Fairy Lake, a botanical wonderland - Explore Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

#Mainland Travel 1. Overview of the scenic area Shenzhen Xianhu Botanical Garden is located on Liantang Xianhu Road in the eastern suburbs of Luohu District, Shenzhen. It is backed by Wutong Mountain to the east and faces Shenzhen Reservoir to the west. It is a multifunctional botanical garden that integrates plant collection, research, popularization of scientific knowledge, and tourism and leisure. The park covers a vast area with rich and diverse vegetation, including many rare plants. It also has beautiful natural scenery and profound cultural landscape. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in Shenzhen. 2. Recommended attractions 1. Fossil Forest Area • Features: Numerous ancient plant fossils from all over the world are displayed here, as if leading visitors through time and space and back to the ancient forest world. Walking through it, you can seem to hear the sound of prehistoric trees growing and feel the magical changes of nature. • Experience: Carefully observe the textures and shapes of various fossils and imagine how they once flourished on Earth. You can take photos to record these precious moments. 2. International Cycad Conservation Center • Features: As one of the largest ex situ conservation centers for cycads in the world, it houses a rich collection of cycad species. As an ancient gymnosperm, Cycad has extremely high scientific research value and ornamental value. • Experience: Appreciate cycads of various shapes and learn about their growth habits and conservation significance. You can participate in the science activities organized by the park to learn more about Cycads. (III) Shade Plant Area • Features: This area simulates the shade environment of a tropical rain forest and is planted with a large number of shade-loving plants. The air here is fresh and the vegetation is lush, making it like a natural green oxygen bar. • Experience: Stroll along the winding paths and enjoy the fresh air and rich greenery. You can listen to the birds singing, observe various rare shade plants, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. (IV) Hongfa Temple • Features: Hongfa Temple is one of the most popular and largest Buddhist temples in Shenzhen. The temple architecture is magnificent, the Buddha statues are solemn and compassionate, and it is filled with a strong Buddhist cultural atmosphere. • Experience: Enter the temple and feel the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. You can worship the Buddha statues and pray for peace and happiness; you can also stroll through the temples and admire the exquisite Buddhist architecture and garden landscapes. It should be noted that when visiting a temple, you must abide by relevant regulations and remain quiet and civilized. (V) Fairy Lake • Features: Fairy Lake is a pearl in the botanical garden. The lake water is clear and green, and it is surrounded by mountains. The scenery is very charming. There are several viewing platforms and leisure trails along the lake, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains and relax. • Experience: Take a stroll along the lake and enjoy the reflections in the lake and the surrounding natural scenery. You can choose to take a cruise, cruise around Xianhu Lake and experience a different kind of scenery. In addition, there are some snack stalls and teahouses by the lake for tourists to rest and taste delicious food. 3. Tour route planning 1. One-day tour route • Morning: After entering the Botanical Garden, go to the Fossil Forest Area to view ancient plant fossils and learn about the evolutionary history of plants; then go to the International Cycad Conservation Center to view various rare cycad plants. • Noon: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant or snack stand within the park and take a short break. • Afternoon: Visit the shade plant area and feel the atmosphere of the tropical rainforest; then go to Hongfa Temple to worship the Buddha statue and experience Buddhist culture; finally come to Xianhu Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relax. 2. Two-day tour route • Day 1: ◦ Morning: After arriving at the Botanical Garden, visit the Visitor Center to learn about the scenic area and travel information, then head to the Fossil Forest Area and the International Cycad Conservation Center to learn more about the mysteries of plants. ◦ Noon: Have lunch and rest in the park. ◦ Afternoon: Visit the shade plant area and experience the unique charm of the tropical rainforest; at night, you can stay in a hotel or B&B near the botanical garden to experience the tranquility of the night. • the next day: ◦ Morning: Go to Hongfa Temple, visit the temple architecture, and feel the solemnity and sacredness of Buddhist culture; then stroll around Xianhu Lake and enjoy the lake view. ◦ Noon: Enjoy lunch by the lake. ◦ Afternoon: You can choose to take a boat trip around the Fairy Lake, or take a rest and chat in a teahouse by the lake to enjoy a leisurely time; finally end the pleasant journey. 4. Food Recommendations 1. Snacks in the Park • Vegetarian food: There are some vegetarian restaurants near Hongfa Temple, which offer a variety of exquisite vegetarian dishes. These vegetarian dishes are made with vegetarian ingredients, are finely crafted, and have a light and delicious taste. Visitors can not only taste delicious food but also feel the influence of Buddhist culture. • Xianhu Fish Balls: You can taste fresh Xianhu Fish Balls at the stalls near Xianhu Lake. The fish balls are chewy and the soup is delicious, making it one of the local specialties. 2. Nearby restaurants • Hakka restaurants: There are some Hakka restaurants around the Botanical Gardens, serving authentic Hakka cuisine such as pork with preserved vegetables, stuffed tofu, and salt-baked chicken. These dishes are rich in flavor and have strong local characteristics. • Seafood restaurants: As it is close to Shenzhen Reservoir and Wutong Mountain, there are also some seafood restaurants around that offer fresh seafood dishes. You can taste a variety of seafood dishes, such as steamed fish, boiled shrimp, fried crab, etc. 5. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Accommodation in the Park • There are some accommodation facilities in Xianhu Botanical Garden, such as guest rooms near Xianhu Zhaitang. Living in the park, you can easily enjoy the beautiful scenery in the early morning and evening and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. However, the number of accommodations in the park is limited and the prices are relatively high, so reservations must be made in advance. 2. Surrounding accommodation • Liantang area: close to the botanical garden, with convenient transportation. There are hotels and B&Bs of various grades to choose from, and the prices are relatively affordable. At the same time, there are many food and shopping places in Liantang area, which are convenient for tourists' life and entertainment. • Near Dongmen Old Street: If you like the lively city atmosphere, you can choose to live near Dongmen Old Street. It is about half an hour’s drive from the Botanical Garden. There are many shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment venues around it. You can also stroll around Dongmen Old Street in the evening to experience the prosperity of Shenzhen. 6. Tips for Playing 1. Ticket information • The full price ticket for Xianhu Botanical Garden is 15 yuan per person, and half-price tickets are available to specific groups such as students, the elderly, and the disabled. Tickets can be purchased on the official website or at the scenic spot ticket window. 2. Opening hours • The Botanical Gardens are open from 09:00 to 17:00 daily (no admission after 16:30), and Hongfaji Temple is open from 08:00 to 18:30 daily. 3. Traffic Guide • Public transportation: You can take Metro Line 2 or Line 3 to Yonghu Station, then transfer to Metro Line 3 Yonghu to Yonglian Section Line to Yonghu Metro Station (Exit B), and then transfer to Bus M499 to Xianhu Botanical Garden Station; you can also take Bus No. 382, ​​113, 218, etc. directly to Xianhu Botanical Garden Station. • Self-driving: When driving to the Botanical Garden, pay attention to navigation and road conditions. As parking is tight around the botanical garden, it is recommended to plan a parking location in advance or take public transportation. (IV) Notes • When visiting Hongfa Temple, please abide by the temple rules, remain quiet and civilized, and do not make loud noises or touch the Buddha statues. • Please pay attention to protecting the environment during your trip and do not discard garbage at will. • When traveling in the summer, take measures to protect against the sun and mosquitoes; when traveling in the winter, make sure to keep warm.