Dubbed by netizens as Shenzhen’s “Elephant Trunk Gate,” Dongchong Chuanbi Rock is now open to visitors. Add this seaside natural wonder to your must-see list.

A natural wonder, Chuanbi Rock sits about 500 meters northeast of the entrance to Dongchong Beach in Nan’ao, Dapeng New District. It is a classic sea-eroded arch. Over many years, waves carved through the headland to form a natural arch measuring about 18 meters high, 9 meters wide, and 46 meters deep. From a distance, it resembles a giant elephant lowering its head to drink, hence the name “Chuanbi Rock,” or “nose-piercing rock.”

The waters around Chuanbi Rock are known as the “glass sea” because of their crystal clarity and glassy sheen. File photos

The waters around Chuanbi Rock are known as the “glass sea” because of their crystal clarity and glassy sheen. For photography, it is recommended to visit after 3 p.m. At that time the sunlight enters the cave obliquely, producing softer, more layered light that is easier to photograph. Mornings are backlit and midday is top-down light, so a sunny afternoon around 4 to 5 p.m. usually gives the best results.

How to get there:

• By car or taxi, navigate to Dongchong P2 Parking Lot (东涌P2停车场).

• By public transport, take bus E11, E26, 818m or 833 to Dapeng Center Station (大鹏中心站), and then take M231 or the Dapeng holiday shuttle line 3 to Dongchong Shagang Village Station (东涌沙岗村站).

• New Dongchong coastal holiday shuttle bus between Huangbeiling Metro Station Exit 2 and Dongchong (weekends, holidays, summer holiday).

◊ From Dongchong Beach to Chuanbi Rock:

With a beach admission ticket to Dongchong Beach, which is 30 yuan (US$4.20), you can walk from the left side of the beach for about 10 minutes to the Chuanbi Rock viewing area. Pay attention to tides — high tide may block the route.

A new shuttle to shuttle service now runs from Dongchong Beach to Chuanbi Rock, and the fare is just 5 yuan per person.

Safety reminders: The viewing platform at Chuanbi Rock has new stairs and railing. Do not cross the railings or approach the cave opening. Follow on-site instructions.

Dongchong Chuanbi Rock.

◊ Tips for the new PJ55 Line:

Line name: Dongchong Coastal Holiday Line (PJ55)

Terminals: Huangbeiling Metro Station ②（黄贝岭地铁站②） — Dongchong (东涌)

Stops: Huangbeiling Metro Station (黄贝岭地铁站②); Liantang Checkpoint Metro Station (莲塘口岸地铁站); Moon Bay (月亮湾); Dongchong (东涌)

Service: Weekends, public holidays, and summer only

Times: Outbound 9:30–10:30 a.m.; Return 5-5:30 p.m.

Frequency: Every 30 minutes or when full

Fare: 20 yuan

Discount: Seniors over 60 and children between 1.2–1.5 meters pay half price; children under 1.2 meters ride free. Shuttle passengers can use their ticket payment record to get 30% off admission to Dongchong Beach.