A night view of OCT Harbor. 

A statue of Nyuwa at Sea World. 

A building at OCT-LOFT. File photo

If you are seeking a fun weekend without having to travel far, Nanshan District is truly a great destination. The district in western Shenzhen has a wave of other fun places than the historic sites to offer. Let's take a look at the modern side of the district, its natural scenery and cultural landscape.

Sea World

Sea World has long been a landmark of Shekou for Shenzheners, and tourists alike, especially its mesmerizing after-dark views and vibrant nightlife.

Just south of the Minghua Cruise boat, which now serves as an entertainment venue housing various restaurants and bars, lies the famous music fountain. The fountain, with performances held at night from Tuesday to Sunday, boasts 188 laser transmitters arranged in an S shape, stretching 168 meters. It sends water columns soaring up to 50 meters high, all showcased in a stunning 360-degree panoramic display. Officially opened to the public on Dec. 20, 2013, the water fountain performances are free and take place at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, with additional special performances at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Each performance lasts about 10 minutes, and features different arrangements of water dances, music, lights and fireworks.

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station, Exit A

OCT Harbor

OCT Harbor offers a delightful blend of shopping, dining, and leisurely people-watching experiences.

Covering a total area of 1.25 million square meters, this purpose-built waterfront area is designed to provide a range of attractions, including a shopping mall, an artificial beach, and the OCT Wetland Park. A leisurely stroll along its man-made canal, flanked by a variety of restaurants on both sides, offers a relaxing retreat from the urban hustle and bustle of downtown Shenzhen.

The wetland park serves as an important transit hub and habitat for migratory birds. It seamlessly integrates ecological tourism and nature education with a lush mangrove forest, making it a haven for both wildlife and visitors seeking a closer connection to nature.

Located south of the Binhai Boulevard and opposite the OCT Harbor is one of the main entrances to Shenzhen Bay Park, a sprawling stretch that extends more than 10 kilometers from Futian to Sea World in Shekou.

Metro: Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station, Exit E

Theme parks in OCT

The OCT area is home to a number of well-known theme parks in Shenzhen, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Window of the World

The Window of the World boasts replicas of world wonders, historical sites and famous landmarks, meticulously built to scale at ratios of 1:1, 1:5 and 1:15. Within one single day, you can visit iconic attractions from various countries across the globe, from Angkor Wat of Cambodia to the Eiffel Tower of France and the Leaning Tower of Italy, from the Niagara Waterfalls of the United States to Sydney Opera House of Australia.

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station, Exit J

Splendid China ● China Folk Cultural Villages

Formerly two theme parks next to each other in the OCT, Splendid China and China Folk Cultural Villages merged in 2003. The Splendid China part features 82 miniatures of renowned sites from around China, most of which are scaled down at a ratio of 1:15, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the country's major attractions. While the China Folk Culture Villages, west to Splendid China, makes it possible for visitors to immerse themselves in the traditional architecture, folk activities and culinary delights of most of China's 55 ethnic minority groups within a day trip. Here, villages of 22 minority groups have been reproduced at a ratio of 1:1, allowing visitors to view folk houses of these ethnic groups while joining their traditional festivals. If you come at the right time, you will be able to join in their unique festivals, such as the Water-splashing Festival of the Dai minority, the Torch Festival of Yi, and the Knife Bar Festival of Lisu.

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station, Exit D

Happy Valley

When talking about Shenzhen's water theme parks, Happy Valley and its water park stand out as one of the primary destinations. Opened in 1998, the Maya Water Park enjoys the fame of the "water paradise in downtown Shenzhen" for its classic water-based recreation programs that cater to both adult visitors and children.

Beyond the Maya Water Park, this theme park boasts a diverse array of exciting recreational amenities catering to the contemporary entertainment preferences of visitors. Spanning 350,000 square meters, Happy Valley features nine areas with distinctive themes, such as Spanish Square, Mt. Adventure and Shangri-La Woods. The park hosts different performances, including magic shows, acrobatics and extreme sports, for its guests.

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station, Exit A

OCT-LOFT Creative Cultural Park

Said to be Shenzhen's trendy cultural hub, OCT-LOFT is a redeveloped industrial estate with many cafes, artworks, exhibitions and creative boutiques that are worth an afternoon exploration. Highly recommended by Lonely Planet, this locale offers a laid-back vibe, in stark contrast to the fast-paced and busy environment of Shenzhen.

Metro: Line 1 to Qiaocheng East Station, Exit A, or Line 2 to Qiaocheng North Station, Exit B