“Is it possible to find peace amidst Shenzhen’s tech boom?” I ask. It is here at Fa Shan Mei. This peak offers sweeping ocean views. Fa Shan Mei is a beautiful hike. It is located in the Yantian area.
Getting to Fa Shan Mei can be a little tricky. But the hike is worth it. You will find mostly stairs. There are periods of flat paved path between the stairs. The stairs are steep. They can sometimes strain your knees. The views are most definitely worth the effort.
From Fa Shan Mei, you can see Dameisha beach. You can see the ocean. You can also see the impressive Yantian cargo port. OCT EAST is also visible in detail. You can see the train and the European-style buildings. Longgang centre is visible in the distance. With the wind blowing, it is an incredible feeling.
I especially appreciate the flora and fauna at Fa Shan Mei. It has a different feeling compared to other mountains in Shenzhen. The path is well signposted. There are only a few possible directions to take. Getting lost here would be difficult. Head to the peak. Get the best views. Take lots of pictures.
To get to Fa Shan Mei, start at this location. Follow the sign up to the top. After you have finished, you can end at OCT EAST. You can get a taxi from there. Type this into a map or into Didi. Type in 山海大观观景台.
Alternatively, go back down the way you came. End at Yantian Customs base. You can get a taxi from there back to the metro. When you get to the top, you can see a long path of stairs below you. Follow this to get onto the greenway. Continue onto the highway.
Start at Yantian road metro. It is line 8. Get a taxi to this start point. Remember to bring enough water. There is no water on the trail. It is exposed to a lot of sunshine. Bring sunscreen.
Shenzhen is a leading global technology hub. It is sometimes called China’s Silicon Valley in the media. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit fosters innovation. The competitive-based culture has resulted in the city being home to numerous small manufacturers and software companies. Several of these firms have become large technology corporations. Huawei, Tencent, and DJI are examples.
Shenzhen was named after a deep drain. The drains were located within the area. The oldest evidence of humans in Shenzhen dates back to the mid-Neolithic period. Humans have inhabited the area for about 6,700 years. The historic towns of Nantou and Dapeng were built on the area that is now Shenzhen over 600 years ago.
During the Song dynasty, Nantou and the surrounding area became an important trade hub for salt and spices in the South China Sea. The area then became known for producing pearls during the Yuan dynasty.
So, as you stand here at Fa Shan Mei, consider the blend of natural beauty and technological innovation. This unique combination defines Shenzhen. It offers a moment of peace. It offers breathtaking views. It also showcases the dynamic spirit of this modern city.