As I was saying, Shenzhen, China is a sprawling city, it’s hard to believe that places like Sanmenkou Island co-exist with monolithic concrete creations. The airport and the Shenzhen’s beaches are separated by 50 km. I’ve been to the beach twice in my almost five years in China. I like the beach, I don’t like public transportation. Luckily, on our October holiday excursion, a friend had a car.
Dongchong beach was our destination. From there it was tickets on a small and scary boat across the water to Sanmenkou Island. The boat’s pilot, a Kejia man, has skin the color of leather from his daily journeys back and forth across the south China Sea, smiled as his craft smashed through the waves and his passenger squealed.
A large dog, in China? Sanmenkou Island must be a magic place.
If you’re from a large city you can appreciate what Sanmenkou has to offer. The island rises like a tree-covered, crooked finger from the Pacific. There are few cars, few people, and the only sounds are children splashing in the sea and the waves lapping at the sand and rocks. Peaceful. Serene. Idyllic.
A photographer (or two) have been known to shoot Shenzhen's Sanmenkou Island.
Most of eastern Shenzhen is undeveloped. There are settled areas, but the green mountains make urbanization difficult. Two nuclear power plants and a prison share the area, as do merry-makers looking for a quiet escape.
Sanmenkou Island is place where time has little meaning. People seem to drift from place to place, ghosts of their busy city selves. Small hotels, fresh seafood, the remains of a military facility, and climbable hills offer these ghosts a variety of way to stay content. An afternoon on the island is a restful tonic to the weary urban warrior or the burnt-out traveler.
The day never ends at Sanmenkou and Dongchong beach. As dusk settles hordes of people arrive to spend the night on the beach. Facing east, it offers the early-riser a chance to watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean
Dusk over the mountains at Sanmenkou Beach, Shenzhen, China.
Thanks to David at Random Wire for recommending this great spot. His flickr images gives a much better picture of the place.
Getting to Sanmenkou Island, Shenzhen
Boats run from Xichong Beach and Dongchong Beach to Sanmenkou Island. Prices vary, be prepared to bargain.
It sounds like you enjoyed a thoroughly enjoyable beach experience! I’m glad that you got to go. I think everyone that lives in the city should get this kind of a day off once in a while!
Corina´s last blog ..Heading Home
Corina: Totally correct. A day at the beach is sometimes needed.
Great description Steve – it’s an exceptional hidden gem so close to Shenzhen. Did you manage to find the military installations on the hill?
One thing confused me thought – my friends told me it was called “Da Jia” island but you call it Sanmenkou? Are they the same?
Thanks for the link
David´s last blog ..Observing the Great Firewall
David: My time was really limited. In holiday traffic it took nearly 4 hours to get there. No military stuff for me.
I think they are the same. From your geotagging the island is called Sanmenkou on Google Earth. More investigation may be needed.
I suspect “Da Jia” maybe its local name or something as the one we both tagged is definitely the same. I’ll ask around a bit.
David´s last blog ..Observing the Great Firewall
Can’t wait to visit China! Great shots.
Lola´s last blog ..Latest Articles and Musings
Let me know when you’re coming. We’ll have a fine-old time.
Love the dog! I like to look at the ocean, but never swim in it. Stuff in there bites!
Yes they do. No shark nets on this beach, that usually the norm.
Looks just like Malibu, where was The Hoff?
Sounds like you had a great time, and the dusk image is really nice…
R(etc… )
Alas, no Hoff. Here’s to hoping…
Thanks for the props.
All nice images-I liek the first 1 the best probably for content. Dog and photog 1 both great comp and perspective.
Mark Forman´s last blog ..Taichung Jazz Festival 09
Thanks, Mark.
ive been here once before several years ago before. very nice. i bet this place picks up great typhoon swell.