Shenzhen is a sprawling megacity on China's southern coast, directly across the border from Hong Kong. Transformed from a fishing town of about 30,000 people into a metropolis of over 17 million in four decades, it is China's original Special Economic Zone and the country's leading technology hub, home to Tencent, Huawei, DJI, and thousands of electronics manufacturers.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Shenzhen.
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- Free public entry to the coastal park
- Sunbeds and umbrella rental
- Showers and changing rooms
- Beachfront restaurants and snack stalls
- Lifeguard patrols in season
Dameisha Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9am on weekends and holidays, when parking near the coastal park fills quickly
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- Ticketed entry with resort facilities
- Sunbeds and umbrella rental
- Showers and changing rooms
- Restaurants and cafes
- Watersports rental (banana boat, jet ski) in season
Xiaomeisha Beach
Editor’s tip. Buy tickets at the entrance gate; expect the higher CNY 50 holiday price during summer weekends and Chinese public holidays
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- Ticketed entry (roughly CNY 30/approx. USD 4.50)
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Showers and changing facilities
- Seafood restaurants and guesthouses nearby
- Surfing and camping popular among visitors
Xichong Beach
Editor’s tip. Book a DiDi or private car for the roughly 65-70 km trip, since public transport requires multiple transfers and takes considerably longer
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- Ticketed entry area and free sections
- Basic beachfront restaurants and stalls
- Surfing and paddleboarding rental
- Camping areas nearby
- Trailhead for the Dongchong-Xichong coastal hike
Dongchong Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrange a DiDi or private car for the full trip from central Shenzhen, since the metro-plus-bus route via Chizu/Cuizhu and Dapeng New Town takes considerably longer
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- Free public access
- Limited facilities compared to Dameisha/Xiaomeisha
- Nearby seafood restaurants in Shatoujiao town
- Views across to Hong Kong's Sha Tau Kok area
Shatoujiao Beach (Yantian Coastal Area)
Editor’s tip. Treat this as a scenic viewpoint and quiet walk rather than a swimming beach, given the limited facilities
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- No formal facilities - a natural, lesser-known cove
- Rocky headlands for exploring
- Best reached with a car or DiDi due to limited public transport
- Popular with local campers and anglers
Qiniang Mountain Beach (Xiyong)
Editor’s tip. Bring all food, water and supplies, since there are no shops, restaurants or vendors on-site
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Shenzhen’s coast.
Is Dameisha Beach free to visit?
Yes, entry to Dameisha Coastal Park and the beach itself is free; visitors only pay for optional extras like sunbed and umbrella rental.
From the Dameisha Beach editorial.
Is Dameisha Beach good for families with young children?
Yes, the bay's calm, sheltered water and gently sloping sand make it one of the more family-friendly beaches near Shenzhen, though lifeguard-marked zones should still be used.
From the Dameisha Beach editorial.
How much does it cost to enter Xiaomeisha Beach?
Entry is about CNY 30 (roughly USD 4.50) on regular days and about CNY 50 (roughly USD 7.50) on holidays and during peak summer.
From the Xiaomeisha Beach editorial.
Is Xiaomeisha Beach calmer than Dameisha?
Yes, its sheltered cove shape and ticketed entry generally make the water calmer and the beach less crowded than the free, longer stretch at Dameisha.
From the Xiaomeisha Beach editorial.
Is Xichong Beach good for surfing?
Yes, its open exposure to the South China Sea gives it more consistent swell than Shenzhen's sheltered bay beaches, making it a popular local surf spot.
From the Xichong Beach editorial.
How much does it cost to enter Xichong Beach?
Entry is roughly CNY 30 (about USD 4.50), with additional charges for sunbed, umbrella or equipment rental.
From the Xichong Beach editorial.
Is Dongchong Beach good for surfing?
Yes, its open exposure to the South China Sea gives it consistent, moderate surf, making it a popular spot alongside neighbouring Xichong Beach.
From the Dongchong Beach editorial.
Can visitors hike between Dongchong and Xichong beaches?
Yes, a coastal hiking trail of about 5-6 kilometres connects the two beaches, popular with weekend hikers on the Dapeng Peninsula.
From the Dongchong Beach editorial.