Want to try stand‑up paddling (SUP) or kayaking in Shenzhen? A new venue in the Taizi Bay area, Nanshan District, now offers easy‑to‑learn water sport experiences.

The Taizi Bay Coastal Sports Center opens to the public on Saturday. Photos by Luo Kanglin unless otherwise stated

Located between the Shekou Cruise Home Port and the Sea World Culture and Arts Center, the Taizi Bay Coastal Sports Center covers an area of approximately 9.6 hectares.

Officially opened on Aug. 29, the center is the first large‑scale comprehensive coastal water sports base in downtown Shenzhen, giving residents a chance to enjoy water activities and embrace a seaside lifestyle. Previously, people had to travel to the Dapeng Peninsula in eastern Shenzhen for similar experiences.

People have fun trying kayaking on Aug 29. Nanfang Daily

The opening also marked the start of the 2nd Taizi Bay Maritime Carnival, featuring team competitions and free SUP and kayaking trial sessions for the public.

Nearly 200 athletes from 16 teams competed in dragon boat sprints, SUP obstacle races, and kayak relays.

Steven, a first-time dragon boat racer from Jamaica, said it was a great opportunity to make new friends.

A citizen experiences electric surfing.

Once fully operational, the center will offer SUP certification courses, sailing summer camps for young people, and training programs at various levels in other water sports.

It will also host corporate team‑building activities — including dragon boat races and sailing challenges — as well as large‑scale coastal cultural and tourism events.

Water sports fun is just a metro ride away.

The center will gradually upgrade its infrastructure, such as by adding floating pontoons, to further enhance the visitor experience.

“We want to bring water sports into daily life and make it easier for residents to enjoy SUP, kayaking, and other activities that were once seen as niche sports,” said Nie Liming, general manager of China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Holdings, which manages many properties in the area.

The Taizi Bay area, with its breathtaking ocean views, is also home to shopping and cultural attractions such as Garden City Villas, K11 ECOAST, the Minghua cruise ship, and the Sea World Culture and Arts Center.

A view of the Taizi Bay.at night.

Bookings for the sports center will open on Sept. 4 via the “招商蛇口体育互联” WeChat account (ID: skqsnhdzx-168) or the “南山文体通” mini‑program.

Opening hours: 9:00–18:00

Metro: Line 12 to Taiziwan Station (太子湾站), Exit C; or Lines 2/8 to Shekou Port Station (蛇口港站), Exit D1