Stargazing in China's first International Dark Sky Community

In Xichong, the stars emerge slowly above the meeting point of sea and mountain. To the southwest, Orion rises – one of the brightest constellations in the winter sky. We’re just 90 minutes’ drive from central Shenzhen, yet as we look up and lose ourselves in the darkness, our surroundings feel vast and remote. 

Xichong, a small coastal town some 60km northeast of central Shenzhen, offers something rare: a dark sky reserve. Framed by mountains on three sides and opening onto the sea on the fourth, the area has unusually low levels of light pollution and has become a favourite weekend escape for amateur astronomers and city dwellers seeking hiking and beach activities. 

In 2023, Xichong became the first place in the Chinese Mainland to be certified as an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky’s International Dark Sky Places programme, a designation that comes with responsibility. Residents are expected to protect the night’s darkness by using quality outdoor lighting and implementing effective policies to reduce light pollution, though this does not mean life here is lived by candlelight. “A dark-sky community is not one cut off from the world,” says Mei Lin, head of astronomy at the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory.  

Part of Xichong’s appeal lies in its accessibility, particularly for those new to stargazing, with no trekking to remote reserves required. “The Milky Way is visible here for much of the year, and you can spot celestial objects that are rarely seen at similar mid to high latitudes,” says Mei. 

To see it for ourselves, we sign up for an evening observation session, organised by the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory. At dusk, a shuttle bus takes us from the entrance to No. 4 Beach up to the observation base, which houses a 60cm reflecting optical telescope used for planetary research, a solar telescope and weather monitoring equipment, alongside educational halls. The short ride coincides with sunset: golden light spills across the water as the sky shifts from amber to deep blue.  

Once at the observatory, our surroundings quieten. The sky is not yet fully dark, but a scattering of stars flickers into view. Telescopes are trained on the gas clouds around the Orion Nebula, and through the eyepiece, Jupiter comes into focus with startling clarity, its dark red bands clearly visible. Our solar system’s largest planet, unimaginably distant moments before, feels within reach. Meanwhile, the Big Dipper has risen overhead, its familiar ladle clearly traceable, while the canopy of stars has extended down towards the village lanes below.  

Beyond scientific research, Mei explains, the observatory’s mission is to bring more people into contact with the night sky through public outreach. Through a telescope, something once abstract and remote becomes an experience that feels tangible – a chance to step directly into the cosmos. 

Our guide for the evening, Liu Jiyin of the Shenzhen Astronomical Society, has lived in Xichong for many years. What makes the area especially suited to stargazing, he says, is its balance. “There are basic light sources here for everyday living but, on the whole, they don’t interfere with observing the stars.” For a broader vantage point with the naked eye, he recommends the ecological belt along the seafront. The shoreline offers an unobstructed view of the sky, and on clear nights it’s enough to simply look up and follow the stars in their slow passage. In summer, fireflies often join the display, their soft flicker along the ground mirroring the shimmer above. 

Beyond the observatory’s programmes, life in Xichong attracts visitors to its lifestyle of surfing by day, stargazing by night. Guesthouses and quirky little shops have sprung up across the community. SeaWoo Cafe, at the entrance to Hesou Ancient Village, 900m inland, has a retro feel; order a cup of its signature black sesame coffee and while away an unhurried afternoon. The owner, known as Seaicewee, came to Xichong for the surfing and stayed for its quietude. “What makes Xichong special,” she says, “is not only the setting, but the people who choose to slow down here. They bring with them a certain gentleness, and that’s what gives the place its warmth.” 

Husband and wife Michael Kerton and Jen Yu have been running the nine-room Cloud Tree Inn Boutique Guesthouse since 2024. Near No. 2 Beach and facing the mountains, you only need to push open the door at night to see the stars overhead. “When the weather’s good enough, you can see shooting stars from the rooftop,” Yu says. “Last August, one of our guests stood up there waiting for the Perseid meteor shower, and within a single hour she had counted more than 30 meteors.” 

At the edge of a sprawling metropolis, a trip to Xichong brings stargazing within easy reach. Here, city dwellers can rediscover darkness, the stars and their sense of wonder towards the natural world. Only, first, the lights need to go out. 

How to go stargazing in the Greater Bay Area 

Take the E11 bus from central Shenzhen to Dapeng Centre 1, then change to the M232. After entering Hesou Village, you’re within the Xichong International Dark Sky Community . If travelling by taxi or ride-hailing service, ask to be dropped off at Xichong No. 4 Beach or the Xichong scenic area P8 car park, then walk to the observatory. If you’re driving, set your sat-nav to “Xichong Community”. 

What to know before you visit Xichong 

On clear nights and during special celestial events, the Shenzhen Astronomical Society holds nighttime observation sessions within the Xichong International Dark Sky Community. Before booking, check the WeChat accounts “Shenzhen Astronomy” or “Xichong Dark Sky Planetarium”. The route involves stairs and isn’t recommended for elderly visitors or young children. Insect repellent, a windproof jacket and a red‑light torch are recommended.  

The observatory’s indoor facilities require advance booking. Public opening hours are 9am–12 noon and 2.30pm–5.30pm. Closed on Mondays.