Yangmeikeng Beach
杨梅坑The verdict
Definitely worth it — but as a scenery-and-cycling day, not a beach day. If you rent a bike and ride the 5 km coastal road, it's one of the best-value days on the peninsula.
Perfect for
- ✓ Cyclists — the coastal road is the whole point
- ✓ Photographers after golden-hour coastal shots
- ✓ Couples who want scenery instead of lounging
- ✓ Day-trippers combining with Jinshawan or Dongchong
Not for
- ✗ Anyone expecting a proper sandy swimming beach
- ✗ Families who need shower/toilet infrastructure near the sand
- ✗ Weekend visitors who hate traffic (the road clogs from late morning)
Editor's field note · Verified June 2026
Rode the coastal road at 8:30 AM on a Tuesday: almost no cars, water-glass calm, and the sea-bend view with nobody in frame. By 11 AM four tour buses had arrived. Morning = the whole difference here.
Overview
Yangmeikeng (杨梅坑) is not your typical beach destination — and that is exactly why it has become one of Shenzhen's most photographed coastal spots. Located at the easternmost tip of the Dapeng Peninsula, Yangmeikeng is technically a coastal village with a small beach, but it is the dramatic scenery that draws visitors: a winding coastal road carved into seaside cliffs, turquoise water crashing against rocky shores below, and lush green hills that frame every view like a postcard.
The main attraction here is the Yangmeikeng Coastal Road (杨梅坑海岸线公路), a 5-kilometer stretch widely considered the most scenic drive or cycle route in Shenzhen. The road hugs the coastline closely, with the South China Sea on one side and subtropical forest on the other. Every bend reveals a new panorama — and on clear days, you can see all the way to the outlying islands. It is wildly popular with cyclists, photographers, and couples looking for that perfect golden-hour shot.
The beach itself is modest — a narrow strip of coarse sand backed by the road and a handful of seafood restaurants. Swimming is possible but secondary to the overall experience. Most visitors come to cycle, photograph, or simply soak in the coastal atmosphere. The village has a relaxed, slightly rustic vibe with family-run guesthouses, fresh seafood restaurants, and bike rental shops lining the main street.
Yangmeikeng also serves as the gateway to several hiking trails that lead into the surrounding hills, including routes that connect to the Dongchong-Xichong trail network. For those who want to combine coastal scenery with light adventure, renting a bike in the village and cycling the full coastal road (and back) is the quintessential Yangmeikeng experience — allow 2-3 hours with stops for photos.
How to Plan Your Day
A concrete plan for Yangmeikeng, based on our visits. Start Arrive before 9 AM — empty road, golden light, and bike rental pickup is easier.
Half-day plan (4-5 hours)
- 1Park at the entrance gate (~25 RMB/day) or arrive via E11 + minibus.
- 2Rent a bike in the village (30-50 RMB half day).
- 3Ride the coastal road to the famous sea-bend and back — 2-3 hours with photo stops.
- 4Seafood lunch at a waterfront restaurant (80-150 RMB per person), then head home.
Full-day plan (7+ hours)
- 1Add the morning ride as above, then a climbing trail behind the village for panoramas.
- 2Golden-hour photography on the coastal road bend (5-7 PM is the money shot).
- 3Dinner watching sunset from a waterfront table.
- 4Crash at a sea-view guesthouse (150-350 RMB) or drive 15 min to Jinshawan for a resort stay.
Avoiding the crowds
Weekday before 9 AM for empty roads. On summer weekends cars clog the coastal drive after 10 AM — park early and bike, don't drive the loop.
Money tip
Bike 30-50 RMB, seafood 80-150 RMB, parking 25 RMB. The ride itself is free — this can be the cheapest memorable day on the peninsula.
Plan Your Trip to Yangmeikeng
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Day-Cost Estimator
Approximate total per person for one day.
How Yangmeikeng Compares to Its Rivals
The beaches visitors most often weigh against Yangmeikeng — and which one to pick in each situation.
15 minutes apart and near-perfect complements — active scenery vs resort lounging.
Choose Yangmeikeng when
You want the cycling/photography experience and don't need much more than bike rental.
Choose Jinshawan when
You'd rather have a beach bar, loungers, and a pool break without moving.
The two 'most beautiful bays' near Shenzhen, both free.
Choose Yangmeikeng when
You want the coastal road ride with restaurants and bike hire at hand.
Choose Judiaosha when
You want untouched white sand to swim and snorkel from, and you're fully self-sufficient.
How to Get to Yangmeikeng Beach
- Bus
- E11 express to Nanao, then local minibus to Yangmeikeng entrance (15 min, ~20 RMB)
- Taxi from Futian
- ~170 RMB (70 min)
- Taxi from Luohu
- ~130 RMB (55 min)
- Taxi from Nanshan
- ~190 RMB (80 min)
- Driving
- 55-70 min
- Parking
- Near entrance gate, ~25 RMB/day. Park and bike or walk the coastal road.
