I spent two unforgettable days at OCT East, a sprawling mountain resort near Shenzhen that feels worlds away from the city's skyscrapers. Soaking in mineral hot springs surrounded by lush forests, riding a vintage train through alpine valleys, and wandering past Swiss-style chalets—this place genuinely made me forget I was still in China. With its unique blend of European architecture, natural hot springs, and thrilling theme park rides, OCT East offers a perfect weekend escape for anyone looking to experience something completely different from the typical China itinerary.
Trip Overview
When: Late July (Summer)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~800-1200 RMB (~$110-165 USD)
Transportation: Subway + Taxi from Shenzhen city center
Day 1: Hot Springs and European Dreams
When my friends and I first arrived at OCT East (东部华侨城 Dōngbù Huáqiàochéng), I couldn't believe this place existed just an hour from downtown Shenzhen. The resort sprawls across nearly 9 square kilometers, backed by the lush Qilin Mountain Range and facing the beautiful Dameisha Beach.
Our first stop was the OCT East Hot Springs (茵特拉根温泉), and it turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip. Walking into the spa area felt like stepping into a Swiss wellness retreat—steam rising from outdoor pools nestled among trees, the air filled with the scent of herbs and minerals.
Practical Info: Hot Springs
Entry Fee: ~200 RMB (~$28 USD) Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM What to Bring: Swimsuit (required), or rent one on-site for ~30 RMB Best Time: Late afternoon or evening for sunset views Don't Miss: The outdoor mountain-view pools
The spa uses natural mineral water from deep mountain springs, and they offer over 20 different pools—each with different themes and therapeutic properties. I tried the red wine bath (yes, actual red wine!), the herbal Chinese medicine pool, and a relaxing lavender aromatherapy bath. Floating in the warm water while looking out at the forest canopy was absolutely magical.
What struck me most was how different this felt from typical spa experiences. The setting—outdoor pools surrounded by subtropical vegetation with mountain views—created this incredible sense of tranquility. After hours of soaking, my skin felt amazing and my stress had completely melted away.
In the evening, we explored the resort's European-style village areas, which looked especially charming as the lights came on. We grabbed dinner at one of the resort restaurants before heading to our quirky, fairy-tale-themed hotel room for the night.
Day 2: Adventures at Hero Valley
The next morning, we woke up energized and ready for adventure at OCT East Hero Valley (大侠谷), the resort's outdoor theme park. Built into the mountainside, this place combines natural scenery with adrenaline-pumping rides in a way I'd never experienced before.
Practical Info: Hero Valley
Entry Fee: ~180 RMB (~$25 USD) Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Best Time: Arrive at opening to beat crowds What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen
Our first stop was the Sea of Clouds Cable Car (云海索道), which lifted us 480 meters up the mountainside. The views were spectacular—looking out over the coastline on one side and mountain valleys on the other. We also tried the Jungle Cable Car (丛林缆车), which offered a completely different perspective as it wound through the forest canopy.
At the top, we discovered the Summit of Perfection (登峰造极) viewing platform—a glass-bottomed walkway that literally lets you walk out over the edge of the mountain. Standing on that glass, looking straight down at the trees hundreds of meters below, was both terrifying and exhilarating. The 360-degree views of mountains and sea made it absolutely worth the nerves!
Then came the rides. The Wooden Roller Coaster (木质过山车) was unlike any coaster I'd ridden before—built mostly of wood, it rumbled and roared as it raced along the mountainside with the sea visible in the distance. Pure adrenaline!
For something different, we tried the Jungle Crossing U-shaped slide (丛林穿梭), an 880-meter track where you control your own speed. My friend kept the lever pressed down the whole way for maximum speed, while I took it slower to enjoy the scenery. Both approaches were fun!
The Flamingo Valley (火鸟山谷) was a pleasant surprise—a small zoo area with flamingos, red pandas, rabbits, black swans, and even tortoises. It felt more intimate than big city zoos, and we spent a relaxing hour there watching the animals.
The Forest Train: A Journey Through Fairy Tales
But the absolute highlight of Day 2 was the Forest Train (森林小火车). This vintage-style train runs on a 6-kilometer track that winds through valleys, past lakes, and through tunnels carved into the mountainside.
Practical Info: Forest Train
Ticket: Included with Hero Valley admission Duration: About 25 minutes one way Best Seats: Left side for better lake views Pro Tip: It's an Instagram hotspot, so charge your phone!
Sitting in the open-air carriages, the breeze in my hair, watching the landscape transform from dense forest to alpine meadows to castle-like buildings—I felt like I was in a European storybook. The train passes by several themed areas including what looks like a Swiss village, complete with chalets and alpine gardens. I must have taken 100 photos.
By this point, I genuinely felt like I could be in Switzerland or Austria rather than coastal China. The European architectural styles, the mountain setting, the train—it all combined to create this surreal, magical atmosphere.
Where We Stayed: Quirky Family Rooms
We stayed in one of OCT East's themed hotels, and I have to mention the rooms because they were so unique. Our room had a cozy, fairy-tale aesthetic with warm colors and whimsical decorations featuring cartoon elk and owl characters. Some rooms even have bunk beds built into the walls or hidden compartments—perfect for families with kids.
It wasn't luxury, but it was charming and comfortable, and staying on-site meant we could maximize our time at the attractions without commuting.
Culinary Discoveries
Food at OCT East is resort-style dining—think buffet restaurants and themed cafes rather than authentic local cuisine. We ate at several spots:
Hot Springs Restaurant: Decent buffet with Chinese and Western options (~80 RMB) Mountain-top Cafe: Overpriced but convenient for a coffee break with a view Village Restaurants: Various themed eateries with moderate prices
The food won't be the highlight of your trip, but it's adequate. If you're a serious foodie, you might want to venture into Shenzhen proper for better dining options.
Quick Reference Guide
Getting There
From Shenzhen: Take Metro Line 8 to Dameisha Station, then taxi (~15 min) or bus to OCT East From Hong Kong: Cross at Luohu or Futian border, then Metro Line 8 Chinese Address for Taxi: 东部华侨城 (Dōngbù Huáqiàochéng), 深圳市盐田区大梅沙
What to Know
Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for comfortable weather Avoid: National holidays and summer weekends—crowds can be intense Cash: Bring some cash—some smaller vendors don't accept mobile payments Language: English is limited; download a translation app
Ticket Options
Combo Ticket: Hero Valley + Tea Valley + train (~300 RMB) - best value if you have 2 days Single Park: Just Hero Valley (~180 RMB) or just Hot Springs (~200 RMB) Online: Book through Ctrip or Dianping for discounts
My Top 5 Must-Do Experiences
Soak in the outdoor mountain hot springs at sunset Ride the Forest Train through the alpine valleys Walk the glass-bottomed platform at Summit of Perfection Experience the wooden roller coaster with ocean views Stay overnight in a themed fairy-tale room
Final Thoughts
OCT East surprised me. I expected a typical Chinese theme park with crowds and commercialization, and while those elements exist, the natural setting and unique European-themed architecture elevated this experience significantly. The hot springs were genuinely world-class, the mountain scenery was stunning, and the forest train ride was pure magic.
For Western travelers looking for something off the beaten path in the Shenzhen area, OCT East offers a refreshing alternative to the typical city attractions. It won't replace a trip to Europe, but it provides a surprisingly authentic-feeling alpine experience just a couple hours from Hong Kong.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I'd stay longer and explore the tea culture areas we missed. There's more to discover here than can be covered in a single weekend.