Xianhu Botanical Garden boasts a diverse array of plant species and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll. The renowned Hongfa Temple in Shenzhen is located here, which is always bustling with worshippers. Situated in the northeastern suburbs of Shenzhen, the garden leans against the highest peak in Shenzhen, Wutong Mountain, and is adjacent to the Shenzhen Reservoir. The garden is divided into six major scenic areas: the Heavenly and Earthly Realms, the Lake District, the Temple District, the Desert Plant Area, the Fossil Forest, and the Pine and Azalea Area.
The Heavenly and Earthly Realms feature a variety of plant flowers and a fascinating plant labyrinth, as well as unique attractions like the Hidden Wonders. Hongfa Temple is located in the Temple District and is known for its thriving incense. The Lake District primarily consists of Xianhu Lake and its surrounding attractions. The other three areas, as their names suggest, display relevant plants.
At the main entrance of the scenic area, visitors can take a bus directly to Hongfa Temple. Alternatively, one can choose to walk and climb the mountain. If walking, one first passes through a forested path with various types of trees, then crosses an artificial lake (where one might see people reciting release mantras by the lake, possibly due to the influence of Hongfa Temple, as many people come here to release animals). After the lake, one arrives at Hongfa Temple. Here, visitors can transfer to the scenic area’s electric vehicles, which follow a loop route: Hongfa Temple – Lake District – Bonsai Garden – Desert Plant Area – Paleobiology Museum – Fossil Forest Area – Medicinal Plant Area – Tingtao Pavilion – Liangyi Pavilion – Hongfa Temple. For those with good stamina, walking is also an option, following the same route as the electric vehicles. In the Lake District, also known as Xianhu Lake, there are pedal boats and electric boats available for those who wish to cruise the lake.
The garden is open all year round from 8:00 to 18:00. Preferential policies include free admission for children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters in height, discounts for minors aged 6 to 18, discounts for students with full-time undergraduate or lower degrees with a student ID or school proof, free admission for seniors over 60 with an ID or senior citizen’s preferential certificate, free admission for disabled people with valid certificates, free admission for active-duty soldiers with military IDs, and free admission for certain veterans and their families with valid certificates.低保五保户 with valid certificates are also admitted for free.