I spent three transformative days at the edge of Dapeng Fortress, discovering a side of China most international travelers never experience. Dressed in flowing Hanfu robes, practicing Tai Chi at sunrise, and surrendering to ancient healing rituals at the Shenlan Huating Wellness Resort—this wasn't just a vacation, it was a complete reset. From traditional Chinese medicine treatments that melted away months of stress to quiet moments of tea ceremony meditation overlooking the South China Sea, this wellness journey revealed the profound wisdom of China's holistic health philosophy.
Trip Overview
Destination: Dapeng New Area, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province
When: Summer (July)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Family with child
Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$140 USD) per person
Transportation: Self-drive from Guangzhou (2.5 hours)
Day 1: Escape from the City and Arrival at Shenlan Huating
When I first heard the word "yangsheng" (养生), I thought it was something reserved for elderly people in traditional Chinese medicine shops. But after months of living in the concrete jungle of Guangzhou—juggling endless schedules and notifications—I understood exactly what the ancient Chinese sages meant when they warned: "Too much thinking exhausts the spirit; too many desires scatter the will."
So I packed up my family—my husband, our young child, and myself—and drove 2.5 hours from Guangzhou to Dapeng New Area in Shenzhen. The moment we left the highway and entered the coastal roads, I felt my shoulders drop. The air changed. We were heading toward something different.
Our destination was Shenlan Huating Wellness Resort (深兰华亭康养度假酒店), a place I'd chosen specifically for its unique Imperial Physician Wellness Services. Before we even arrived, the resort's butler had called to understand our individual needs—a level of personalization I'd never experienced before. My husband spends most days hunched over computers, so they arranged Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) massage therapy for his neck and shoulder tension. For me, recovering from postpartum fatigue, they designed a custom herbal spa treatment.
🎯 Practical Info: Getting There
Location: Dapeng New Area, Shenzhen (大鹏新区) From Guangzhou: 2.5-hour drive via highway From Shenzhen City: ~1 hour by car Nearest Airport: Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport Pro Tip: Book the resort's wellness consultation at least 3 days in advance for customized treatments
As we pulled up to the resort, I was immediately struck by its location. Built against the mountains with sweeping views of the sea, the air here felt different—crisp, clean, scented with the subtle fragrance of tropical fruits. It was early July, the height of summer, yet the sea breeze brought natural coolness.
The architecture was pure traditional Chinese style—elegant pavilions, flowing water features, and wooden structures that seemed to grow organically from the landscape. Walking into the main hall, I was greeted by the gentle fragrance of tea and the soft notes of a guzheng (古筝), a traditional Chinese zither. The stress of city life began dissolving before I'd even checked in.
Our room was the Deluxe Double-Courtyard Family Suite, and it exceeded every expectation. A private front courtyard led into spacious quarters, and behind the bedroom, a private bathing pool awaited. The butler had prepared sea salt and rose petals for our arrival bath—exactly what we needed after the drive. For our little one, they'd arranged cartoon-themed bedding that brought delighted squeals. As evening settled and our child drifted to sleep, my husband and I sat by the window with a pot of tea, realizing it had been months since we'd had such peaceful, uninterrupted time together.
Day 2: Imperial Wellness Treatments and Ancient Healing Arts
I woke up on our second day to the sound of gentle water flowing through the resort's gardens. No alarm clocks. No urgent emails. Just the natural rhythm of a place designed for restoration.
Morning: Imperial Physician Wellness Therapy
The highlight of Shenlan Huating is their comprehensive wellness program based on Imperial Physician traditions. These treatments follow the classical Chinese medicine principle of "harmony between heaven and humanity" (天人合一), emphasizing balanced nutrition, proper sleep, appropriate exercise, emotional harmony, and living according to natural rhythms.
My husband's treatment began at 9 AM—the "Imperial Balance Therapy" (御医平衡术), a two-hour session with a certified TCM practitioner. Using diagnostic techniques refined over centuries, the therapist identified tension patterns in his neck and shoulders from years of desk work. The treatment combined acupressure, meridian massage, cupping therapy (拔火罐), and gua sha (刮痧) scraping techniques to release blocked energy and restore proper flow.
"I didn't realize how much tension I was carrying until I felt it release," he told me afterward, rotating his shoulders with genuine surprise. "Two hours of focused treatment accomplished what weeks of regular massages never could."
