In the afternoon of Dec. 27 close to 300 hikers gathered at the beautiful coastal promenade in Yantian District to appreciate the charm of the "coastal jade belt" in east Shenzhen.

Participants at the starting line of the hiking event Dec. 27.

Their 12-kilometer hiking route started at the Yantian Guta Park and ended at the Dameisha Coastal Park, along which four scenic spots including the Lighthouse Library and Yantian Seafood Street were arranged for participants to visit and take photos.

The event was sponsored by the Yantian District Publicity, Culture and Sports Development Special Funds, hosted by the Shenzhen Blue Ocean Environmental Protection Association and co-hosted by the Shenzhen Yantian District All-Area Tourism Association.

Participants during the hiking.

Participants gather at the main venue of the hiking event.

According to the organizers, the event aimed to bring residents closer to the coastal areas in Shenzhen so that they could offer suggestions to the planning and tourism development of the Yantian District Waterfront Recreation Area.

Ma Haipeng, executive secretary-general of the Shenzhen Blue Ocean Environmental Protection Association, gives a speech.

“This event was designed for residents to learn about marine landscape and marine geology and bring them closerto the sea, so that more people will be able to appreciate the beauty of Shenzhen's coastlines," said Ma Haipeng, executive secretary-general of the Shenzhen Blue Ocean Environmental Protection Association.

Participants pose for a photo at a designated spot.

Participants pose for a photo after completing the hiking.

A parent said, "This hiking event is very good for children's health and broadens their horizons about the ocean.”

The winding Yantian seaside promenade is 19.5 kilometers long with beaches and islets with sea-eroded landforms scattered among them, making it the most beautiful "golden coastline" in Shenzhen.