Shenzhen Paleontological Museum

Not particularly old but it is always packed with pilgrims from all over China and beyond. The temple is spectacularly sited half-way up Wutong Mountain in the Fairy Lake Botanical Garden - Southeast Gate (仙湖植物园站), Shenzhen's largest and most beautiful park.

This is Shenzhen's most beautiful park and surely one of the most beautiful in China. It sprawls over miles of foothills, valleys, rivers and lakes before climbing half way up Wutong Mountain. Main attraction is the Hong Fa Temple (see entry above) but there are beautiful and peaceful lakes surrounded by teahouses and pavilions which could inspire great poetry. Don't miss the azalea garden, the pertified forest, the paleontology museum or the medicinal plants garden.

At just over 900 meters, Wutong Mountain is the second tallest mountain in the Pearl River Delta after Hong Kong's Tai Mo Shan. The Wutong Mountains are a popular challenge for hikers. This has been a recognised beauty spot since at least the Ming Dynasty, when it was included in the Eight Great Views of Xin'an County and was celebrated in poetry. There are several routes to the top varying significantly in difficulty. The starting point for many is Wutong Village. Bus 211 starts at 06:30 from Jian She Lu terminus in Luohu to Wutong Village terminus. Bus stops on the 211 route include one outside the Guomao metro station. The last bus in the return journey from Wutong Village departs at 22:00. 211 runs at a 10 minute service interval. Allow an hour for the end to end 211 journey duration. Wutong Village itself is a popular visitor attraction with many cafes, restaurants, spas and craft shops. Many eateries there are all-vegetarian. The broad road from the village up the mountain is a gentle climb. If you intend to go to the top and back, be prepared for a 6-8 hour walk, including many steep steps. There are three main ridgeline peaks. Lesser Wutong (小梧桐) peak at 692 m is where the Shenzhen TV Company has its impressive transmission tower. Great Wutong (大梧桐) peak at 943.7 m is reached via the notoriously difficult Hao Han Slope. Bean Curd Head (豆腐头), reaches 706 m. There is a pool on the top of Greater Wutong called Wuling Heavenly Pond (梧岭天池). Starting point choices are on the east side of Shatoujiao/Yantian, the south side of Xianhu/Liantang, the west of Wutongshan Village, the north side of Longgang, and the north and south entrances. The difficulty level and the scenery along each route vary. On a clear day, the views from the summit over Mirs Bay and the mountains of Hong Kong's New Territories are beautiful. Night views over the city set against the sweep of Shenzhen Bay are also impressive. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring snacks and water—at least two liters per person, though if you don't bring enough, you can buy water and food on the trail.