Published : 19/11/2025
As autumn creates perfect hiking conditions, let's explore a unique trail network that connects five of Shenzhen's major parks!
Newly opened in 2024, this 17-kilometre route is the key part of the city's "Mountain-Sea Vista Initiative." It offers a journey through lush natural scenery and modern smart parks, blending tranquil landscapes with interactive technology. It makes hiking as easy as a city walk!
The "Five-Park Link" trail starts at Meilin Mountain Cultural and Sports Centre (梅林文體中心) and ends at Lotus Mountain Park's Kite Square (蓮花山公園風箏廣場). It connects five major parks in central Shenzhen: Meilin Mountain Park (梅林山公園), Yinhu Mountain Park (銀湖山公園), Bijia Mountain Park (筆架山公園), Central Park (中心公園), and Lotus Mountain Park (蓮花山公園).
The entire route spans approximately 17 kilometers, with a total ascent of about 822 meters. The highest point reaches 378 meters above sea level.
The entire route is ingeniously connected through ecological bridges, underground culverts, elevated walkways, and paved paths. Among these, the Kunpeng Trail No. 1 Bridge and the Bijia Mountain Sky Corridor are particularly impressive landmark projects.
The more challenging sections are concentrated in the first half of the trail. From Bijia Mountain Park onward, the path becomes mostly flat and gentle.
The park is equipped with smart fitness facilities and connects seamlessly to nearby commercial and residential areas, offering a complete experience of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Since its opening last year, the trail has quickly become a popular hiking route among residents.
Meilin Mountain Park
Beginning at Xiameilin Station, the journey starts from the Meilin Cultural and Sports Centre, following the trailhead into the Meilin Mountain Country Park.
Meilin Mountain Park spans approximately 6.9 square kilometres and occupies the highest point along Shenzhen’s central axis, earning it the nickname "Urban Balcony."
From its scenic overlook, visitors can take in sweeping views of Futian CBD’s skyscrapers, lush rolling hills, and the mirror-like Shenzhen Reservoir—all in one panorama that captures the city’s diverse landscapes.
The park is rich in natural ecology, featuring protected plants such as Cycad Ferns and Golden Dogs, as well as wild animals like wild boars and leopard cats.
Following the Meilin Mountain Country Trail, take the direction of "Big Brain Shell" at the fork, then turn into "Trailhead No. 5" at an elevation of 378 meters to proceed towards the Kunpeng Trail No. 1 Bridge.
Although not reaching the highest peak of 386 meters, this vantage point already offers sweeping views of the Ping'an Finance Centre and other iconic landmarks on the skyline.
Yinhu Mountain Park
The Kunpeng Trail No. 1 Bridge, which connects Meilin Mountain and Yinhu Mountain, serves as a key project in the Five-Park Link system.
More than just a passage, it is an ecological corridor under restoration, with over 90% of its structure simulating a natural hillside and planted with native vegetation. This thoughtful design even occasionally attracts national second-class protected leopard cats to roam leisurely across the bridge.
Crossing the bridge, you enter Yinhu Mountain Park, where pristine ravines, dense forests, and murmuring streams create a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.
The trail connects three popular landmarks—Jigong Mountain Viewing Platform, Tianchi Secret Pond, and Wengu Manor—allowing you to seamlessly transition between untouched wilderness and the urban skyline.
Bijiashan Mountain Park
Crossing the Pearl Ridge Overpass, you arrive at Bijia Mountain Park, renowned as a "natural oxygen bar." With over 90% vegetation coverage, it's an ideal place to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.
The park also showcases its modern side as a smart recreation hub. At its heart lies the Bijiashan Sports Park, a massive 260,000-square-metre facility split into northern and southern zones.
The south zone features the Bijiashan Campsite, offering experiences like stargazing film festivals, lawn concerts, and touch rugby. The north zone is fully equipped for sports, with multiple football pitches, basketball and badminton courts, and a 1.6-kilometre running track.
After the demanding trails of the first half, this area serves as the perfect spot to take a break, stretch your legs, and recharge.
Centre Park
Following the Futian River Greenway brings you to the expansive Centre Park.
Stretching along the riverbank and divided into five sections (A-E), it seamlessly blends natural scenery with modern comforts. The most distinctive features are its contemporary, photogenic deckchairs, inviting you to relax amidst the greenery in ultimate comfort.
The park also incorporates clever technological touches, including a novel drone delivery service for takeaways and interactive smart fitness equipment that adds a fresh dimension to exercise.
Lotus Mountain Park
Finally, after crossing the "Happiness Corridor Bridge" which connects Bijia Hill, Lotus Mountain Park and UpperHills, you will arrive at the final stop of this trip—the Kite Square of Lotus Mountain Park.
This bridge, named the "UpperHills and Bijia Hill Happiness Corridor Bridge", connects Bijia Hill Park, Lotus Mountain Park and the UpperHills shopping centre. The bridge connects the tranquility of nature with the energy of urban life, allowing you to conclude your hike with the simple joys of dining, shopping, and leisure
Lotus Mountain Park is a sprawling 194-hectare comprehensive municipal park in the heart of Futian District, blending natural landscapes, cultural elements, and urban leisure. This has earned it the nickname "The City's Living Room," as well as a place among the "Top Eight Scenes of Shenzhen."
The park is not only a riot of colorful blooms but also home to many beloved attractions, including the Kite Square, the Coconut Grove Lawn, and the Guan Shanyue Art Museum. Winding through vibrant flower beds, serene lakes, and gentle hills, it's a perfect destination for a scenic hike and flower viewing.
Lotus Mountain Park is also a pioneer in smart technology, packed with innovative features for visitors.
You'll find a wide range of smart fitness equipment, along with smart shower rooms, automated coffee kiosks, and food stalls. It's even home to Shenzhen's first pilot program for drone food delivery!
Conclude your journey by crossing the connecting bridge to UpperHills for dining, shopping, and leisure.
A popular check-in spot since 2018, this complex is noted for its colorful European-style architecture and over 300 brands, offering a seamless transition from nature to city life and providing a fitting finale to your itinerary.
Read more: Cycling in Shenzhen: Top 4 must-ride routes for beginners