Xichong Beach
西涌The verdict
The best all-round beach in Shenzhen if you can spare 2+ hours of travel — longest beach, best surf, camping, and the classic coastal hike. Not for anyone who just wants a quick, tame swim.
Perfect for
- ✓ Surfers and surf lesson beginners
- ✓ Campers who want the full sunset-to-sunrise experience
- ✓ Hikers doing the Dongchong-Xichong trail
- ✓ People who value wild scenery over convenience
Not for
- ✗ Families with toddlers who need showers and short walks
- ✗ Anyone with limited mobility
- ✗ Day-trippers on a tight schedule who can't leave before 3 PM
- ✗ People expecting resort facilities
Editor's field note · Verified July 2026
Checked on a July weekday: 4 km of beach with maybe 40 people total after you pass entrance 2. The surf shops on the approach road are the tell — this is a working surf town, not a resort. Water quality read Grade I-II in the latest Ecology Bureau report.
Overview
Xichong Beach (西涌, also written as Xichong) is Shenzhen's crown jewel for anyone who wants more than a quick dip. At 4 kilometers long, it is by far the longest beach in the city, and its exposed position facing the South China Sea means it catches the best waves in the region.
This is where Shenzhen's surf culture lives. A dozen surf shops line the road behind the beach, offering board rentals (around 100 RMB per hour) and lessons for beginners. The best surf is during typhoon season (July through October), when distant storms send clean swells into the bay. On a good day, you will see 20-30 surfers in the water.
The beach itself is wilder than Dameisha or Xiaomeisha — coarser golden sand, fewer facilities, and a more natural feel. The hills behind the beach are covered in subtropical forest, and the lack of high-rise development means the night sky here is actually dark enough for stargazing. The beach has four entrance points (numbered 1 through 4), each with slightly different facilities and crowd levels — entrance 1 and 2 are busiest, while 3 and 4 offer more space and seclusion.
Camping is one of Xichong's biggest draws. Designated camping areas near the beach allow tents, and several local operators rent gear if you do not have your own. Falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to an empty beach before the day-trippers arrive is worth the extra effort to get here.
Xichong is also the starting (or ending) point for the famous Dongchong-Xichong coastal hiking trail, a stunning 8 km clifftop path that ranks among the best day hikes near Shenzhen. The trail takes 3-4 hours one way and offers spectacular views of the coastline, hidden coves, and the open sea. Combine a morning hike with an afternoon surf session for the ultimate Xichong adventure day.
How to Plan Your Day
A concrete plan for Xichong, based on our visits. Start Leave the city by 8 AM. E11 bus to Nanao then M232 to Xichong — total ~1.5 hrs, under 15 RMB.
Half-day plan (4-5 hours)
- 1Arrive before 10 AM, rent a board or book a lesson at one of the surf shops (~100 RMB/hr rental).
- 2Surf or swim between the red-and-yellow flags near entrance 2.
- 3Lunch at the beachside BBQ restaurants (80-150 RMB per person).
- 4Walk the short cliff path for photos, then head back by 4 PM.
Full-day plan (7+ hours)
- 1Morning: surf lesson at entrance 2, or start the Dongchong-Xichong hike before 8 AM.
- 2Lunch at a beachside BBQ joint.
- 3Afternoon: camp setup at the designated zone near entrance 3 or 4, then a free surf/swim session.
- 4Evening: sunset, beach BBQ, and the darkest skies in Shenzhen for stargazing.
Avoiding the crowds
Entrances 3 and 4 are significantly quieter than 1 and 2. Weekdays can feel completely empty. If hiking, start before 8 AM to avoid exposed-trail midday heat.
Money tip
Public transport is under 15 RMB one-way. Budget: 100 RMB board rental, 300-400 RMB lesson, 150 RMB meal, 20-150 RMB camping. An overnight trip with camping can run under 400 RMB total.
Plan Your Trip to Xichong
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Day-Cost Estimator
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How Xichong Compares to Its Rivals
The beaches visitors most often weigh against Xichong — and which one to pick in each situation.
Two ends of the same famous 8 km coastal hike and the same rugged coastline.
Choose Xichong when
You want the longest beach, surf lessons, camping infrastructure, and a livelier village.
Choose Dongchong when
You want fewer people, cheaper rooms (100-250 RMB), and a quieter base for the same trail.
The 'worth the journey?' question every first-timer asks.
Choose Xichong when
You have a full day, want an experience instead of a dip, and don't mind the extra hour.
Choose Dameisha when
You only have a half day or are travelling with small kids — the trade-off isn't worth it.
How to Get to Xichong Beach
- Bus
- E11 express bus from downtown to Nanao (南澳) terminus (~1 hour, ~10 RMB), then transfer to M232 local bus to Xichong (~30 min, ~3 RMB)
- Taxi from Futian
- ~180 RMB (75 min)
- Taxi from Luohu
- ~140 RMB (60 min)
- Taxi from Nanshan
- ~200 RMB (90 min)
- Driving
- 60-75 min from city center
- Parking
- Several lots near the beach entrances (there are 4 entrance points). ~30 RMB/day. Fills on summer weekends by 10:30 AM.
Food & Dining
At the Beach
A strip of casual beachside restaurants and BBQ joints behind the beach. Fresh seafood is the specialty — most places have tanks where you pick your fish/crab/shrimp. Grilled skewers, fried rice, and cold beer are staples. Expect 80-150 RMB per person for a solid meal.
