Discovering Shouzhen Street: A Hidden Gem in Shenzhen

Where Is It?

Shouzhen Street sits in Longgang District, Shenzhen—a part of the city that blends modern hustle with local charm. It’s nestled near the Xinghe World-class Golf Course and just a stone’s throw from the Huaneng Power Plant (yes, really!). If you’re coming from downtown Shenzhen, it’s a 40-minute drive, but the metro (Line 3 to Yonghu Station) gets you close enough to walk.

How to Get Around

  • By Metro: Hop off at Yonghu Station. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll through lively neighborhoods.
  • By Bus: Lines 929 and M307 drop you right at the street’s entrance.
  • On Foot: For the adventurous, pair your visit with a hike along nearby trails—Shouzhen Street is a rewarding pitstop!

Pro tip: Rent a bike! The area has smooth paths, and cycling lets you explore nearby parks like Longcheng Park without breaking a sweat.

What’s It Like?

Shouzhen Street isn’t your typical tourist trap. Think narrow lanes lined with traditional Cantonese shops—think handcrafted teapots, bamboo baskets, and old-school barbers. But here’s the twist: modern cafes and street art murals pop up between these vintage gems. It’s like stepping into a time machine and a trendy magazine spread at once.

The street’s centerpiece? A 百年榕树 (hundred-year-old banyan tree) that’s perfect for shade-seekers. Locals gather here to chat, play cards, or just watch the world go by.

Nature Vibes

Don’t expect mountains or beaches, but Shouzhen Street nails small-scale charm. The banyan tree’s sprawling roots create a natural canopy, and flower stalls add pops of color. Nearby, a tiny creek winds through the area—not scenic enough for a boat ride, but lovely for photos. For green space, walk 10 minutes to Longcheng Park, where families picnic under towering palms.

Culture & History

This street is a living museum of Shenzhen’s past. Many shops here date back decades, run by third-generation owners. Try chatting with the vendors—they’ll share stories about how the street survived Shenzhen’s rapid growth. Don’t miss the herbal medicine shop (look for the wooden signboard!) or the tea house where elders play mahjong. For a deep dive, visit on a weekend morning when a small flea market sets up—perfect for scoring vintage finds.

Food & Drink

Shouzhen Street’s food scene is 100% local. Snack on:

  • Char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) from the bakery with the red lantern.
  • Chengdu-style noodles at the Sichuan joint—trust us, they’re spicy!
  • Herbal jelly from the drink stall under the banyan tree.

For coffee lovers, Bean There (a retro-chic cafe) serves up strong espresso. Pro tip: Their pandan cake is Instagram gold.

Extra Perks

  • Clean restrooms: Always a win in China!
  • Free Wi-Fi: Most cafes offer it, but the street has public hotspots too.
  • Photo ops: The murals, the banyan tree, and the old brick walls are all Insta-worthy.

My Visit: What to Expect

I spent a Sunday morning here, and it felt like crashing a family reunion—in the best way. Start with breakfast at the noodle shop, then wander. Talk to the herb shop owner (he knows every plant’s secret use). By noon, grab bubble tea and people-watch under the banyan. It’s not a “must-see” like Eiffel Tower, but if you want authentic Shenzhen, this is it.

Final tip: Come hungry, wear comfy shoes, and bring cash—some stalls don’t take cards. Oh, and say hi to the street dog that “owns” the banyan tree! 🐕