I spent three incredible days exploring Dapeng Peninsula with my family, uncovering a hidden gem that doubled as the romantic fishing village in a popular Chinese TV drama. From wandering through the ancient Dapeng Fortress that guarded China's coast 600 years ago to relaxing at the stunning Jinsha Bay Beach Resort, this journey offered the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and family-friendly luxury. If you're seeking an authentic coastal escape within easy reach of Shenzhen, Dapeng delivers surprises at every turn.
Trip Overview
When: May (Spring/Summer)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Family with children
Budget: ~¥2,000 (~$280 USD) per person
Transportation: Private car / Taxi from Shenzhen
Day 1: Discovering the "Guanmei Fishing Village"
When I first stepped onto the sandy streets of Jiaochangwei (较场尾 Jiàochǎngwěi), I immediately recognized the colorful buildings from the TV drama "Forget You, Remember Love." The so-called "Guanmei Fishing Village" where the romantic story unfolded was right here, tucked away on the Dapeng Peninsula just an hour from downtown Shenzhen.
I was surprised to learn that this charming coastal village serves as Shenzhen's best-preserved ecological paradise. Dapeng New District sits on the southeastern edge of the city, surrounded by sea on three sides with over 130 kilometers of coastline. Locals call it Shenzhen's "back garden" and the "Peach Blossom Spring" of the Pearl River Delta.
Walking along the beach, I stumbled upon the iconic blue-and-white building featured in the drama—the "Qianlaiye" (钱来也 Qiánláiyě) grocery store. A poster outside confirmed this was indeed the filming location. My kids were thrilled to stand where their favorite TV scenes were shot!
🎯 Practical Info: Jiaochangwei
Location: Dapeng New District, Shenzhen (深圳大鹏新区) Entry: Free Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour photos Don't Miss: The "Little Kamakura" nickname refers to its Japanese coastal vibe
Day 2: Stepping Back 600 Years at Dapeng Fortress
The next morning, I visited Dapeng Fortress (大鹏所城 Dàpéng Suǒchéng), a military stronghold that guarded China's coast during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Standing before the ancient stone walls, I couldn't believe I was walking through 600 years of history.
Known as the "strongest coastal fortress in China," this site marks where the Opium Wars began. In fact, Shenzhen's nickname "Pengcheng" (鹏城) originates from this very fortress. Despite numerous battles and centuries of weathering, the fortress still stands proud with its East, South, and West gates intact—the North gate was sealed during the Wanli era.
Inside, I explored the General's Residence, Tin Hau Temple, and traditional watchtowers. The fortress now hosts boutique guesthouses and trendy cafes, breathing new life into these ancient walls. Wandering through the maze-like alleys, I felt transported back in time.
🎯 Practical Info: Dapeng Fortress
Entry: Free Duration: 2-3 hours Highlights: Ancient city gates, General's Residence, Tin Hau Temple Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for best lighting
For lunch, I followed local recommendations to a farmhouse restaurant. Dapeng is famous for its窑鸡 (yáojī) – clay-baked chicken, a must-try specialty. We also sampled碌鹅 (lù'é) braised goose and酿豆腐 (niàng dòufu) stuffed tofu. The flavors were incredible!
Day 2-3: Luxury Beach Resort at Jinsha Bay
As the sun began to set, I checked into the Sheraton Shenzhen Dameisha Resort (深圳佳兆业万豪酒店), a stunning property that stands like a seaside castle on Jinsha Bay. The resort sits right on one of China's "Eight Most Beautiful Coastlines" according to National Geographic.
With four kilometers of pristine beach backed by gentle mountains, the crystal-clear waters here make Jinsha Bay the top choice for family vacations. The resort perfectly blends traditional Lingnan culture with modern luxury.
The hotel's outdoor gardens transported me straight to Southeast Asia—lush tropical plants, winding pathways, and the sound of waves in the background. Every corner seemed designed for Instagram-worthy photos.
I spent a blissful afternoon at the Lobby Lounge overlooking the gardens and endless ocean. There's something magical about sipping tea while sea breezes drift through—pure serenity.
Culinary Delights
The resort's Chinese restaurant specializes in Cantonese cuisine with authentic Chaozhou (潮州 Cháozhōu) flavors. The all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch was a highlight—steamed chicken feet, siu mai dumplings, and spring rolls disappeared quickly from our table!
For dinner, we tried the resort's Japanese izakaya-style restaurant "Kushi" (串居酒屋). The fresh sashimi platter and perfectly grilled yakitori skewers, paired with Japanese beer, made for an unforgettable evening. We even caught the sunset from our table!
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Our Premier Ocean View Room was spacious with a bathtub that became my kids' favorite playground. The room design featured natural wood tones in a simple, refreshing island style. VIP guests receive welcome fruit and a bottle of wine.
The hotel's facilities kept my family entertained throughout our stay—a fully-equipped gym, heated swimming pool, and the "Beiqi House" kids' club. The resort's "Marriott Little Passport" program organizes daily activities for children, including beach treasure hunts.
Quick Reference Guide
Getting There
From Shenzhen: 1-1.5 hours by car or taxi (深圳大鹏新区) Public Transport: Bus from Shenzhen city center to Dapeng (takes 2+ hours)
Top Attractions
Jiaochangwei (较场尾): Colorful beach village, TV drama filming location Dapeng Fortress (大鹏所城): 600-year-old military fortress, free entry Jinsha Bay (金沙湾): One of China's most beautiful beaches Yangmeikeng (杨梅坑): Scenic cycling route (mentioned in article) Dongxi Chong (东西冲): Coastal hiking trail (mentioned in article)
Must-Try Foods
窑鸡 (Yáojī): Clay-baked chicken (~¥80-120 / ~$11-17) 碌鹅 (Lù'é): Braised goose 酿豆腐 (Niàng Dòufu): Stuffed tofu 广式早茶 (Guǎngshì Zǎochá): Cantonese dim sum
Accommodation Recommendation
Sheraton Shenzhen Dameisha Resort: Luxury beachfront property with family amenities, multiple restaurants, and kid-friendly programs
💡 Pro Tips
Visit Dapeng Fortress early morning to avoid crowds and catch golden light Book farm-to-table restaurants in advance, especially on weekends Bring swimwear—the beach at Jinsha Bay is perfect for a dip All attractions mentioned are within 15-20 minutes drive from Jinsha Bay Best visited May-October for beach weather