I spent three unforgettable days at the Shenzhen Marriott Hotel Jinsha Bay, where I discovered a Kumamon-themed family room that transformed an ordinary beach vacation into a magical experience for both me and my child. From waking up to panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows to bathing under a starry ceiling projection at night, this journey revealed a side of Shenzhen that most international travelers never experience.
Trip Overview
When: June (Children's Day season)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Family (parent and child)
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$150 USD) per person
Transportation: Taxi/Private car from Shenzhen city center
🎯 Why Jinsha Bay?
Jinsha Bay (金沙湾) was named one of China's eight most beautiful beaches by China National Geographic. The sand literally sparkles like gold under the sunset, giving the bay its name ("Golden Sand"). Located in the Dapeng Peninsula, about 1.5 hours from Shenzhen's city center, it offers crystal-clear water and activities that rival Phuket—without the international flight.
Day 1: Welcome to Kumamon's Ocean Paradise
When I first heard about the Kumamon-themed room at Shenzhen Marriott Hotel Jinsha Bay, I knew I had to experience it. Kumamon (くまモン)—the beloved black bear mascot from Kumamoto, Japan—has become a cultural phenomenon across Asia, and this hotel has created something truly special.
Life offers more than one choice, and for this Children's Day, I wanted to create something extraordinary. Stepping into our room, I was immediately greeted by Kumamon plushies of various sizes strategically placed throughout—on the bed, by the window, even watching over the bathroom. The largest one, standing half my height, sat proudly on the bed next to a tiny baby Kumamon. My child's eyes lit up instantly.
Kumamon Room: Where Magic Happens
The attention to detail amazed me. Everywhere I looked, Kumamon's cheerful face greeted us—custom bed runners, pillows, towels, face cloths, and even bathrobes embroidered with the character's signature expression. The designers had clearly thought about every moment of a child's day, from bath time to bedtime.
The hotel designers even created a custom Kumamon-themed storybook specifically for children staying in the room. My child spent hours flipping through it, pointing at the pictures with delight.
The thematic elements extended to every corner—alarm clocks, bedside lamps, and even the pink pillowcases featured Kumamon's iconic image. Through carefully arranged glass decals, paper-cut decorations, and dreamy wall murals, the designers had successfully transported us into Kumamon's world.
✨ The Secret Starry Ceiling
Here's a secret I discovered: turn off all the lights at night, and the ceiling transforms into a magical starry sky. The room comes equipped with a star projection lamp that creates a dazzling cosmos above your bed. My child fell asleep counting stars, and honestly, I was tempted to do the same.
Before sleep, we turned on the projection lamp and watched in wonder as the ceiling filled with twinkling stars, creating an atmosphere of cosmic depth that made us feel like we were floating among galaxies.
A children's tent in the corner created a special hideaway just for kids—a perfect spot for reading books or simply enjoying their own space.
Even the bathrobes, often an afterthought in hotels, featured embroidered Kumamon designs—proof that no detail was too small.
The Bathroom: Glass Walls and Ocean Views
I particularly loved the bathroom design. Instead of traditional wooden doors, Marriott used floor-to-ceiling frosted glass panels that dramatically increased natural light. Soaking in the tub with views of Jinsha Bay while watching TV through the sliding glass panels—this was luxury redefined.
The bathroom didn't skimp on Kumamon details either: shower curtains, wall murals, towels, face cloths, and hand towels—all featuring the character in various poses.
The hotel even provided exclusive Kumamon-branded toiletries for children—soap, toothbrushes, and floral-scented shampoo that smelled delicate and felt wonderful.
VIP Welcome and Afternoon Tea
As VIP guests, we received a welcome fruit platter along with a complimentary bottle of red wine. But the real treat was the Jinsha English afternoon tea set arranged by our friend Kumamon.
The servingware was exquisite—like a birdcage—and the cookies shaped like seashells. Their cookies were absolutely delicious, I must say.
That orange balloon twisted into Kumamon's shape—doesn't it look just like him?
180-Degree Ocean Views
The Kumamon family room also features 180-degree ocean views, creating that perfect "watching the tide from the balcony, falling asleep to the sound of waves" atmosphere.
Tired of urban chaos and typical scenery? Trade it all for a stay in the Kumamon ocean-view room and discover a different kind of family time with your little one.
