Things To Do
in Nantou
Nantou (南头古城) is the historic core of Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, centered on an ancient walled town with streets, temples and city gates that date back centuries. Today it sits amid fast-moving urban development, offering a compact pocket of traditional architecture, museums and cultural exhibits against a modern skyline. The area is a good base for exploring nearby tech hubs, waterfront parks and creative districts like OCT-LOFT and Shekou.
Visitors find a mix of local Cantonese food, craft cafés, and photogenic alleys that contrast sharply with Shenzhen’s skyscrapers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a serene boat ride across the tranquil waters of Sun Moon Lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountains. As the sun rises, take in the beautiful reflections of the surrounding scenery on the lake's surface. Visit the iconic Wenwu Temple, dedicated to Confucius and the God of War, to admire its stunning architecture and scenic views.
After lunch at a lakeside café, rent a bicycle and explore the scenic bike paths that wind around the lake. Stop at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village to learn about the rich heritage and traditions of Taiwan's indigenous people. Enjoy the vibrant gardens and thrilling amusement rides in the park, making it a perfect blend of culture and fun.
As dusk approaches, return to the lake for a stunning sunset view, capturing the moment in photographs. Indulge in a local dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring dishes that feature fresh lake fish and traditional Taiwanese flavors. Conclude your day with a peaceful stroll along the lake promenade, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Begin your day with a visit to the picturesque tea plantations in the mountains of Nantou, where the mist hangs low over lush green fields. Participate in a guided tour of a tea factory to see the intricate process of tea production and sample some freshly brewed Oolong tea. As you walk through the plantations, enjoy the serene surroundings and learn about the history of tea cultivation in the region.
After a delightful tea tasting, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning views of rolling hills covered in tea bushes. Spend the afternoon hiking the nearby trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests. Capture the beauty of nature and perhaps spot some local wildlife as you explore the area.
As the sun sets, head back to your accommodation to relax and refresh. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in dishes infused with the flavors of tea. End your day with a calming session of tea meditation, focusing on the aromas and flavors of the various teas you’ve tasted throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-50 |
| 🚕Taxi start/short ride | $2-6 |
| 🚇Metro ride (typical) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $30-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact historic core with photogenic ancient architecture
- Close to modern Shenzhen attractions, waterfronts and creative districts
- Excellent Cantonese and seafood dining options
- Good transport links to Hong Kong and other Guangdong destinations
- Can be humid and rainy much of the year (typhoon season in summer)
- Historic area is small and can be crowded at peak times
- Language barriers outside tourist venues — fewer English speakers in local shops
- Rapid urban development means some traditional scenes are surrounded by construction
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "请问…? (qǐng wèn…?)" - Excuse me / May I ask…?
- "多少钱? (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "对不起 (duì bu qǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "我需要帮助 (wǒ xū yào bāng zhù)" - I need help
Places to Visit in Nantou
Visit one of these nice places.
Photogenic stone gates, narrow lanes and old temple facades give strong historic contrast with surrounding modern high-rises.
Elevated viewpoint offering panoramic shots of Shenzhen’s skyline, waterfront and the old town below—great at golden hour.
Harbor views, marina reflections and colorful lights at night; good for sunset and night photography.
Street art, converted factories, galleries and cafés provide urban, artsy backdrops and candid street scenes.
Coastal wetlands and boardwalks offer nature shots, especially at sunrise and during migratory bird seasons.
Food in Nantou
Nantou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small steamed, fried and baked bites — har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai and custard buns — best found in local teahouses and Cantonese restaurants.
Must-Try!
Roast goose, char siu pork and roast duck; available at family-run restaurants and barbecue shops around the district.
Seafood served live or freshly cooked in Shekou/Sea World restaurants — try steamed fish, clams in black bean sauce or stir-fried prawns.
Salt-baked chicken or preserved vegetable stews reflecting the influence of migrants from neighboring provinces; found at local homestyle eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small neighborhood market selling fresh produce, seafood and prepared snacks — great for trying boiled peanuts, soy milk and quick local bites.
A cluster of seafood restaurants and casual stalls by the water; popular for evening meals and sunset views.
Evening stalls near transport hubs selling skewers, fried snacks and sweet desserts — ideal for sampling many small dishes affordably.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a nod or handshake for formal meetings; show respect to elders and avoid loud confrontations in public.
Queueing is expected at ticket counters and metro stations — but pushy behavior can occur during busy times. Try to stand to one side and be patient.
If invited to a meal, it’s polite to bring a small gift; accept dishes offered and use both hands when receiving something important.
Avoid sensitive political topics and public criticism of government policies; keep conversations on neutral subjects when with new acquaintances.
Safety
Tipping in Nantou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in mainland China. In tourist-oriented bars or hotels a small tip may be accepted, but it’s not obligatory. Service charges in higher-end restaurants may be included on the bill.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are the dominant payment methods; credit cards are accepted at many hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash (RMB) and mobile pay are recommended for markets and small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings warming temperatures and increasing humidity with occasional rain; good for mild hikes but carry a light rain jacket.
June–August is hot, humid and rainy, with peak typhoon season between July and September — expect short heavy downpours and occasional transport disruptions.
September–November is generally the most pleasant: warm, drier and less humid — ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
December–February is mild and relatively dry, with cool nights (rarely freezing); easy walking weather but bring a light coat for evenings.
Nantou at Night
Hiking in Nantou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Shenzhen’s highest peak with several routes of varying difficulty, waterfalls and lookout points providing sweeping views of Shenzhen and the coastline.
Urban mountain close to Nanshan with well-maintained trails and good city views — popular for shorter hikes and sunrise photography.
Coastal hiking with beaches, cliffs and dramatic sea views on the Dapeng Peninsula — best on a dry day and ideal for multi-hour treks.
Shorter, family-friendly paths near the city offering green space and lookout points without long travel.
Airports
How to reach Nantou by plane.
Primary airport serving Shenzhen with domestic and international flights; about 30–50 minutes drive to Nanshan depending on traffic and convenient metro line connections.
Major international hub across the border; reachable by bus, ferry or car (allow extra time for immigration). Good option for international connections and low-cost flights.
Another major regional airport about 1.5–2 hours away by high-speed train or car; useful for additional flight options to mainland destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group; Shenzhen’s population is predominantly Han, with cultural influences from Cantonese and other Han subgroups.
Shenzhen attracts migrants from across China working in tech, manufacturing and services — resulting in a diverse mix of dialects and regional cuisines.
A noticeable international community of professionals, entrepreneurs and students, particularly near tech hubs and international schools.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched — many neighborhood courts and public games; a popular casual sport among locals.
Popular at school and club level; local leagues and recreational pitches are common around the city.
Very popular indoor sports with many community courts and clubs for casual and competitive play.
With nearby mountains and coastal trails, hiking and trail running are favorite outdoor pastimes for residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nantou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but Chinese dishes often include meat stock. Use the phrase '我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)' and ask servers to confirm no meat or lard; vegetarian restaurants and international cafés are common in Nanshan.
Halal restaurants are fewer but available in Shenzhen; look for halal-certified signs or consult apps like Dianping for listings. Seafood-based meals are often safe if prepared plainly.
Carry ingredient cards in Chinese for common allergies (nuts, shellfish, gluten). Cross-contamination can occur in busy kitchens, so communicate clearly and consider cooking requests.