Location & How to Get There
Medicinal Plant Area, Xianhu Botanical Garden, Shenzhen, is tucked away in the eastern part of Shenzhen, near the border of Hong Kong. The garden sits at 160 Xianhu Road, Liantang, Luohu District, right next to Xianhu Lake and surrounded by lush hills. To reach here, take Metro Line 2 or 8 to Liantang Station (莲塘站), then walk or grab a short taxi ride. Buses like 113 or 336 also drop you nearby. If driving, plug the address into your GPS—parking is free but fills up fast on weekends!
Natural Scenery: A Green Oasis
This place feels like a secret garden! The Medicinal Plant Area is part of Xianhu Botanical Garden’s herbs and spices zone, where over 1,000 medicinal plants grow. Wander through rows of aromatic herbs like honeysuckle (jin yin hua) and licorice (gan cao), or spot rare plants like toad venom (chan su) in the shaded beds. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the paths, while summer brings thick greenery perfect for photos. Keep an eye out for butterflies and birds—they love this peaceful spot too!
Cultural Highlights: Herbs with History
Don’t miss the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Exhibition Hall inside the area. It’s a tiny museum with old tools, dried herb samples, and posters explaining how plants heal. On weekends, they sometimes host herb-grinding workshops where you can crush your own ginseng or cinnamon. Even if you’re not into TCM, the smell of crushed herbs is amazing!
Practical Stuff: What to Expect
The area is super stroller-friendly with flat paths and shaded rest spots. There’s a small herbal tea house serving drinks like chrysanthemum tea or lemongrass iced tea—perfect for a break. Bathrooms are clean, and free Wi-Fi is available near the entrance. Just bring cash for snacks, as the tea house doesn’t take cards. Wear comfy shoes; some trails are dirt, and it’s easy to explore for an hour or two.
Tips for Your Visit
- Best time: Mornings (before 10 AM) or late afternoons to avoid crowds.
- Combine with other sights: After exploring the medicinal plants, walk 10 minutes to Xianhu Temple (a Buddhist spot) or hike up nearby Wutong Mountain for city views.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the interactive herb displays and chasing butterflies.
- Pro tip: Download the Xianhu Botanical Garden app for a free audio guide that explains plant uses in English!
Whether you’re into nature, culture, or just relaxing, Medicinal Plant Area, Xianhu Botanical Garden, Shenzhen, offers a calming escape from the city buzz. Bring your camera and a sense of curiosity—you might just leave with a new appreciation for herbs!