THE China Tourism Research Institute, in collaboration with Mafengwo, a popular Chinese website for travel planning, sharing and booking, recently unveiled the “Tourism Research Report on Charming Towns in China.” This comprehensive report identifies 100 towns across the country that are worth visiting, based on six key dimensions favored by travelers: ancient architecture, historical culture, intangible cultural heritage, local cuisine, natural wonders, and leisure experiences. Shenzhen’s Dapeng New Area has made this esteemed list. The report emphasizes Dapeng’s selection as a means to redefine the common perceptions of Shenzhen as a bustling, profit-driven metropolis. “If you think Shenzhen is boring and just fast-paced, Dapeng will challenge that stereotype,” the report asserts. With over 600 years of history, the Dapeng Fortress stands as a testament to the region’s rich past, alongside its designation as the first international slow city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and China’s first international dark sky community, Xichong. The report states that “not visiting Dapeng means you can’t truly say you know Shenzhen.” Dapeng’s distinct urban character has developed over millennia, showcasing a blend of history and modernity. On the west coast of Dapeng Peninsula, archaeological discoveries at Xiantouling — dating back 7,000 years to the Neolithic period — were recognized as one of the “Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in China” in 2006. Although this site is not yet publicly accessible, its historical significance is monumental. On the east coast lies the Dapeng Fortress, constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The fortress, characterized by its ancient city walls, reflects the history of maritime defense during the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Walking its paths evokes a sense of stepping back in time, where the voices of soldiers resonate faintly along original stone roads, offering a stark contrast to today’s modernity just beyond its ancient walls. At the southernmost tip of Dapeng Peninsula, Xichong boasts not only Shenzhen’s longest beach but also a stunningly clear night sky — an increasingly rare sight in the GBA. Designated as China’s first international dark sky community in April 2023, Xichong has effectively minimized light pollution by creating scientifically planned control zones. Its breathtaking natural landscape shields the area from bright city lights, making it ideal for stargazing. Visitors can appreciate the Milky Way in all its glory, with many young people setting up tents for a romantic night under the stars while using mobile apps to track meteor showers, blending technology with the beauty of nature. Dapeng also holds the title of the first international slow city within a first-tier city in China. Nearly half of Shenzhen’s coastline lies within this picturesque locale. The quaint guesthouse community at Jiaochawei exudes artistic charm, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The area is also famous for Yangmeikeng’s hiking trail, made popular by the film “The Mermaid.” This nearly 5-kilometer-long trail offers breathtaking views of the sea and serves as both a hiking and jogging path. At the trail’s end, visitors can relax on sandy Luzui Beach or roam along cliffside paths to explore the intriguing Mermaid Cave. Dapeng’s infrastructure supports diverse vacation options, whether for a day trip or a longer retreat, with offerings ranging from mountain villas to beachfront camping. Additionally, Qiniang Mountain, standing at 867.4 meters, is Shenzhen’s second-highest peak, surrounded on three sides by the sea and offering spectacular coastal vistas. For those who prefer a more leisurely hike, the Luyan scientific research trail provides an easier alternative, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning coastline while reaching the main peak of Qiniang Mountain. In the mornings, visitors can stroll barefoot across the tidal flats of Jinsha Bay, feast on fresh seafood in Dongshan Fishing Village, sail from Qixing Bay, and witness the stunning sunset at Moon Bay. As night falls, the combination of stars and sea creates a serene setting for quiet reflection. Dapeng is fast becoming a choice destination for younger generations seeking to escape urban stress while enjoying both cultural depth and natural beauty. Here, a philosophy of slow living in a fast-paced city is taking hold, where families hike through Dongchong Mangrove Park and photography enthusiasts capture migratory birds, representing a vibrant slice of contemporary urban life.(Windy Shao) | 