Explore the Enchanted Fairy Lake Botanical Garden in Shenzhen

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.

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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

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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.

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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)

Ticket Purchase Channels

• Online: Tickets can be purchased via the official WeChat public account.
• Offline: Tickets are available at the onsite ticket office.

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Fairy Lake Botanical Garden Map

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Things to Do in Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Recommended Routes for Exploring Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

• 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.

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Recommended Dining Near Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

• 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

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Recommended Hotels Near Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

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.“

CHEERMAY HOTELS SHENZHEN CITIZEN CENTER

• Location: 4-minute walk from Lianhua Village Subway Station
• Price per night: CNY 300
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.5
• Special Amenities: Laundry facilities

The hotel is located near Lianhuacun in central Futian, approximately a 4-minute walk from Lianhuacun Metro Station, providing convenient metro connections to other parts of Shenzhen. Situated near residential neighborhoods, the surrounding area is relatively quiet, with restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping malls nearby. UpperHills is also easily accessible for shopping and leisure activities. With parks in the neighborhood for relaxing walks, this is a good choice for travelers who want to stay in central Futian while balancing transportation convenience and accommodation costs.

Guest rooms are clean and bright, with warm-toned interiors, well-maintained bedding, towels, and bathrooms that create a comfortable atmosphere. Rooms feature a smart lighting system and support Bluetooth mobile phone access for convenient entry. The hotel has a self-service laundry room and offers breakfast delivery to guests’ doors, making mornings easier for travelers who prefer not to go out for breakfast. Front desk and housekeeping staff are friendly, check-in and check-out are efficient, and the hotel offers good overall value.

TRUE GO Hotel (Shenzhen Exhibition Center Fumin Subway Station)

• Location: 3-minute walk from Fumin Subway Station
• Price per night: CNY 484
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.6 / Agoda 9.5
• Special Amenities: Fitness center, laundry facilities, robot delivery service

The hotel is located in Shenzhen’s Futian District, approximately a 3-minute walk from Fumin Metro Station and just one metro stop from Futian Port, making it particularly convenient for travelers crossing between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Futian Railway Station and Shenzhen North Railway Station are also easily accessible, making the hotel suitable for itineraries involving both high-speed trains and cross-border travel. Shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, and parks are located nearby, providing easy access to everyday shopping and dining. It is a practical base for business travelers and visitors exploring Futian.

Guest rooms are clean and well-maintained, with soft, comfortable bedding and bathrooms featuring separate wet and dry areas. Showers provide consistent hot water and good water pressure, while air conditioning performs well. Rooms are relatively quiet with good soundproofing, making them suitable for travelers who prioritize a restful night’s sleep. The hotel provides complimentary drinking water and beverages, while the lobby offers evening desserts and sweet soups, including tremella soup and eight-treasure porridge. Additional facilities include a laundry room, gym, and robot food delivery, with attentive front desk staff who respond promptly to guest requests.

IntercityHotel Shenzhen Futian Huanggang

• Location: 2-minute walk from Huanggang Village Subway Station
• Price per night: CNY 560
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.7 / Agoda 9.6
• Special Amenities: Fitness center, laundry facilities, robot delivery service

The hotel is located beside Huanggangcun Metro Station in Shenzhen’s Futian District, approximately a 2-minute walk from the station. Metro Lines 4 and 7 serve the surrounding area, providing convenient connections to Futian Port, Huanggang Port, and Futian Railway Station. The neighborhood has numerous restaurants and is not far from Shuiwei Night Market, making it easy to explore local food options in the evening. Set in a lively part of Futian, the hotel also offers guest rooms with views of surrounding high-rises and the nighttime cityscape, making it suitable for cross-border travelers, business visitors, and those interested in Futian’s nightlife.

Guest rooms are spacious and bright, with relatively new interiors, clean and comfortable bedding, supportive mattresses with a balanced firmness, and good soundproofing. Rooms feature smart curtains and lighting controls, while the shower and toilet areas are separate, with a reliable hot water supply. The hotel provides a laundry room, gym, and robot food delivery, along with a varied breakfast buffet that includes Chinese specialties such as rice noodle rolls. Late-night snacks are also available. Staff are welcoming, and housekeeping maintains good cleanliness standards, making the hotel well suited to families, business travelers, and guests staying for several nights.

Hampton by Hilton Shenzhen Futian Port

• Location: 8-minute walk from Futian Port Subway Station
• Price per night: CNY 698
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.5 / Agoda 9.4
• Special Amenities: Fitness center, laundry facilities, robot delivery service

The hotel is located near Futian Port in Shenzhen, approximately an 8-minute walk from Futian Port Metro Station and the border crossing facilities, making it particularly convenient for travelers heading from Shenzhen to Hong Kong. Starbucks, McDonald’s, and a variety of local restaurants are nearby, while Shuiwei Night Market is also within walking distance for evening dining and exploring local street food. Metro connections provide easy access to Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center and other commercial areas of Futian. This is a practical choice for Shenzhen–Hong Kong itineraries, business trips, and overnight stays during cross-border travel.

Guest rooms are spacious and bright, with good cleanliness standards, comfortable mattresses and pillows, and effective soundproofing that helps maintain a quiet nighttime environment. Bathrooms are well-maintained and feature separate wet and dry areas, making them convenient for both families and business travelers. The hotel has a self-service laundry room, gym, and robot food delivery service, while breakfast offers a broad selection of Chinese and Western dishes suitable for guests of different ages. A comfortable seating area is available in the lobby, and professional staff provide efficient check-in and check-out services, making the hotel especially suitable for travelers who frequently cross between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel

• Location: 2-minute walk from Convention and Exhibition Center Subway Station
• Price per night: CNY 1108
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.6 / Agoda 9.4
• Special Amenities: Fitness center, swimming pool

The hotel is located in the heart of Shenzhen’s Futian CBD, next to Convention & Exhibition Center Metro Station, with a convenient connecting passage between the hotel and the station. This location provides easy access to Futian Railway Station and other parts of the city. Major shopping destinations, including One Avenue, Wongtee Plaza, and Link CentralWalk, are clustered nearby, offering extensive dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Shenzhen Children’s Palace, and Lianhuashan Park are also nearby, making it convenient to explore central Futian. Its prime location is especially suitable for business travelers, families, and visitors planning to spend time shopping and sightseeing in downtown Shenzhen.

As a traditional five-star hotel, the property offers spacious guest rooms, comfortable bedding, good cleanliness standards, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Futian CBD skyline. The interiors feature a classic luxury design, and although some facilities have been in use for several years, overall maintenance remains good. However, equipment such as lighting and air conditioning controls is less modern than what newer hotels offer. Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and an executive lounge, while the extensive breakfast buffet serves Chinese, Western, and Japanese dishes. Professional service and quiet, comfortable rooms make this a good choice for families and business travelers who value a central location, generous room space, and established five-star hospitality.

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How to Get to Fairy Lake Botanical Garden

From Downtown Shenzhen

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.

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From Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport

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.

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FAQ