Embracing the vast South China Sea, Shenzhen boasts an extensive coastline featuring beautiful beaches. Dameisha and Xiaomeisha are two of the most popular beaches in the city.

The two are together recognized as one of the top eight scenic spots in Shenzhen. Tourists enjoy the beaches, because they can enjoy the natural tropical scenery while relaxing and having fun playing various water sports. In addition, they are attracted to the beaches by the fresh air, which is mixed with a salty sea smell.

Public transport to the two attractions is convenient and takes only about 40 minutes by bus to reach the seashore from downtown. It's all up to you whether you get off at Dameisha or take another five minutes to arrive at Xiaomeisha.

Dameisha is open to the public free of charge, while Xiaomeisha charges 15 yuan per person. It is worth paying the entrance fee if you want more private space. But no matter which stretch of seashore you choose to set your feet on, you are exposed to a raw, fresh environment with a sea breeze, accompanied by the roar of waves.

After changing into your swimming costume, don't hesitate to dip into the sea and make a splash! Besides swimming, there are many other sports to take part in, such as beach volleyball, paragliding and windsurfing. Or, you can simply sit, read or meditate. Some people pitch tents and sleep overnight on the beach. It doesn't matter how you choose to relax, just as long as you enjoy it!

The beaches also give off the smell of romance. Young people often organize outdoor parties on the beach, meeting new friends, playing games and barbecuing. Many mass weddings are also held there. Newly-weds exchange rings and are proclaimed husband and wife with the sea as their witness.

Sport and art events make the beaches better known and attractive. The city also hosts its annual Golden Beach Festival on Dameisha Beach Park in July. Various sports related to water are held during this period. Last year, about 100 athletes competed in a national windsurfing race, while this year a parachuting competition attracted thousands of spectators.

Dameisha beach is also famous for an annual international sand-sculpting event. Artists from around the world participate in the event. This October visitors can expect to see more excellent sand sculptures.

Personally, I enjoy going to the beach as well. On weekends, I pack my bag with a CD player and a book to take my day off on the beach.

Moreover, the beach reminds me of an interesting friend whom I got to know online last August.

The guy, who coincidently has the same first name as mine, Alfred Madison, sent me a sand bottle, which contained grains of sand and small shells from Golden Beach in Florida. Madison said he loved sending sand bottles to friends overseas to make them know the salty sea smell of his hometown.

When he learned that I also lived in a coastal city, Shenzhen, he asked me to mail him a bottle of sand too. Of course, I did so. By now you might have worked out that I went to Dameisha beach to prepare my sand bottle for Madison.

Hopefully, the guy has already received this small present and is enjoying the smell of Shenzhen.

(Newsgd.com September 15, 2004)