Maluan Mountain
Experience authentic Shenzhen hiking with natural trails, the impressive Maluan Waterfall, and seasonal plum blossoms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds at the waterfall
Maluan Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds at the waterfall
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Shenzhen hiking with natural trails, the impressive Maluan Waterfall, and seasonal plum blossoms.
"Escape the city bustle on Maluan Mountain's natural paths, a truly authentic hiking experience."
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Natural paths are great, but good grip is essential for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Arrive early for waterfall
Beat the weekend crowds by getting to the Maluan Waterfall right at opening time (8 AM). :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Maluan Waterfall
Shenzhen
Claimed to be Shenzhen's largest waterfall, a rewarding sight after a pleasant hike.
Natural Hiking Paths
Maluan Mountain trails
Experience authentic hiking with natural paths, a welcome change from stair-heavy routes.
Plum Blossom Garden
Maluan Mountain
Over 2,000 plum trees bloom Jan-Feb, offering a poetic winter landscape with diverse varieties.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Natural Trails
Beat the Weekend Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Natural paths are great, but good grip is essential for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Arrive early for waterfall
Beat the weekend crowds by getting to the Maluan Waterfall right at opening time (8 AM). :clock1:
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan a longer hike or visit during warmer months. :droplet:
📸 Capture the scenery
The natural beauty and waterfall offer great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Hiking spots around Shenzhen
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Natural paths are great, but good grip is essential for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Arrive early for waterfall
Beat the weekend crowds by getting to the Maluan Waterfall right at opening time (8 AM). :clock1:
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan a longer hike or visit during warmer months. :droplet:
📸 Capture the scenery
The natural beauty and waterfall offer great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Hike to Dameisha/Xiaomeisha
For the adventurous, extend your hike to the beach for a swim. :wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Maluan Mountain for its authentic hiking trails, a refreshing change from stair-heavy routes. The Maluan Waterfall is a significant draw, and the seasonal plum blossoms offer unique beauty. While some find the journey a bit long, the natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere are consistently highlighted as major positives.
"This plum garden, which is covers an area of 23 acres and has more than 2,000 plum trees, which are in full bloom January-February. This is the plum garden with the most varieties of plum blossoms in Shenzhen. One of the most poetic things to do in winter would be appreciating plum blossom trees while stepping through a snow-covered path. both adults and kids can enjoy trekking here without too much effort. the scenery is pleasant, the air is fresh, it feels very good,"
GB Udhaya
"Now Shenzhen has no shortage of hikes, and these can range from small ones like Nanshan to the larger more difficult ones like Wutong, but there’s one common theme which drives most hiking enthusiasts crazy. Stairs. It sometimes feels more like floor walking than it does hiking, with endless towering stairs above you, you could be in a skyscraper not on a mountain. Now luckily the stairs here are mainly natural style and don’t really feel like stairs. There are some at the start but only for around 10 mins.
However in Maluan Mountain there is something different. Gone are the stairs, to be replaced with natural paths and rural trails. Hiking as hiking should be. This is possibly the most authentic hike in the city, with flora, fauna and greenery all around you, you could actually be in another country all together. This hike doesn’t have the sweeping views of the city like some of the other city hikes do, instead you get a slice of rural life in the megacity that is Shenzhen"
Joe Macpherson
"It took me 1.5 hours to get there, But it's worth a visit. It was beautiful and it's a good place for hiking."
Vakeesan Rajadurai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The E11 bus is a popular and convenient option to reach Maluan Mountain. It's a scenic ride that drops you close to the entrance, making it easy to start your hike.
Yes, public transport is readily available. The E11 bus is frequently mentioned by visitors as a direct route to the mountain area.
Taking the E11 bus is a recommended method for traveling from Shenzhen city to Maluan Mountain, offering a straightforward journey.
The E11 bus route is specifically mentioned for its accessibility to Maluan Mountain, making it a key transport option for visitors.
Travel time can vary, but one visitor mentioned it took them 1.5 hours to get there, suggesting it's a significant journey but worth the effort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific ticket prices for Maluan Mountain is not widely detailed, but entry to the general hiking areas is often free or has a nominal fee. It's best to check local listings closer to your visit.
The Maluan Waterfall area typically opens at 8 AM, which is a good time to visit to avoid crowds.
