Longgang City
City in China, known for its economic growth
Part of Shenzhen’s urban sprawl, Longgang offers urban parks, mountain trails and Hakka villages-plus sprawling electronics markets and plentiful seafood restaurants. It’s a practical stop for hiking and sampling regional Cantonese-Teochew food.
Longgang at a Glance#
Costs: Moderate: $50-100 per day - good-value hotels and abundant local eateries; shopping malls raise costs if you splurge.
Safety: Urban-safe with usual precautions - relatively safe; typical city scams and pickpocketing occasionally reported.
Best Time: October-April (cooler, drier months) - avoid the summer heat and typhoon season for the most comfortable weather.
Longgang is an expansive eastern district of Shenzhen mixing tech parks, residential neighborhoods and creative hubs. It’s known for Dafen Oil Painting Village, busy commercial centers, and strong metro connections into greater Shenzhen.
Getting around: Use Shenzhen Metro (Longgang served by multiple lines) plus Didi for door‑to‑door rides; cycle-share apps like Meituan and Mobike are ubiquitous for short hops.
Infrastructure & convenience: Modern district with large malls around Longcheng Square and Buji; fast mobile networks, plentiful ATMs, clear signage, easy access to tech parks and supermarkets.
Local tips: Carry a passport for hotel check‑in, use WeChat Pay/Alipay in most shops, expect Mandarin and Cantonese; visit Dafen Oil Painting Village for art bargains.
Dining: Enjoy Cantonese dim sum, seafood and Hakka noodles in Longgang; try local eateries in Bantian and authentic dai pai dong‑style stalls near Longcheng Square.
Why Visit Longgang?#
Shenzhen’s Longgang district draws visitors with a mix of creative neighborhoods and modern industry, where the Dafen Oil Painting Village sits alongside sprawling tech parks. Food lovers come for Cantonese and Hakka specialties in local markets, while culture seekers find contemporary galleries and performing-arts venues. The area’s lively street life, easy access to Shenzhen’s skyline and a growing roster of cafes and studios make it an intriguing counterpoint to the city’s glossier cores.
Who's Longgang For?#
Longgang (Buji, Longcheng) offers more affordable flats and reliable broadband than central Shenzhen. Small coworking hubs and cafés are growing locally, while Futian/Nanshan coworking scenes are 30-40 minutes by metro. China visa limits and language barriers still complicate long stays.
Longgang’s Cantonese and seafood scene is approachable: local markets and night stalls around Longcheng and Buji serve fresh seafood, claypot rice and dim sum. Expect cheap eats for 20-60 CNY and some mid-range Cantonese restaurants near shopping malls.
Longgang Central Park, community playgrounds in Longcheng and family-friendly malls make the district practical for kids. Weekend escapes to Dapeng Peninsula beaches and simple domestic hotels (roughly 300-500 CNY) keep family logistics easy compared with central Shenzhen.
Longgang is a practical base for Wutong Mountain hikes and Dapeng Peninsula beaches-short drives or buses lead to coastal trails and sea vistas. Birdwatching and coastal walks are common day trips from the district.
Best Things to Do in Longgang#
Longgang Bucket List#
Dafen Oil Painting Village - Artist neighborhood where thousands of hand-painted reproductions and original works are made and sold.
Wutong Mountain (Wutongshan National Park) - Steep trails lead to Shenzhen’s highest peak with panoramic city and sea views.
Dapeng Ancient City (Dapeng Fortress) - Well-preserved Ming-Qing walled town with narrow lanes, historic temples, and coastal fortifications.
Longgang District Museum - Compact museum showcasing the district’s history, industry, and local cultural artifacts.
Longgang Cultural Center - Modern complex hosting concerts, exhibitions, and a public library favored by locals.
Longgang Central Park - Green public park with lakes, walking paths, and weekend markets bustling with residents.
Longgang District Museum - Compact museum showcasing the district’s history, industry, and local cultural artifacts.
Longgang Cultural Center - Modern complex hosting concerts, exhibitions, and a public library favored by locals.