Nearby
Xichong village (5 min walk from the beach) has more local restaurants, noodle shops, and convenience stores. No Western chain restaurants in the area.
What to Try
BBQ seafood platter (海鲜烧烤拼盘), salt and pepper squid (椒盐鱿鱼), cold Tsingtao beer watching the sunset
Price range: Beachside meal: 80-150 RMB per person. Seafood dinner: 150-300 RMB. Snacks and drinks: 10-40 RMB.
Where to Stay
Xichong Surf Club guesthouse (from ~250 RMB/night, surf-themed, board storage). Several family-run guesthouses and B&Bs in the village (150-400 RMB/night). No international chain hotels.
Camping
Yes! Designated camping areas near the beach. Bring your own tent (~20 RMB camping fee) or rent from local operators (~80-150 RMB for tent + sleeping bag). Campfires generally not permitted. Book ahead on summer weekends.
Price range: Camping: 20-150 RMB. Guesthouse: 150-400 RMB. No luxury options in immediate area.
What to Wear & Bring
Summer (May-Oct)
Surf gear if you're surfing (rash guard, board shorts). Otherwise: swimsuit, flip-flops, sun hat, sunglasses. Bring a light jacket for evening — it gets breezy. Reef-safe sunscreen recommended.
Winter (Nov-Apr)
Warmer layers needed than city beaches. Coastal wind can be strong. Hoodie, windbreaker, long pants. Water temperature drops to 16-18°C — wetsuit needed for surfing.
Packing Checklist
- ✓ Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe)
- ✓ Insect repellent (mosquitoes at dusk)
- ✓ Cash (limited mobile payment in some shops)
- ✓ Power bank (limited charging options)
- ✓ Headlamp or flashlight (for camping and evening walks)
- ✓ Water shoes (some rocky sections)
- ✓ Tent if camping
- ✓ Towel and change of clothes
Facilities
- Showers
- 15 RMB
- Lockers
- 20 RMB
- Umbrellas/Chairs
- 60 RMB/day
- Lifeguards
- Seasonal, limited coverage. Flag system used.
- Food/Drinks
- Beachside BBQ restaurants, local seafood. Small shops selling drinks and snacks.
- Restrooms
- Available near each entrance
- Changing Rooms
- Basic, near shower areas
- First Aid
- Limited. Nearest clinic in Xichong village (5 min drive).
Beach Features
- Sand Type
- Coarse golden sand, 4 km long stretch
- Water Quality
- Grade I-II (generally very good, tested monthly)
- Wave Type
- Moderate, suitable for surfing and bodyboarding. Best surf during typhoon season (Jul-Oct).
- Best Season
- May-October for swimming, July-October for surfing
- Swimming Zone
- Designated swimming areas marked by flags. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
When to Avoid
Summer weekends — while less crowded than Dameisha, popular entrances (1 and 2) still get busy. Golden Week and Labor Day — camping areas fill completely. Typhoon direct hits — beach access is closed for safety. Check surf forecasts before going if you plan to surf.
Things to Do
Surfing
The best surf in Shenzhen. Multiple surf shops offering board rental (~100 RMB/hr) and lessons (~300-400 RMB for 2 hours). Best waves from July through October during typhoon season. Beginner-friendly sections near beach entrances 1 and 2, more experienced surfers head toward entrance 4.
Camping
Designated camping zones with basic facilities near the beach. Wake up to an empty beach and morning surf. Bring your own gear or rent locally (~80-150 RMB for tent and sleeping bag). Book ahead on summer weekends.
Coastal Hiking
The Dongchong-Xichong trail is one of the best day hikes near Shenzhen. 8 km, 3-4 hours one way, stunning cliff and ocean views. Moderately challenging with some steep sections — good hiking shoes are essential. Carry 2L+ of water per person.
Stargazing
Far from city lights, Xichong has the darkest skies near Shenzhen. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible. Bring a blanket and lie on the beach after dark for a rare urban escape experience.
Photography
The long beach, hills behind, and surf break create incredible photographic opportunities. Best spots: rocky outcrop at the eastern end, hillside trail for elevated beach panoramas, and the surf break near entrance 2 for action shots at golden hour.
Safety
Best Time to Visit
Xichong Beach (西涌) offers ideal conditions during May-October for swimming, July-October for surfing.
Photo Spots
Eastern end near entrance 4 for sunrise and empty sand. The rocky headland at the far east for dramatic foreground. The hillside trail looking back at the beach for the classic 4 km panorama. Late afternoon light on the surf break near entrance 2. Milky Way astrophotography from the beach after dark.
History & Background
Xichong was originally a small fishing and farming community before surfers discovered its reliable waves in the early 2000s. The surf culture grew organically as word spread among Shenzhen's expat and local surfing communities. Today, Xichong is recognized as the best surf beach in the Pearl River Delta region, hosting regular surf competitions and maintaining a year-round surf scene.
Visitor Tips
- • Go on a weekday for an empty beach — the contrast with weekends is dramatic
- • Take a surf lesson even if you have never surfed — Xichong is the best place to learn in the region
- • Camp overnight for the full experience — sunrise on an empty Xichong is unforgettable
- • If hiking Dongchong-Xichong, start early (before 8 AM) to avoid midday heat