Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese travel expert with extensive international travel experience. I have a passion for exploring unique destinations that showcase regional culture and historical depth. In this article, I will take you on a journey through one of Shenzhen’s hidden treasures — Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, a site that serves not only as a conservation area but also as a hub for scientific research, education, and recreation.

Summary

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden Overview

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, also known as Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is a multifunctional botanical garden that integrates species conservation, scientific research, public education, and leisure tourism. Spanning over 6.68 million square meters, the garden features a diverse terrain that includes mountains, hills, and water bodies, creating a naturally picturesque landscape. It houses over 12,204 species and varieties in 25 specialized plant areas and conservation bases.

  • Address: 160 Xianhu Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Ideal Seasons for Visiting: All year round
  • Admission Fee: 15 RMB
    • Free Admission Times: 6:00-8:00 AM and 6:00-9:30 PM
    • Ticketed Entry Times: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fairy Lake Botanical Garden scenic view with floral boats

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden Map

Map of Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Why You Need to Visit Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Diverse Plant Species

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, located in the Luohu District of Shenzhen, is home to an impressive collection of 12,204 plant species and varieties. The garden features plants from regions such as Hainan, Africa, and the Philippines, including rare and expensive species like the Staghorn Fern. This botanical diversity offers a spectacular visual experience for all visitors.

Affordable Prices

The garden offers very affordable ticket prices, with adult tickets at only 15 RMB and student tickets at 5 RMB. Additionally, free entry is available early in the morning from 6:00 to 8:00 AM, making it a perfect spot for early risers to enjoy a peaceful start to their day.

Rich Array of Activities

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden frequently hosts various events and activities. For instance, during the Spring Festival of 2025, the garden will host a Spring Flower Festival showcasing over 130 types and more than 40,000 plants of rare bulbs from both domestic and international sources, including tulips, amaryllises, lilies, and daffodils. The festival will also feature trendy markets and interactive educational and cultural activities, creating a festive garden tour that combines flower viewing, learning, and entertainment.

Things to Do in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Main Attractions

Heaven on Earth

In the “Heaven on Earth” section, visitors can marvel at the seasonal floral exhibitions. The entrance is notably adorned with two beautifully decorated floral boats, creating a picturesque welcome that captures the essence of each season’s bloom. These exhibitions are meticulously arranged to showcase the most stunning flowers, providing a visual feast for all who visit.

Heavenly scene with flowers on boats at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Hongfa Temple

Hongfa Temple is one of Shenzhen’s most revered temples, deeply respected by locals and tourists alike. The temple’s majestic architecture and serene environment make it a place for religious activities as well as a sanctuary for those seeking peace and spiritual solace. Daily, numerous devotees visit to offer prayers and seek blessings from the divine.

Hongfa Temple at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Water View Garden

Located alongside Fairy Lake, the Water View Garden offers a tranquil path along wooden walkways where visitors can enjoy the serene water and surrounding natural landscapes. Especially in winter, it serves as the prime location to view the red leaves of the bald cypress trees, creating a unique natural tapestry with the lake.

Waterfront view in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden during autumn

Cacti and Succulent Garden

The Cacti and Succulent Garden showcases a diverse array of tropical plants and succulents, one of the few such collections in Shenzhen. This garden attracts numerous families with its variety of cacti and succulents, offering not only a visual journey but also an educational experience about nature and biodiversity for children.

Cactus and succulent garden at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden Admission Guide

Admission Fees

  • Adults: 15 RMB
  • Children and Students: 5 RMB for minors aged between 6 years (exclusive) and 18 years (inclusive), and full-time undergraduate students or below (with valid student ID or proof from school)
  • Free Admission: Children under 6 years (inclusive) or shorter than 1.2 meters (inclusive), seniors aged 60 years (inclusive) and above (with ID or senior citizen’s card)
  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Ticket Purchase Channels

  • Online: Tickets can be purchased via the official WeChat public account.
  • Offline: Tickets are available at the onsite ticket office.
  • South Gate Route: Start at the South Gate -> Heaven on Earth (Alsophila Lake) -> Hongfa Temple -> Podocarpus Garden -> Deng Xiaoping’s Personally Planted Tree -> Bonsai Garden -> Water View Garden (ideal in winter for viewing bald cypresses) -> Cacti and Succulent Garden -> Fossil Forest -> Eleven-Arch Bridge -> Lansheng Pavilion -> back to South Gate.
  • North Gate Route: Begin at the North Gate -> Eleven-Arch Bridge -> Fossil Forest -> Cacti and Succulent Garden -> Water View Garden -> Bonsai Garden -> Deng Xiaoping’s Personally Planted Tree -> Podocarpus Garden -> Hongfa Temple -> Heaven on Earth -> Lansheng Pavilion -> back to North Gate.