Dining: Where Kids Eat Happily and Parents Relax
The Jinsha All-Day Dining Restaurant is the largest of the hotel's three restaurants, serving buffet-style meals. They offer a dedicated children's menu and entertainment facilities that keep kids happily occupied while parents actually get to enjoy their meal.
The restaurant features a children's playground with rocking horses, balls, tents, and toys. The drawing activities were particularly popular with the kids.
The buffet selection was impressive, with free-flowing wine being a major highlight. The Australian white wine was particularly enjoyable. For food, I highly recommend the cheese-baked oysters—rich in flavor, I could eat a dozen by myself. The Chaozhou-style hot pot was also excellent, with freshly sliced beef prepared on demand.
Kushiyaki Restaurant: Sunset Dining
For those seeking romance and tranquility, I recommend Kushiyaki Restaurant—a Japanese izakaya-style venue where you can enjoy stunning sunset views over the ocean while dining.
The seafood was incredibly fresh, with chefs grilling skewers live at the counter. Both texture and taste were worth experiencing. They offer beer and sake—beer is mellow, sake is crisp with a smooth finish, perfect companions to the grilled delicacies.
Man Ho Chinese Restaurant: Cantonese Delicacies
Man Ho Chinese Restaurant serves authentic Chaozhou cuisine, with their dim sum lunch being particularly popular among diners. The décor features traditional Chinese aesthetics in an elegant setting.
The traditional Cantonese slow-cooked soup—tea tree mushrooms with old hen—was comforting and flavorful.
The desserts are made to order—I tried the mango sago pomelo (杨枝甘露), a classic Cantonese sweet soup that was absolutely refreshing.
Activities: Where Kids Play and Parents Unwind
The hotel sits right on Jinsha Bay Resort, offering abundant entertainment facilities to keep families busy for an entire day.
1. The Vintage Train: A Journey Back to Childhood
Every child's dreams include a rumbling train. The sightseeing train consists of one steam locomotive and four passenger cars. Riding this nostalgic steam train felt like traveling back to the golden age of rail travel.
🚂 Train Tips
Schedule: One departure every hour
Route: Through the resort's lush gardens
Experience: The conductor rings a brass bell before departure, and the smokestack emits realistic puffs of black steam
Duration: About 15-20 minutes round trip
2. Beach Activities: Summer by the Sea
There's no better way to embrace summer than playing by the sea. Jinsha Bay was named one of China's eight most beautiful beaches by China National Geographic for good reason—it's the best waterfront resort in eastern Shenzhen for water quality, scenery, and activities.
When the evening sun hits the fine sand, it literally sparkles like gold—hence the name "Golden Sand Bay."
Summer means beach time! Bring the kids for some wild fun—try sea kayaking to feel the thrill of battling waves, or opt for the more relaxed tandem water bikes. For adrenaline seekers, the sailboats offer that authentic wind-in-your-hair experience.
🏖️ Beach Practical Info
Swimming: Not recommended—the slope is steep and water gets deep quickly
Water Quality: Crystal clear, showing multiple shades of blue-green in sunlight
Activities: Kayaking, water bikes, sailboats, beach volleyball
Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour photos
On the eastern end of the beach stands an observation platform accessible by spiral staircase, offering panoramic views of Hong Kong's outlying islands across the water.
3. Tropical Gardens: Instagram Heaven
The hotel's landscaping is exceptional, featuring Southeast Asian tropical plants arranged around Dapeng's "mountains and sea" theme. The boundary-less design creates a relaxing atmosphere that feels completely natural.
Every corner offers photo opportunities—original sculptures and structures scattered "casually" throughout, though clearly positioned by designers who knew exactly how to showcase them. Buildings, pools, and terraces hide beneath tall palm trees, blending seamlessly with Jinsha Bay's natural landscape. Swimming here is pure bliss.
The Southeast Asian-style gardens look stunning from any angle! The night views are equally captivating, with unique lighting blending with water features, making the garden scenery even more magnificent.
The Hotel Lobby: Where Modern Meets Traditional
Back in the hotel lobby, I was struck by the beautiful collision between traditional culture and modern art. The lobby features warm, bright lighting with suspended spherical lamps and geometric decorations, creating a vacation atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease.
Final Thoughts
Accustomed to the fast pace of city life, we often forget to slow down and enjoy life. Give yourself a holiday—surround yourself with sunshine, beaches, and beautiful scenery. Let yourself return to childhood and play heartily with your children.