06:45AM – My classic ringtone goes off and I clamber out of bed, quickly getting ready before checking Gaode Maps. Back home, I’d speed dial a family member and coerce them to drop me off. Here, I must choose between a 40 minute bike ride or a 45 minute metro journey. I decide to trade the AC for fresh air, noting how studying abroad has changed me (and my lazy habits).
08:30AM – By this time, I am sweating due to Shenzhen’s warm climate, yet seeing the masses of people moving about purposefully, rouses my determination to finish the route. Back home, I rarely bike due to road congestion (and laziness…). Shenzhen, however, has an abundance of bike routes with dedicated paths. Such accommodating infrastructure has made biking in Shenzhen a surprisingly easy choice, even for a loyal Uber user like me! (Take note, UK)
10:00AM – Finally, I arrive at my destination – Longgang Energy Ecological park, covering around 540,000 square metres! This park processes 5,000 tons of domestic waste daily.
Inside, there is a digital art museum with an immersive show called ‘The Color of Light and Shadow’ – a nice surprise! Importantly, this design was implemented to enlighten visitors that cleaning waste is not a dirty process or polluting – something that left a lasting impression on me.
13:30PM – My stomach begins rumbling…it’s time to find food. I find a nearby stall that sells Chinese wraps – for the meat option I choose chicken instead of beef (reducing methane emissions one small step at a time😊)
My next stop is Shenzhen Mangrove Nature Reserve, covering an area of 368 hectares! I open up the Didi app and choose the ‘electric car’ option. Upon arrival, I make a note of the wildlife and ecosystems I hope to encounter. Crucially, the park itself demonstrates Shenzhen’s commitment to keeping urban environments green! – a message that has only become increasingly important. As the sun begins to set, I check the distance to my next location: Shenzhen Bay.
17:00PM – Outside, I spot a yellow Meituan bike and unlock it through scanning the QR code, beginning my journey over Shenzhen Bay Bridge. The afternoon breeze is cool and the evening skyline, a tree-mendous sight. Simultaneously, I notice the sounds of nature around me and realise the absence of engine and motorcycle noise. Pure bliss. Just the occasional bird chirp and the chatter of nearby walkers and cyclists. I drop my bike off 10 minutes before my destination and leisurely walk the rest of the way.
21:45PM – Finally back in accommodation, I lounge in my chair and check my fitness watch, it reads: 25,000 steps. My feet are extremely tired but thinking back on the green choices I have made, I don’t regret one bit of it. As I drift into sleep, I realise my trip has motivated me to explore more ecological locations rather than mainstream tourist attractions. But first I must rest to regain energy….
22.00PM – LOGOUT
