SHENZHEN’S Metro Line 4, extending from Futian Checkpoint to Longhua District, is known for being crowded. Apart from this down side, one reason that a ride on Line 4 is so in-demand is that it links many fun, cool places of interest. Deyi Park Though not that big compared with others, Deyi Park is unique for its exquisite Lingnan-style touches characterized by white walls and black bricks. The park has three gates, namely South Gate, East Gate and West Gate. South Gate is the main gate built with black bricks. At South Gate, there is a porch formed by five pairs of pillars. The park, built with an investment of 27 million yuan (US$4.32 million), covers an area of 31,000 square meters and is intended to serve more-than-300,000 residents who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. Apart from nice scenery, the park is equipped with sports facilities like basketball and badminton courts. Seeing senior citizens dancing in the park is a daily sight. Add: Near the intersection of Bulong Road and Meilong Boulevard (龍華區布龍路與梅龍大道交叉口旁) Metro: Line 4 to Hongshan Station, Exit A Entry: Free Yangtai Mountain Forest Park Located at the intersection of Bao’an, Nanshan and Longhua districts, Yangtai Mountain stands at an altitude of 587 meters. It’s the tallest peak in Northwest Shenzhen. In 2008, the mountain was rated one of the eight top scenic spots in Shenzhen by the Shenzhen government. There are many charming cultural and natural landscapes on the mountain. Among them, the Yangtai Mountain Waterfall is a must-see. With over 10 reservoirs spread out around the base of the mountain, it’s also an important source of the city’s drinking water. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (Mon.-Sun.); Last entry is 4 p.m. Add: Longyanshan Village, Shiyan Town, Bao’an District (寶安區石巖鎮龍眼山村) Metro: Line 4 to Longsheng Station, Exit C, then take Bus m115 or m462 to Yangtai Mountain Stop Entry: Free Longhua Park Located in Longhua District, Longhua Park enjoys a long history. Built in 1992, the park covers an area of 200,000 square meters. The grounds of the garden are covered in a fertile assortment of different grasses and flowers combined with beautiful scenery and hilltops, which feature the Monument to the Revolutionary Martyrs of the Dongjiang Column. Modern cultural facilities at the base of the hill include swimming pools, play areas for children, as well as multipurpose leisure and entertainment facilities. The site is a favorite of nearby residents, who frequently visit and exercise there on weekends. Add: Renmin Road North, Longhua District (龍華區人民北路) Metro: Line 4 to Longhua Station, Exit B Entry: Free Shuiwei 1368 Culture Street It’s a new landmark born of the urban village renovation. The once-shabby buildings are now Qilou-style buildings with corridors, black-brick walls and stone arches. The colorful apartment buildings shine at night alongside clean, vibrantly lit streets. Apart from the chic buildings, there are a variety of Cantonese delicacies available including casserole porridge, rice noodle rolls and desserts. In addition, there are many Western-style bars run by expat residents. The Shuiwei Ningmeng Talents Apartments is the city’s first such urban renovation project. Twenty-nine buildings in the former village have been leased to the Futian District Government and transformed into well-furnished talent apartments. Add: Huanggang Park 1st Street, Futian District (福田區皇崗公園一街) Metro: Line 4 to Fumin Station, Exit D, then walk for some 788 meters (距地鐵4號線福民站D出口步行788米) Loft Town at UpperHills This colorful town is hidden away in a cranny of the hustling and bustling city, connecting Lianhua Hill and Bijia Mountain. Roaming around the colorful buildings on a sunny day is sure to provide a mood-boost. When you get tired, you can sit down at one of the many coffee shops for a caffeine-aided rest. UpperHills is a top-class urban complex composed of multi-shopping spaces, high-end business apartments, art spaces, Muji Hotel Shenzhen and the international luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Add: Northwest of the intersection of Huanggang Road and Sungang Road West, Futian District (福田區皇崗路與筍崗西路交匯處西北側) Metro: Line 4 to Lianhua North Station, Exit A2, then walk for 1,300 meters (Chen Xiaochun)
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