Yantian District, not far from downtown Shenzhen and now easily accessible by Metro, never fails to impress with its lush scenery and sweeping sea views.

A view of Enshang Wetland Park in Yantian District. Photos from WeChat official account "公园深圳"

Tucked halfway up the southern slope of Wutong Mountain, the lesser‑known Enshang Wetland Park is a peaceful alternative to the busier Yantian Central Park. Often overlooked by hikers, it is quieter and often frequented by nearby residents who treat it like a backyard garden.

From the terminal at Yantian Central Park a sightseeing bus winds up a meandering mountain road, offering panoramic sea views and refreshing breezes along the way.

Wutong Pavilion and the huge lawn

A short walk up the path from the park entrance, past a few bends, brings visitors to a vast green lawn overlooked by a two‑story white structure: Wutong Pavilion.

The Wutong Pavilion is a two-story white structure. 

Said to be inspired by a dandelion seed head, it more closely resembles a giant UFO perched among the trees. The pavilion’s first floor is a perfect photo spot, framing the nearby verdant hills and the distant blue sea. A spiral staircase leads to an open terrace where visitors can take in sweeping views of Yantian.

The pavilion’s second floor houses a café serving Instagram‑worthy desserts, snacks and drinks. Guests can relax with a cup of coffee while browsing the café’s books and magazines.

The adjacent lawn is so expansive and vibrantly green that some locals call it “Shenzhen’s Altay,” in reference to the vast grasslands of Xinjiang.

Here people lie on the grass, run freely, fly kites, or simply enjoy the open space. Some bring hammocks or inflatable sofas to recline in the shade of huge banyan trees, napping or watching fluffy clouds drift across the azure sky. With Wutong Mountain rising behind the meadow, photographers are often drawn to scenes that evoke memories of Japan’s Mount Fuji.

Enshang Reservoir

Venturing into the woods, visitors are soon surrounded by birdsong and the hum of insects, an atmosphere that invites relaxation. A 10‑minute walk leads to a secluded reservoir sheltered by dense trees. Children often use nets to catch small fish in the creeks that feed the reservoir, while leisurely strollers may spot graceful black swans gliding on the water.

In autumn, when the swamp cypress trees turn shades of orange and red, the area transforms into a colorful fairyland.

Children’s playground and waterfalls

A newly opened children’s playground makes the park particularly family friendly. While youngsters burn off energy climbing rope frames, sliding and swinging, parents can relax nearby. Water features along the downhill hiking trail — especially the stretch between Yuanyang Lake and Lanhua Creek — provide further fun for children who love playing in streams and pools.

Closer to the mountain foot, Enshang Waterfall plunges from a cliff several dozen meters high, offering a spectacular finale to a day of exploration.

Recommended route:Wutong Pavilion → huge lawn → Enshang Reservoir → Enshang Waterfall

Tips:

• No drugstores along the route — bring snacks and water.

• Apply sunscreen and wear a hat in summer.

• Long sleeves and pants are recommended to prevent mosquito and insect bites.

Add: Enshang Wetland Park, Huishen Coastal Expressway

Transport:

• Metro Line 8 to Haishan Station (海山站), Exit B; walk to Acotown Gulf International Hotel and take the Shanhai Special Route Minibus(8号线海山站B口，步行至雅庭海湾国际大酒店乘坐山海专线)

• Metro Line 8 to Haishan Station, Exit C; walk about 40 minutes

• Self drivers: reserve road access a day ahead via the Wutong Mountain Forest Park official WeChat account (ID: gdwutongshan)