all 10 spots in one day? No. Pick 2–3: Xichong Resort + Shenkui Road + Nan'ao is already plenty.
- Can you cycle? Yes, the Greater Dapeng Bay Coastal Greenway is good for cycling; but some sections are shared with pedestrians, so go slow.
- Do you need to book? Shenzhen Observatory requires a reservation (slots released every Monday at 10:00); most other spots you can just walk in. Driving into parts of Dapeng requires a reservation via "Shenzhen Traffic Police".
- Which is best with kids? Xichong Resort is the safest bet (beach, toilets, restaurants); the Dongxichong and Maluanshan hikes aren't recommended with small children.
Practical tips
- Autumn (October–November) has the most stable weather, not too hot — best for the coast; summer midday UV is fierce, so bring sunscreen and water
- Dapeng gets very crowded on holidays — go on a weekday or set off early
- Supply points are sparse on the suburban section, so buy water and snacks before you set off
- Don't step into the road for seaside photos, and don't climb over barriers
- Fees and opening hours are subject to the latest official announcements — check once more before you go for peace of mind
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