Afternoon: Lan Spa and Herbal Healing
While my husband explored the resort with our child, I surrendered to my own treatment—the "Lan Rhythm Spa" (蘭之韵SPA), specially designed for postpartum recovery and qi (气) replenishment. Qi, the vital life force energy in Chinese medicine, can become depleted through stress, childbirth, and overwork.
The experience began with a medicinal herb bath using a formula tailored specifically for my constitution—astringent herbs to stop leakage of qi, warming ingredients to strengthen digestion, and aromatic plants to calm the spirit. As I soaked in the warm water, the therapist explained each ingredient's purpose in traditional terms that somehow made perfect sense.
Following the bath came ancient massage techniques passed down through generations of healing practitioners. In the dim light with soft traditional music playing, I felt my mind finally quiet completely. For perhaps the first time in years, I was simply present in my body, aware of every breath, every subtle sensation. The treatment promised to enhance joint flexibility, improve circulation, and restore natural energy flow—and I emerged two hours later feeling reborn.
💆 Wellness Treatment Guide
Imperial Balance Therapy: ~¥380 (~$53) for 120 minutes Lan Rhythm Spa: ~¥480 (~$67) including herbal bath and massage Book in advance: Treatments require 24-48 hours notice for preparation What to bring: Just yourself—robes and slippers provided Best time: Morning treatments (9-11 AM) align with optimal energy flow
Evening: Tai Chi and Finding Inner Balance
At sunset, we gathered in the resort's open courtyard for a Tai Chi (太极) session with a master instructor. I'd always thought of Tai Chi as exercise for seniors, but this was something deeper—a moving meditation that connects breath, body, and intention.
"Every movement in Tai Chi involves qi," the master explained. "Not grasping it tightly, not releasing it completely—just maintaining awareness. This qi is your life energy. Treat it with love and patience."
As we flowed through the forms—Cloud Hands, Parting the Wild Horse's Mane, Grasping the Bird's Tail—I understood what he meant. Each movement required total presence. I couldn't think about tomorrow's schedule or yesterday's problems while maintaining proper posture and breath. For that hour, I was simply there, fully alive in each moment. Even our child tried to mimic the movements, giggling as he attempted the slow, graceful poses.
Day 3: Culinary Wellness, Cultural Immersion, and Ancient History
Morning: Healing Cuisine at Its Finest
In traditional Chinese medicine, food is medicine. Every meal at Shenlan Huating follows this principle, with the resort's executive chef—brought in from Hong Kong with decades of experience—creating dishes that nourish while delighting the palate.
The philosophy here is simple: "Eat according to the seasons" (不时不食). Summer dishes emphasized cooling ingredients like lotus root, winter melon, and mung beans to clear heat from the body. Each plate was a work of art, arranged with the same attention to balance and harmony that defines the entire resort experience.
🍽️ Dining Information
Cuisine Style: Health-focused Cantonese (粤菜) Meal packages: Included in some room rates (~¥150-200 per meal) Dietary accommodations: Vegetarian, gluten-free options available Specialty: Seasonal herbal soups and medicinal teas Child-friendly: Customizable portions and flavors available
Afternoon: Tea Ceremony and Incense Culture
With full bellies and content hearts, we wandered to the resort's Lanting Tea House for an afternoon tea ceremony. According to Chinese tradition, 3-5 PM—the "shen shi" (申时) period—is the optimal time for tea drinking, when the body's energy naturally supports digestion and calm.
"Tea ceremony is not just about drinking," our tea master explained as she demonstrated the precise movements of pouring, appreciating aroma, and savoring each sip. "It's about cultivating the mind and spirit. When you drink tea properly, you are meditating."
She was right. The ritual—the warming of cups, the careful measurement of leaves, the deliberate pouring, the three sips to finish each cup—forced a slowness that modern life rarely allows. As I watched the steam rise from my cup and tasted the complex flavors of aged pu-erh tea, I felt genuinely relaxed for what felt like the first time in months.
Next came the incense experience at the Lanting Incense Hall. Incense culture (香文化) in China dates back thousands of years, used for meditation, purification, and spiritual practice. As we lit sandalwood incense and watched the smoke spiral upward, the master explained how different scents activate different energies—some calming, some focusing, some uplifting.
"Incense can be used in the study for reading, in the temple for worship, or in quiet rooms for meditation," she said. "But here, we use it simply to connect with ourselves."
Late Afternoon: Dapeng Fortress and Ancient History
With slower-paced days, we discovered that time actually expands when you're not rushing. After our cultural experiences, we took a leisurely 7-minute walk to Dapeng Fortress (大鹏所城), one of China's best-preserved ancient military installations.
