Free fun places in SZ (Futian)

Are you a newcomer to Shenzhen and have no idea where to spend your weekends? Well luckily for you, we will be listing out tons of places in Shenzhen that are free of charge.

Bi Jia Shan Park (Penholder Park) 笔架山公园

Located on the north side of the city center, the park is home to fantastic mountain peaks, among which the three main peaks stand from east to west, resembling a penholder, hence the name of the park.

Even in winter, the park is embraced by warm sunshine, making it a nice place not only for hiking but for picnics with your family and friends. After dinner, you can take a walk around the mountain and appreciate the beautiful night views of Shenzhen Bay, Shekou and the city skyline.

Address: Bi Jia Shan Park, Meigang Road, Futian District, Shenzhen (深圳市福田区梅岗路笔架山)

Transport: Take metro Line 4 (Longhua Line) to Lianhua North

Shenzhen Mangrove Seaside Ecological Park 深圳红树林海滨公园

Walking or stopping along the coast to gaze off into the distance while listening to music is a great way to relax on the weekend. Embraced by the cozy sea wind, you can get up close and personal with nature.

Spanning Futian and Nanshan, the road is long and winding and if you feel you aren't up to the task of walking it all then maybe cycling is a better option. Bikes are cheap to rent all along the route with tandem and normal bicycles available.

Address: Binhai Boulevard, Futian District, Shenzhen (深圳市福田区滨河大道)

Transport: Take bus No. J1, 76, 80, K105, K113, K204, 229, 231, 236 or 305.

Lianhua Hill Park 莲花山公园

The peak of the hill isn't too high but it's just high enough to afford a perfect view of downtown Futian. The night views here are also quite awesome. You can also fly kites out on the kite square inside the park or just lie on the grass and relax.

Address: No. 6030, Hongli Road, Futian District, Shenzhen (深圳市福田区红荔路6030号)

Transport: Take metro Line Longgang or Longhua, Children's Palace Stop

Meilin Reservoir 梅林水库

A popular trekking route for outdoor enthusiasts, here in Meilin Reservoir you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the green scenery.

Address: To the north of Meilin First Village, Futian District (深圳市福田区大型住宅区梅林一村以北)

Transport: Take bus No. b821 to Meilin Park

SEG Plaza 赛格观光大厦

Standing on the top of this building, looking eastwards, you can see the dense high-rises in Luohu District while looking southwards you can see Hong Kong and westwards the downtown area of Futian District. In the north, you can just glimpse the lush Bi Jia Shan Park and the industrial parks in Bao'an District.

Come and enjoy a different view of Shenzhen, you never know what you'll find.

Address: Intersection of Shennan Road Central and Huaqiangbei Road, Shenzhen (深圳市交通干道深南中路与华强北路交汇处)

Transport: Take bus 9, 13, 212, 216, 225, 238, 302, 317, 385, N10, N12, N13 or N17 to SEG Plaza.

Shenzhen Library 深圳图书馆

A few steps away from the idyllic Lianhua Hill, the Shenzhen Library is known for its unique and modern architecture. Together with the Concert Hall, they make up another of the architectural masterpieces in the city. The library, covering an area of 29,612 square meters, is designed to house 4 million books.

Rain or shine, you can always throw yourself into the ocean of books here and "swim" freely.

Address: No. 2001, Fuzhong 1st Road, Futian District (深圳市福田区福中一路2001号)

Transport: Take metro Line 3 (Longgang Line) or Line 4 (Longhua Line) to Children's Palace, Exit D

Shenzhen International Garden and Flower Expo Park (Yuan Bo Yuan) 深圳国际园林花卉博览园 (园博园)

The park was opened back in September, 2004 as the "5th China International Garden and Flower Exposition." The previous expositions had been temporary installations, but the city kept this one open as a park offering both kitsch and culture.

A classical garden of Chinese style in Shenzhen, the park offers you an idyllic escape from the steel and concrete of the city.

Address: West section of Zhuzilin, Shennan Boulevard, Shenzhen (深圳市深南大道竹子林西段)

Transport: Take bus 109, 113, 121, 123, 204, 209, 210, 21, 222, 223, 232, 234, 245, 26, 319, 338, 350, 367, 49, 54, 59, N4, N5, N6, or Peak-time Special Line 12 to Yuanboyuan Stop.