Longgang Central Park - Green public park with lakes, walking paths, and weekend markets bustling with residents.
Longgang Cultural Center - Modern complex hosting concerts, exhibitions, and a public library favored by locals.
Dameisha Beach - Popular sandy beach with seaside promenades, water sports, and nearby seafood restaurants.
Xiaomeisha Beach - Quieter cove with clearer water and family-friendly attractions including an ocean park.
OCT East (Overseas Chinese Town East) - Theme-and-nature resort offering landscaped gardens, thrill rides, and forested hiking trails.
Dapeng Ancient City (Dapeng Fortress) - Well-preserved Ming-Qing walled town with narrow lanes, historic temples, and coastal fortifications.
Neighborhoods of Longgang#
Dafen
Dafen is the parts-and-parcels art neighborhood of Longgang, where whole streets are taken up by studios and galleries. It’s ideal if you want an offbeat souvenir or to watch painters at work; expect crowded workshops, straightforward cafés, and an atmosphere more commercial than arty.
Dining: Cafés · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Art Shops · Stays: Mid-Range
Top Spots
- Dafen Oil Painting Village - Thousands of studios producing replicas and original canvases, great for picking up affordable art.
- Dafen Art Museum - Small gallery showing local contemporary work and rotating shows.
- Dafen Cultural Park - Open-air spots and streets full of painters hard at work.
Buji
Buji feels like the working heart of Longgang: commuter bars, wet markets and the busy rail interchange. It’s practical for transport and cheap local food, not a sightseeing zone - good if you’re transiting or staying on a budget.
Dining: Cheap Eats · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Local Shops · Stays: Budget
Top Spots
- Buji Railway/Metro Area - Main transport hub with lots of street food and quick shops.
- Buji Park - Green spot for a short walk or morning jog.
- Local wet markets - Basic groceries and inexpensive eats frequented by residents.
Bantian
Bantian is Longgang’s tech-and-office neighborhood: modern high-rises, chain cafés and canteens for the business crowd. It’s not scenic but convenient if you’re visiting companies or want chain restaurants and decent transit links.
Dining: Diverse · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Malls · Stays: Mixed
Top Spots
- Bantian Tech Park area - Office towers and cafés serving the tech crowd.
- Local shopping malls - Practical malls with chain restaurants and cinemas.
- Community parks - Small urban parks popular with office workers at lunch.
Longcheng
Longcheng acts as the district’s civic center: shopping, transport and practical services concentrated around a large square. It’s where most visitors connect to the wider city - expect modern retail, food courts and a liveable, everyday vibe.
Dining: Diverse · Nightlife: Rooftop Bars · Shopping: Malls · Stays: Mid-Range
Top Spots
- Longcheng Square - Central plaza with shopping and eateries.
- Longcheng Metro Interchange - Handy access point for getting around Shenzhen.
- Local food courts - Good for trying Cantonese staples without the fuss.
Plan Your Visit to Longgang#
Best Time to Visit Longgang#
Visit Longgang between November and February for the driest, most comfortable weather - perfect for outdoor exploring. Avoid late spring through summer if you dislike heat, humidity, and frequent monsoon rains.
November - February
12-20°C (54-68°F)
Dry, pleasant days and mild nights make exploring beaches and urban neighborhoods comfortable; pack a light jacket for occasional chilly mornings and cool, breezy evenings.
March - April, October
18-26°C (64-79°F)
Spring warmth brings lush green parks and fewer bugs than summer, but expect sticky afternoons and sporadic light rain; ideal for walking if you don’t mind humidity.
May - September
25-32°C (77-90°F)
Long, hot, humid days with frequent heavy showers and typhoon risk; plan indoor backups, expect slowed transport during storms, and enjoy lower hotel prices if flexible.