Built during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, Dapeng Fortress—full name "Dapeng Guard and Defense Battalion City" (大鹏守御千户所城)—once governed 400 li (about 200 kilometers) of coastline, making it essentially the "provincial capital gate" for the entire Shenzhen and Hong Kong region. In fact, Shenzhen's nickname "Pengcheng" (鹏城—City of the Roc) derives directly from this fortress.
Walking through the stone gates, I felt transported back 600 years. The gray brick walls, traditional courtyard houses, and ancient temples remain remarkably intact. Unlike heavily commercialized ancient towns, Dapeng Fortress maintains authentic character—local residents still live here, their daily lives continuing within walls that have witnessed centuries of history.
🏛️ Dapeng Fortress Visitor Info
Entry Fee: Free Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily Distance from resort: 7-minute walk Recommended time: 1.5-2 hours for full exploration Best photo spots: The main gate and ancient city walls at sunset
Evening: Jiaochangwei Beach and Coastal Magic
As afternoon turned to evening, we walked five minutes to Jiaochangwei Beach (较场尾)—a place that completely surprised me. Unlike crowded urban beaches, this stretch of coastline felt wild and natural.
The tide had receded, exposing vast mudflats perfect for beachcombing. Our child squealed with delight collecting shells and small crabs, while in the distance, young adventurers took to the water on paddleboards, sailboats, and kayaks. The beach offers everything from rubber boat excursions and speedboat island tours to snorkeling, deep-sea diving, and fishing expeditions.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in oranges and purples, I sat on the sand with my family and watched local fishermen bring in their evening catch. The simple beauty of this moment—natural, unhurried, authentic—encapsulated everything this journey had given us.
Reflections: Finding Home Within
There's an ancient Chinese saying: "Those who know contentment find the foundation of happiness." During our days in Dapeng, this wisdom finally made sense.
Life doesn't have to be a constant rush. It can be Tai Chi at sunrise, fresh seafood at lunch, a quiet tea ceremony in the afternoon, and evening walks along the shore with loved ones. It can be wearing Hanfu robes and feeling connected to centuries of culture. It can be saying "no" to the endless notifications and "yes" to simply being present.
As we packed our bags to return to Guangzhou, I realized something had shifted. The ancient Chinese medical principles we'd experienced—the balance of yin and yang, the harmony between human and nature, the cultivation of qi—weren't just abstract concepts anymore. They were lived experiences, written into our muscles and memories.
This trip reminded me of another saying I saw painted on a scroll in our room: "Where the heart finds peace, that is home." For three days at least, Dapeng gave us that peace. And the memory of it continues to resonate long after we've returned to city life.
If you're looking for an authentic Chinese experience that goes beyond sightseeing—one that actually transforms how you feel in your body and spirit—I cannot recommend this wellness journey highly enough. Bring an open mind, leave your schedule behind, and prepare to discover a side of China that will stay with you long after you return home.
Quick Reference Guide
Essential Information
Best Season: Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November) for mild weather Summer visits: Possible but hot; beach time recommended in early morning or evening Total Budget: ~1,000 RMB (~$140) per person for 3 days (excluding accommodation) Language: Mandarin Chinese; basic English at resort; translation app recommended
Getting There
From Guangzhou: 2.5-hour drive via highway From Shenzhen: Metro Line 3 to Cuizhu Station, then bus M457 or taxi (~1 hour) From Hong Kong: High-speed train to Shenzhen North, then taxi (~1.5 hours total)
Accommodation
Shenlan Huating Wellness Resort (深兰华亭康养度假酒店) Address: Dapeng New Area, Shenzhen, Guangdong Book: Ctrip, Booking.com, or direct call Room rates: ~¥600-1,200 (~$85-170) per night depending on season Family-friendly: Yes, with special arrangements for children
Nearby Attractions
Dapeng Fortress (大鹏所城): 7-minute walk, free entry Jiaochangwei Beach (较场尾): 5-minute walk, free entry Dongshan Temple (东山寺): 5-minute walk, Buddhist temple Qiniang Mountain: 20-minute drive, hiking trails
Useful Chinese Phrases
Hello: Nǐ hǎo (你好) Thank you: Xièxiè (谢谢) Where is...: ...zài nǎlǐ? (...在哪里?) How much: Duōshao qián? (多少钱?) Bathroom: Cèsuǒ (厕所) Check, please: Mǎidān (买单)
Published: July 12, 2022 | Views: 11,000+
Originally shared on Ctrip Travel Platform
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