Food & Dining
At the Beach
Yangmeikeng village has a cluster of casual seafood restaurants right on the waterfront. Most have outdoor seating with sea views. The specialty is fresh-caught seafood displayed in tanks — pick your fish, shrimp, or crab and the kitchen prepares it to order. Grilled oysters (烤生蚝, ~15 RMB each), steamed fish with ginger and scallion, and salt-and-pepper squid are the local favorites. Several simple noodle shops and convenience stores round out the options. There are no Western chain restaurants.
Nearby
The village is the only dining hub in the immediate area. For more variety, drive 20 minutes to Nanao town (南澳) which has a larger seafood street and more restaurant choices. Jinshawan resort area (15 min drive) has upscale hotel restaurants if you want air-conditioned comfort.
What to Try
Fresh steamed whole fish with ginger and scallion (清蒸鱼), grilled oysters (烤生蚝), cycling-friendly coconut water (新鲜椰子水, ~10 RMB), and the sunset seafood platter at any waterfront restaurant
Price range: Beachside meal: 80-150 RMB per person. Fresh seafood dinner: 150-300 RMB per person. Snacks and drinks: 10-50 RMB.
Where to Stay
Yangmeikeng village has several family-run guesthouses (150-350 RMB/night). Most are simple but clean, and many have sea-view rooms. Popular options include Yangmeikeng Seaview Inn and several unnamed guesthouses along the main road. For a more upscale stay, the Jinshawan resort area (15 min drive) has resort hotels from 600 RMB/night.
Camping
Not officially permitted at Yangmeikeng itself. Nearby Xichong (30 min drive) has designated camping areas.
Price range: Guesthouse: 150-350 RMB. Resort (nearby Jinshawan): 600-1200 RMB.
What to Wear & Bring
Summer (May-Oct)
Cycling gear: comfortable shorts, breathable top, sports shoes. Swimsuit if swimming. Sunscreen essential - coastal road has no shade.
Winter (Nov-Apr)
Light jacket or windbreaker for cycling. Long pants. Cycling still pleasant in winter.
Packing Checklist
- ✓ Sunscreen
- ✓ Sunglasses
- ✓ Water bottle
- ✓ Cash (small vendors)
- ✓ Camera
- ✓ Power bank
- ✓ Bike rental cash (30-50 RMB)
Facilities
- Showers
- 10 RMB (basic)
- Lockers
- None
- Umbrellas/Chairs
- None
- Lifeguards
- Limited
- Food/Drinks
- Seaside restaurants at entrance area
- Restrooms
- Near entrance
- Changing Rooms
- None
- First Aid
- None
Beach Features
- Sand Type
- Mixed sand and pebbles, ~300m
- Water Quality
- Grade I-II
- Wave Type
- Calm, protected inlet
- Best Season
- March-November
- Swimming Zone
- Informal swimming areas
When to Avoid
Summer weekends (Jul-Aug) — the coastal road gets clogged with cars and the cycling experience suffers. Chinese New Year and Golden Week — roads to Dapeng are gridlocked. Rainy days — the coastal views lose their impact and the road can be slippery.
Things to Do
Coastal Cycling
The main event. Rent a bike from any village shop (~30-50 RMB for a half day) and ride the 5 km coastal road. Flat terrain, stunning views, and endless photo stops. Best in the morning before the sun gets strong.
Photography
Yangmeikeng is a photographer's dream — golden hour light on the coastal cliffs, dramatic rock formations at low tide, and the winding road itself as a leading line. The most Instagram-famous spot is the bend where the road seems to disappear into the sea.
Seafood Dining
The waterfront restaurants are a destination in themselves. Pick your seafood from the tanks, enjoy a cold drink, and watch the sunset over the water.
Hiking
Several trails lead into the hills behind the village, connecting to the broader Dapeng trail network. Shorter routes (1-2 hours) offer panoramic views of the coastline.
Safety
Best Time to Visit
Yangmeikeng Beach (杨梅坑) offers ideal conditions during March-November.
Photo Spots
The famous coastal road bend at the halfway point (best at golden hour, 5-7 PM). The rocky shoreline at low tide for foreground texture. The elevated viewpoint from the hiking trail above the village. Sunset silhouettes with the road and sea in the frame.
History & Background
Yangmeikeng was a quiet fishing village for generations before being discovered by Shenzhen's cycling and photography communities in the 2010s. The coastal road was originally built for fishing boat access but became a scenic attraction as Shenzhen's outdoor recreation culture grew.
Visitor Tips
- • Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos
- • Rent a bike — the coastal road is the whole point of visiting
- • Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens if you have one
- • Combine with a visit to Jinshawan or Dongchong for a full Dapeng day trip