While the hiking trails are generally accessible, the waterfall area might have a small entrance fee. Visiting early is recommended to experience it with fewer people.
Online booking details for Maluan Mountain are not commonly advertised. It's advisable to plan for on-site entry or check with local Shenzhen tourism resources for any updates.
No specific entry restrictions are widely reported, but it's always good practice to be aware of park rules and any seasonal advisories.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Maluan Mountain is praised for its natural paths and rural trails, offering an authentic hiking experience without the endless stairs found elsewhere in Shenzhen.
Yes, the trails are generally considered less strenuous than other Shenzhen hikes, with only a short section of stairs at the start. It's suitable for adults and kids.
The Maluan Waterfall is a significant draw, often cited as the largest in Shenzhen. The natural beauty and peaceful trails are also major highlights.
Yes, determined hikers can extend their trek from Maluan Mountain all the way to Dameisha or Xiaomeisha for a rewarding swim after their walk.
Expect lush greenery, flora, fauna, and a slice of rural life within the megacity. It offers a different kind of natural beauty compared to city-view hikes.
📸 📸 Photography
The Maluan Waterfall itself is a prime photo spot. The natural trails, lush greenery, and the plum blossom garden (in season) also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. 
Absolutely. The abundance of flora, fauna, and the scenic waterfall make it an excellent location for nature photography enthusiasts.
Early mornings, especially around the waterfall, can offer softer light and fewer people, leading to better shots. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be beautiful.
The main challenge might be crowds at the waterfall on weekends. Visiting early or on a weekday can significantly improve your photography experience.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're serious about nature photography, consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for any wildlife you might spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Maluan Waterfall is a definite highlight that kids will enjoy seeing. During the plum blossom season (January-February), the Plum Blossom Garden offers a beautiful and gentle walk, perfect for little ones to explore. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting on a weekday or early on a weekend to avoid larger crowds.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Entry to the hiking trails is often free or very low-cost, and the main attraction, the waterfall, is also accessible without a significant fee. Packing your own food and water is highly recommended to save money. The natural beauty and hiking experience itself are the main draws, offering a fulfilling day out without expensive admission tickets or pricey on-site dining. It's a fantastic way to experience Shenzhen's nature on a budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1During winter, the Plum Blossom Garden is a must-visit for its delicate flowers and serene atmosphere. Visiting during the 'golden hour' in the morning or late afternoon can yield the best lighting. Be prepared for potential crowds at the waterfall on weekends; an early start is key for unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Hiking Experience
This approach to trail design means you can truly immerse yourself in the environment. The paths wind through greenery, offering a sense of seclusion and peace. It's a place where you can feel like you've stepped away from the urban sprawl and into a more untouched landscape. The absence of monotonous staircases allows for a more fluid and enjoyable trek, making it accessible and appealing to a wider range of hikers.
While it may not boast the panoramic city views of some other Shenzhen mountains, Maluan Mountain provides a different, yet equally valuable, perspective. It offers a glimpse into the rural side of Shenzhen, showcasing its natural beauty in a more raw and unfiltered way. This authenticity is a key reason why many hikers recommend it as a must-visit destination for a genuine outdoor adventure.
Maluan Waterfall: A Shenzhen Gem
To make the most of your visit to the waterfall, it's highly recommended to arrive early, particularly on weekends. Visitors have noted that the area can get crowded, so an early start at 8 AM can help you enjoy the falls with fewer people and better photographic opportunities. This allows for a more peaceful appreciation of the natural wonder.
The waterfall is not just a visual treat but also a destination that can be combined with other activities. For those who enjoy a longer trek, it's possible to hike from Maluan Mountain all the way to the nearby Dameisha or Xiaomeisha beaches, turning a day of hiking into a full outdoor adventure.
Seasonal Beauty: The Plum Blossom Garden
Appreciating the plum blossoms here is considered a poetic winter activity. The sight of the delicate flowers, often set against a backdrop that can evoke a sense of snow-covered paths, creates a uniquely serene and beautiful atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and offers a different kind of natural beauty compared to the lush greenery of other seasons.
The garden is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all visitors, including families with children. The gentle terrain ensures that appreciating the blossoms is a relaxing experience, allowing everyone to soak in the fragrant air and vibrant colors of this seasonal spectacle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit