Behind Shenzhen's everyday conveniences lies the power of technology. Here are a few places where unseen tech quietly improves urban living — and where you can book a visit with just a tap on your phone.
Energy ecological parks (能源生态园)
The Nanshan, Yantian, Longgang and Bao'an energy ecological parks are four urban waste treatment facilities operated by Shenzhen Energy Environment Co., Ltd. They are not only waste-to-energy plants that use innovative solutions, but also public science and technology education centers and leisure destinations — turning NIMBY (not in my backyard) into YIMBY (yes in my backyard).
According to the company website, the Longgang park processes 5,100 tons of domestic waste per day; Nanshan, 2,300 tons; Bao'an, 8,450 tons; and Yantian, 2,300 tons. Each park features distinctive, sleek architecture that blends environmental protection concepts with aesthetic design.
A general view of the Nanshan energy ecological park.
In the Nanshan park, the main building's sea wave-inspired form echoes the nearby ocean. From the 72.4-meter-high, calla lily-shaped chimney, visitors can enjoy views of Lingding Sea and Mawan Port. The park also offers exhibits on waste treatment, interactive games, and a café.
The circular building in the Longgang park draws inspiration from the local Hakka round house, symbolizing resource circulation and energy regeneration. The park is featured in Yale University's About Architecture.
The main structure of the Longgang energy ecological park viewed from above.
The mountain-like structure in the Bao'an park features metal patterns on its glass façades that evoke tree shadows, allowing the building to blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature.
The Bao'an energy ecological park viewed from a distance.
The white building in the Yantian park, with its 82-meter-high chimney, resembles an elegant swan nestled among green hills by the sea. In 2018, it won the Gold Award at the A'Design Award.
The white building in the Yantian park resembles an elegant swan. File photos
To book a visit, follow Shenzhen Energy Environment Co., Ltd.'s official WeChat account (ID: shennenghuanbao). Tap "特色服务"→ "参观预约" → "场馆预约", then select the park you want to visit. First-time users must register in the booking miniprogram.
Nanshan add: 1032 Mawan Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区妈湾大道1032号)
Metro: Line 2 or 5 to Chiwan Station (赤湾站), Exit D, then taxi
Longgang add: 1 Huanbao Road, Longgang District (龙岗区环保路1号)
Metro: Line 3 to Baishitang Station (白石塘站), Exit D, then taxi
Yantian add: Hengyan Road, Yantian District (盐田区横盐路)
Metro: Line 8 to Yantian Road Station (盐田路站), Exit C, then taxi
Bao'an add: Shuiquan Road, Bao'an District (宝安区水泉路)
Metro: Line 6 to Heshuikou Station (合水口站), Exit A, then taxi
Shenzhen Library in Longhua (深圳图书馆北馆)
The Shenzhen Library's Longhua Branch is famous for its underground book repository, designed to hold four million volumes. It's the largest intelligent underground book repository in China, and countless videos of it have gone viral on social media. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning once posted on X: "This 'magic library' in Shenzhen is mind-blowing! Is it a 'space elevator' or Hogwarts in disguise?"
Visitors snap shots of Shenzhen Library's massive smart sorting and search system.
Buried 18 meters underground, the automated repository can locate a book and deliver it to any floor in just 10 minutes. Using intelligent sorting and search systems, an automated carriage retrieves requested books from the underground stacks and transports them to a designated floor for immediate pickup, creating an impressive and efficient "grab-and-go" experience.
During repository visits, staff will explain the system and demonstrate various robots and the towering 20-meter machines.
To book a visit, follow the library's official WeChat account (ID: szlibrary). Tap "发现" → "预约中心" → "活动预约", select a date, and choose "书海探底" to book.
Repository visits are open only on weekends for visitors aged 6 or older who hold a library card. Booking is available one day in advance. Each session lasts 45 minutes and begins at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m.
Metro: Line 4 or 6 to Hongshan Station (红山站), Exit A1
