OCT East

OCT East is a sprawling eco-resort in Shenzhen's eastern hills, combining the tranquil Tea Stream Valley with the thrilling Grand Canyon theme park. It's a full-day escape from the city's skyscrapers, offering mountain scenery, cultural shows, and family-friendly rides. With our private guide, you'll navigate the vast park effortlessly and uncover its hidden corners.

Tea Stream Valley with terraced tea plantations and European-style buildings

What it is

OCT East (东部华侨城) is a 9-square-kilometer resort developed by the OCT Group, opened in 2007 in the Dameisha area of Yantian District. It is divided into two main zones: Tea Stream Valley (茶溪谷), a serene landscape of tea plantations, gardens, and European-style villages, and Grand Canyon (大侠谷), a theme park with roller coasters, water rides, and a spectacular aerial cable car. The resort also includes hotels, a golf course, and a Buddhist temple, making it a comprehensive destination for leisure and entertainment.

The resort sits on the slopes of Wutong Mountain, overlooking Mirs Bay. It was designed to blend nature with recreation, and has become a popular weekend getaway for Shenzhen residents and visitors alike. The cable car connecting the two valleys offers panoramic views of the South China Sea. For foreign travellers, OCT East provides a convenient introduction to Shenzhen's softer side, away from the bustling tech hubs. Our guides can help you plan your route to maximize your time and avoid the crowds.

Highlights

Tea Stream Valley — Wander through terraced tea fields, visit the Tea Culture Museum, and enjoy a cup of locally grown tea in a peaceful setting.
Grand Canyon — Experience adrenaline-pumping rides like the Wood Coaster and the Rapids Ride, plus live shows and a 4D cinema.
Cable Car — Ride the 2-kilometer cable car between the valleys for breathtaking views of the mountains and sea.
Huaxing Temple — Explore this serene Buddhist temple complex, a spiritual retreat within the resort.
Night Shows — In the evening, enjoy spectacular light and water shows, including the popular 'Dream of the South China Sea' performance.

Visitors boarding aerial cable car at OCT East with theme park views

How to get there

OCT East is located in Yantian District, about 30 kilometers east of downtown Shenzhen. The easiest way is by taxi or ride-hailing app (around ¥100-150 from Futian). Alternatively, take Metro Line 8 to Yantian Road Station, then transfer to a local bus (e.g., M520) or taxi for the final 15 minutes. Our private guide can arrange a comfortable car transfer, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic coastal drive. It's best to dedicate a full day to explore both valleys.

Tickets & practical info

Admission: Grand Canyon ¥200, Tea Stream Valley ¥180, combined ticket ¥300 (discounts for children/seniors). Opening hours: 9:30-17:30 (weekdays), 9:00-18:00 (weekends). Book via official WeChat mini-program or Trip.com; foreign cards accepted on Trip.com, but WeChat Pay/Alipay with international cards also work.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) or autumn (October-November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is lush. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Arrive early to cover the highlights before tour groups arrive. If you want to see the night shows, plan to stay until evening.

Tips from our guides

Wear comfortable walking shoes; the resort is hilly and expansive, with lots of stairs and slopes.
Bring sunscreen and a hat; much of the park is outdoors with limited shade.
Download the OCT East app or grab a paper map at the entrance to plan your route; the park is huge.
Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays if possible; queues for popular rides can exceed an hour.
Use the cable car to save time and energy when moving between Tea Stream Valley and Grand Canyon.

Close-up of tea leaves and teapot in Tea Stream Valley

FAQ

How long does it take to visit OCT East?

A full day (6-8 hours) is ideal to explore both valleys. If you're short on time, pick one valley: Tea Stream Valley for relaxation or Grand Canyon for thrills.

Are there English signs and guides?

Major signs are in English and Chinese, but shows and some attractions are primarily in Chinese. Our private guide can translate and enhance your experience.

Can I pay with foreign credit cards inside the park?

Most vendors accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, which can be linked to international cards. Some accept cash, but it's best to have a mobile payment set up.

Is OCT East suitable for young children?

Yes, Tea Stream Valley is very family-friendly with gentle attractions. Grand Canyon has height restrictions for some rides, but there are areas for younger kids.