Longgang's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2046 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| February | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 54 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| March | Very Good | 15° - 22° | 19° | 81 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 165 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 273 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.1h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 33° | 332 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 35° | 349 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 35° | 358 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 234 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 21° - 29° | 25° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 16° - 24° | 20° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.9h |
| December | Very Good | 12° - 21° | 16° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
How to Get to Longgang#
Longgang is a district of Shenzhen; most arrivals use Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) or cross from Hong Kong (HKG). Major rail access is via Shenzhen East Railway Station (Shenzhendong) and the city’s high‑speed hubs at Shenzhen North and Futian, with onward metro or taxi links into Longgang.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Shenzhen Bao’an is the closest major airport for Longgang (roughly 40-50 km to central Longgang depending on destination). The fastest public option is the metro: take the Airport Line (Line 11) into the metro network and transfer to reach Longgang stations - expect about 60-90 minutes and fares typically in the range of CNY 7-15 (approx.). Taxis from SZX to Longgang are direct and more convenient with travel times around 40-60 minutes depending on traffic; fares are commonly CNY 130-200 (approx.), with an airport pickup surcharge.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): HKG is frequently used by travellers bound for Shenzhen/Longgang because of many international connections. Cross‑border options include coach/shuttle services and public transport via the Hong Kong MTR to the Lok Ma Chau or Futian border crossings, then onward by Shenzhen metro or taxi; total door‑to‑door times typically range from 60 to 120 minutes depending on border queueing. Expect cross‑border coach/shuttle fares roughly HKD 80-150 (approx.) and taxi/ride‑hail costs on the Shenzhen side similar to local taxi rates once over the border.
Train: Shenzhen is served by several major railway stations. For Longgang the most relevant is Shenzhen East Railway Station (Shenzhendong/深圳东站) located in Buji, Longgang - many conventional and some high‑speed services call here. Shenzhen North (Shenzhenbei/深圳北站) and Futian (福田站) are Shenzhen’s main high‑speed hubs for G‑/D‑trains; trains from Guangzhou take around 30-50 minutes to Shenzhen North with fares commonly in the range of CNY 40-90 (approx.). From Shenzhen North or Futian use the metro (transfer) or a short taxi to reach Longgang (metro 20-40 minutes depending on route).
Bus: Longgang has local and intercity coach terminals (for example Longgang Bus Station/龙岗汽车站 and the long‑distance terminal near Shenzhen East) with frequent services to nearby cities such as Huizhou, Dongguan and other parts of Guangdong. Typical intercity coach journeys to neighbouring cities take 1-2 hours and fares are commonly CNY 30-80 depending on distance and service type (approx.). Within Shenzhen there is an extensive city bus network serving Longgang; single‑ride fares are generally low (often CNY 2-4 for standard routes).
How to Get Around Longgang#
The Shenzhen Metro combined with taxis or Didi is the most practical way to navigate to and around Longgang - the metro is fast and predictable, taxis fill gaps and carry luggage. For intercity travel use high‑speed rail to Shenzhen North/Futian or arrive at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport and transfer by metro; cross‑border options via Hong Kong are available but add time for border checks.
- Shenzhen Metro (CNY 2-15) - The metro is the most reliable way to move between Longgang and the rest of Shenzhen. Longgang is served by multiple metro lines with regular service; use Shenzhen East or Futian transfers for intercity connections. Metro fares are distance‑based, journeys across the city typically cost in the single digits of CNY; buy Shenzhen Tong card or use mobile payment for convenience and faster entry.
- City & Intercity Bus (CNY 2-80) - Shenzhen’s bus network covers local routes inside Longgang and intercity coaches to nearby cities. Local single‑ride fares are low (usually CNY 2-4) while intercity coach prices depend on distance (often CNY 30-80). Buses can be slower than the metro in peak traffic but reach neighbourhoods the metro does not.
- Taxis & Didi (CNY 15-80) - Metered taxis are widely available and convenient for luggage or off‑metro trips; expect a reasonable pickup within minutes in urban areas. Flag fares start around CNY 10-14 with per‑kilometre charges thereafter, so short rides across Longgang are typically CNY 20-50. Didi is widely used and sometimes slightly more convenient for fixed‑price trips or English support in the app.
