The waters around Chuanbi Rock at Dongchong in Dapeng are known as the "glass sea" for their crystal clarity and reflective, mirror-like surface. File photo
Shenzhen's Dapeng Peninsula has been selected as one of China's first 49 high-quality outdoor sports destinations, as recently announced by the National Development and Reform Commission.
Located in southeastern Shenzhen, the peninsula is surrounded by sea on three sides, bordered by Daya Bay to the east and Dapeng Bay to the west, adjoined by Huizhou to the northeast, and faces Hong Kong's New Territories across the water. Known for its striking coastal mountains and pristine environment, it has become a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
An aerial view showcases the vibrant foliage of mangrove forests in Dongchong, located in Dapeng New Area. Shenzhen Evening News
As Shenzhen's only national ecological civilization demonstration zone, the peninsula boasts a forest coverage rate of over 77%, a winding coastline stretching 125 kilometers, and 48 distinctive sandy beaches.
It has one of the country's most beautiful coastlines, including Dongchong and Xichong beaches on the southern tip of the peninsula, which was nominated in 2020 by Chinese National Geography magazine as one of the eight most beautiful in the country. The 4-km coastline features mountains, headlands, caves, stone formations, and rows of coral reefs, providing an ideal retreat from city life. It also has a prime trekking trail, which takes from three to four hours to complete.
The peninsula's Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay have been recognized as national "Beautiful Bays."
Visitors pause to capture scenic views along a coastal trail in Shenzhen's Dapeng Peninsula. File photo
Dapeng offers an extensive network of outdoor routes, including 257 km of greenways, 83 km of forest trails, 152.5 km of country trails, and 106 km of seaside cycling tracks, providing ideal conditions for year-round hiking, biking, and trail running.
The peninsula is also home to three major yacht clubs — Sevenstar, Dapeng, and Longcheer — which have hosted world-class sailing events while offering public training in sailing and surfing. In addition, the peninsula contains Shenzhen's largest and highest low-altitude airspace, enabling emerging sports such as paragliding and skydiving.
Sailing teams set off from Dapeng Bay on the opening day of the 2024 China Cup International Regatta, held in Shenzhen's Dapeng New Area in November 2024. Liu Xudong
Notably, the China Cup International Regatta, Asia's premier sailing event, has been held in Dapeng for 16 consecutive years. The 2024 edition attracted more than 200 teams from over 30 countries and regions, setting a new record as China's largest sailing event.
The TransDapeng100 Ultra Trail Race, certified by the International Trail Running Association, also drew over 1,700 participants from 13 countries this year. Trail running is an outdoor sport that combines running and hiking. Participants venture out on unpaved surfaces, passing over dirt, rocks, branches, grass, streams, and other natural elements.