Travel Tips

  • Sightseeing Car: It is recommended to spend 10 RMB on a sightseeing car ticket. The garden is extensive, and the ability to hop on and off at various points can save a great deal of energy.
  • Local Vendors: Upon exiting the metro station, you’ll find numerous vendors selling water and food for feeding fish and pigeons—3 RMB per pack or 5 RMB for three packs. Purchasing these is highly recommended for a joyful experience feeding the fish.
  • Lunch Recommendations: Consider dining near the subway station for convenience.
  • Shuttle Service: After entering the garden, you can take a shuttle to Heaven on Earth. Queue at the entrance to purchase your ticket.
  • Xianxiangyuan Cold Noodle Restaurant (Liantang D Residential District Shop)
    • Why Recommend: Authentic Northeastern Chinese cold noodles and mixed rice dishes. Offers over a dozen cold appetizer choices. The “Jiamusi Style Cold Noodles” are notably refreshing, with a sweet and tangy flavor.
    • Address: No. 98 Guowei Road, Liantang Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
    • Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    • Average Cost: 37 RMB per person
  • Old Beijing Crispy Pancake (Jubao Road Shop)
    • Why Recommend: A rare find in Shenzhen, featuring sodas and tiny honey buns, which are local favorites.
    • Address: No. 132 Aoxiacun, Liantang Street, Luohu District, Shenzhen (Apple Maps/Amap)
    • Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday, 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Average Cost: 12 RMB per person

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is located in the Luohu District, and there are no other popular attractions nearby. Visitors typically stay in the Futian or Nanshan districts and choose to spend half a day at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. You can check our hotel recommendations for the Futian and Nanshan districts in Shenzhen in “Shenzhen Hotel Recommendations.“

If you wish to stay near Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, we have carefully selected a few hotels for recommendation, see below.

Shenzhen 1982 Boutique Hotel

Shenzhen 1982 Boutique Hotel
  • Why Recommend: Just a right turn from the exit and a short 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bike ride to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden and Hongfa Temple. Extremely convenient for transportation!
  • Price per Night: 200 RMB
  • More Info and Booking: Click here to view

Mehood Hotel (Shenzhen Luohu Sungang Center Store)

Mehood Hotel (Shenzhen Luohu Sungang Center Store)
  • Why Recommend: A mid-to-high-end chain brand hotel located next to a business center with complete dining and late-night snack options. It’s just 690 meters from Yuanling subway station.
  • Price per Night: 390 RMB
  • More Info and Booking: Click here to view

Shenzhen Luohu Nuo’an Hotel

Shenzhen Luohu Nuo'an Hotel
  • Why Recommend: Close to Sungang Station on Line 7, approximately 300 meters away without the need to cross any traffic lights. The hotel boasts a great environment and well-designed rooms.
  • Price per Night: 430 RMB
  • More Info and Booking: Click here to view

How to Get from Downtown Shenzhen to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Subway

From downtown Shenzhen, take the Metro Line 2 (also known as Line 8) directly to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. Visitors should exit at Xianhu Road Station, Exit C2. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs 5 RMB. This option is economical and efficient, especially suited for those looking to avoid traffic congestion in the city.

Bus

Taking a bus is another good option. You can catch buses M182, M526, M102, or 220 from various locations downtown that go directly to the main bus terminal at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. The trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs 4 RMB, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the city scenery along the way.

Taxi/Rideshare

Taking a taxi or rideshare from downtown Shenzhen to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is the quickest option, taking about 40 minutes and costing approximately 40 RMB. This method is best for those who are short on time or prefer a more comfortable travel experience.

How to Get from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

Subway

Starting from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, take Metro Line 11 to Chegongmiao Station, then transfer to Metro Line 2 and proceed to Xianhu Road Station, Exit C2. The entire journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs 9 RMB. This route connects the airport with the city efficiently and is particularly convenient for visitors just arriving in Shenzhen.

Taxi/Rideshare

A taxi or rideshare from Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden takes about 60 minutes and costs approximately 140 RMB. This mode of transport is quick and convenient, especially for those carrying lots of luggage or traveling in groups.

FAQ

Is Fairy Lake Botanical Garden Accessible for Strollers and Wheelchairs?

Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is very accessible for visitors with strollers and wheelchairs. Most paths and facilities are designed to be barrier-free, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Additionally, the visitor service center at the garden offers wheelchair rental services free of charge to accommodate guests needing special assistance.

Where Can I Store Luggage?

There are storage lockers located behind the security office where you can store a suitcase up to 20 inches.

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