- High‑speed Rail (Intercity) (CNY 40-120) - Use Shenzhen North or Futian for high‑speed services to Guangzhou, Shenzhen Airport (via transfer), and other major Guangdong cities. Trains are fast and frequent; journey times to Guangzhou are generally under an hour on G‑trains. Book tickets in advance during holidays; stations have good metro/taxi links to Longgang.
- Bicycle & E‑bike sharing (CNY 0.5-3 per 15-30 min) - Dockless bikes and e‑bikes are widely available for short hops and last‑mile trips; typical fares are inexpensive and charged by time. They are a practical way to cover short distances inside Longgang, but watch for local rules on where e‑bikes are allowed and park responsibly to avoid fines.
- Walking - Longgang is sprawling but many neighbourhoods and transit stations are walkable for short trips. Walking is the best way to explore local streets, markets and parks once you arrive at a nearby metro or bus stop; wear comfortable shoes and plan for hot summer weather.
Where to Eat in Longgang#
Longgang is a working Shenzhen district-less about Instagram restaurants and more about honest Cantonese and migrant-worker chow. You’ll eat well by following neighbourhood markets, food-court counters and late-night skewers rather than hunting for fine dining; roast pork, congee and rice-noodle soups are everyday staples.
The Dafen Oil Painting Village is a helpful landmark: wander its side streets for cheap snacks between galleries, and hit Longgang’s commercial centres for food courts that bring Sichuan, Korean and Japanese stalls alongside Cantonese classics.
Longgang eats are Cantonese-forward with hearty comfort dishes-think roast meats, congee and rice-noodle soups; explore market stalls and neighbourhood dai pai dong-style vendors.
- Dafen area street stalls - Handy snacks near the oil-painting village
- Longgang food markets - Roast meats, congee and noodle stalls galore
- Buji neighbourhood vendors - Late-night skewers and local Cantonese bites
You’ll find pan-Asian and Western options clustered in the district’s malls and hotel restaurants; food courts are the easiest way to sample multiple cuisines.
- Longcheng/Longgang shopping malls - Food courts with Sichuan, Korean, Japanese counters
- Community bakeries and cafés - Good for coffee, Western-style brunches nearby
- Expats’ pockets and hotel restaurants - Occasional Western and Southeast Asian fine dining options
Vegetarian eating is market-driven here: grab fresh vegetables, tofu dishes and vegetarian counters in shopping-centre food courts for quick, reliable meals.
- Market vegetable stalls - Fresh produce and simple cooked-veg options daily
- Local tofu and soy-soup vendors - Affordable, protein-rich vegetarian Cantonese dishes
- Mall vegetarian counters - Quick veggie rice and noodle bowls at food courts
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Longgang’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Longgang#
Best Bets
- Longgang district nightlife (search) - Large district with pockets of bars, restaurants and KTVs.
- Longgang Civic Center area - Restaurants and bars clustered around the civic hub.
- Shopping mall bars and cinema complexes - Malls house late-night dining and entertainment options.
- KTV karaoke venues - Popular local choice for evening group entertainment.
- Shenzhen central nightlife (nearby) - Broader club and bar scene reachable by metro.
- Live-music bars and lounges - Small live-music venues and acoustic nights in the district.
Shopping in Longgang#
Longgang is Shenzhen’s eastern district where big mall life meets a real local craft scene. The neighbourhood’s signature draw is Dafen Oil Painting Village - a cluster of studios and shops where you can buy hand-painted reproductions, commission work, or pick up inexpensive framed art. Expect fixed prices in glass-and-steel malls and room to haggle in street markets and small studios; bring cash for small vendors and be prepared to negotiate on custom pieces and bulk buys.
Best Bets
- Dafen Oil Painting Village - The district’s must-see: hundreds of studios selling oil reproductions.
- Dafen Art Museum - Small museum/shop showcasing local artists and gallery-quality prints.
- Longcheng Square (龙城广场) - Central shopping and dining hub, convenient for mall browsing.
- Longgang Wanda Plaza - Large mall with brand stores, restaurants and a supermarket.
- Buji Market - Local market stalls for produce, household goods and bargains.
- Longgang street markets - Evening stalls and small vendors - good for low-cost finds.
