Since July 1, a new Shenzhen-to-Shenzhen loop line (Train Nos. D9720/17 and D9718/9) has begun peak-hour operations. Running through Shenzhen, Huizhou, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Meizhou, and Heyuan, the five-hour route connects vibrant cities with scenic countryside in one smooth journey. The perfect weekend escape is just a ticket away!

OH Bay, Shenzhen (深圳欢乐港湾)

Located in Qianhai's core area, OH Bay is a complex that seamlessly integrates nature, culture, and leisure. Its iconic "Bay Glory" Ferris wheel offers sweeping views of the skyline and sea.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Here, visitors can stroll through Haibin Culture Park, enjoy a romantic water show or an open-air music festival, or explore the Bay Opera House and themed food street. It's an ideal urban escape for all ages.

(Photo: Bao'an Cultural and Sports Center)

Location: South of Baohua Road, Xin'an Street, Bao'an Central District, Bao'an District, Shenzhen (深圳市宝安区宝安中心区新安街道宝华路以南)

More highlights in Shenzhen: Xichong Coastal Tourism Resort (西涌滨海旅游度假区), Dameisha Beach Park (大梅沙海滨公园), Qingping Ancient Market (清平古墟), Phoenix Mountain Forest Park (凤凰山森林公园)

West Lake, Huizhou (惠州西湖)

A visit to Huizhou wouldn't be complete without a stroll around its iconic West Lake. Traditional pavilions, arched bridges, and tree-lined paths create a tranquil escape from the urban buzz.

(Photo: Huizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

The lake is always in bloom, and the lotus flowers are at their peak now. Near Wenchang Pavilion, blooming lotus ponds paired with traditional architecture offer picture-perfect views and the subtle fragrance of summer in the air.

(Photo: Huizhou West Lake Scenic Area)

Location: No. 2, Huancheng West Road, Huicheng District, Huizhou (惠州市惠城区环城西路2号)

More highlights in Huizhou: Nankun Mountain (南昆山), Xunliao Bay (巽寮湾), Sea Turtle Bay (海龟湾), Dayawan Mangrove Urban Wetland Park (大亚湾红树林城市湿地公园), Danshui Old Town (淡水老城)

Guangji Bridge, Chaozhou (潮州广济桥)

Guangji Bridge is a landmark attraction in Chaozhou's Ancient City. Built in the Song Dynasty, it is the world's earliest known open-close pontoon bridge, featuring 24 stone piers and 18 movable boat sections. Strolling across this historic span over the Han River feels like walking through a living history scroll, with riverside pavilions and misty backdrops evoking Chaozhou's poetic spirit.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

(Photo: Chaozhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Location: Opposite Guangji Gate Tower, Huancheng East Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou (潮州市湘桥区环城东路, 广济门城楼对面)

More highlights in Chaozhou: Han Wen Gong Memorial Hall (韩文公祠), Paifang Street (牌坊街), Confucius Temple Academy (孔庙学宫)

Dayang International Eco-Tourism Area, Jieyang (揭阳大洋国际生态旅游区)

At 800 meters above sea level, Dayang International Eco-Tourism Area is a cool summer escape in Jieyang, featuring lush forests and fresh mountain air year-round. Its vast tea plantations stretch along the slopes like green waves, often shrouded in mist.

(Photo: Dayang International Eco-Tourism Area)

Visitors can stroll scenic trails, participate in tea-picking and processing experiences, or climb Wudong Peak for panoramic views. As night falls, the campsite comes alive with stargazing and bonfire activities beneath the open sky.

(Photo: Dayang International Eco-Tourism Area)

Location: Dabeishan District, Wujingfu Town, Jiexi County, Jieyang (揭阳市揭西县五经富镇大北山区)

More highlights in Jieyang: Jieyang Ancient City (揭阳古城), Huangmanzhai Waterfall (黄满寨瀑布旅游区), Dabieshan Forest Park (大北山森林公园)

Wuzhishi Scenic Area, Meizhou (梅州五指石景区)

Wuzhishi (literally meaning "Five Finger Rocks") gets its name from five towering peaks shaped like giant fingers.

(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)

This area boasts a blend of Danxia landforms, lush forests, ancient relics, and breathtaking mountain views. Don't miss the dramatic "Yixiantian" (一线天) view, the longest and narrowest crevice in the park, where light filters in through a slender crack above, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. You can even see the statues of Confucius and Laozi, as well as monkeys and elephants!

(Photo: Wuzhishi Scenic Area)

Location: Chagan Town, Pingyuan County, Meizhou (梅州市平远县差干镇)

More highlights in Meizhou: Hua'e Round House (花萼楼), Yearning Tea Plantation Tourist Attraction (雁南飞茶田景区), Lingguang Temple (灵光寺), Hakka World Scenic Spot (客天下景区)

Wanlv Lake, Heyuan (河源万绿湖)

Wanlv Lake, the largest man-made lake in South China, is famed for its pristine waters and forested islands. Spanning a vast area dotted with over 360 lush islets, Wanlv Lake boasts breathtaking scenery where emerald peaks and crystal-clear waters reflect each other in perfect harmony. Visitors can take a boat cruise to glide between the islands or simply unwind on the shore and enjoy the lake views.

(Wanlv Lake Scenic Area)

Location: No. 17, Gangzhong Road, Xingang Town, Dongyuan County, Heyuan (河源市东源县新港镇港中路17号)

More highlights in Heyuan: Huo Mountain Scenic Area (霍山景区), Heyuan Dinosaur Cultural Park (河源恐龙文博园), Tuocheng Scenic Area (佗城景区)

Author | Huang Xinying

Poster | Lai Meiya

Editor | Wei Shen, Huang Qini, James, Shen He