The Netherlands Flower Town (荷兰花卉小镇) in Shenzhen is one of those strange European-style areas that seem to crop up on the outskirts of cities in China. Needless to say, these types of places can provide a relaxing, if not surreal, getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Netherlands Flower Town – which was formerly known as the Nanshan Flower World (南山花卉世界) before it got a makeover in August 2011 – provides visitors with an insight into “flower culture” as well as leisure facilities, a science park, exhibitions, and a business park. Not only can you get a flavor for Dutch architecture (in China – who’d have thought?!) you can also lay your eyes on countless species of flowers that are also available for purchase at cheaper prices than your normal street florists.   

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at the Netherlands Flower Town is a huge iron gate that towers over visitors. The gate is clearly designed with a European flavor in mind and features a classic Roman numeral clock in the middle – useful if you’re without a watch. On the side you’ll notice something quintessentially Dutch: a large windmill in all its glory surrounded by a beautiful flower terrace. You’ll also notice rows of tulips and a charming pair of large wooden shoes – the quintessential symbols of The Netherlands.          

Upon entering the town, you’ll see a series of neat-looking European-style shops and stalls selling flowers, birds, fish, and precious stones. Not too far away, there’s also a “town square” which features a musical fountain in the middle. Walk further in, and you’ll come across various flower galleries, a “Van Gogh Garden”, a bell tower, as well as a little bar street for you to unwind in.   

Due to the peaceful environment and naturalistic feel of the place, you’ll often see couples taking wedding photos amid the many flowers. You can also try out some Dutch cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants, or if you simply fancy a respite you can just kick your feet up and enjoy a cup of coffee. Below, we take a further look at some of the amenities the area provides.

1) Hua Mulan Coffee Shop View In Map
Bet you never thought you could sip on Italian-style coffee whilst in a Dutch-themed town in south China? Well at Hua Mulan Coffee Shop, you certainly can. The interior of the shop is simple yet elegant, and you can kill time by relaxing and either reading a magazine or watching the fake-Dutch world go by outside. If you’ve brought a pet with you or simply want to enjoy the weather should it be warm, never fear as the shop provides outside seating, and if you’re hungry you can try their steak or chicken curry. Yum!

Add: L14, Netherlands Flower Town
地址：荷兰花卉小镇L14号, 花穆兰咖啡馆
Tel: 0755 8662 2756
Opening hours: 11:00-23:00

2) Chongchong Cat Bar
Although it may not be a bar for cats, it is however a cutely named pet shop (宠宠猫吧) which sells a whole range of different species of cats. Feel free to admire, stroke, or purchase cats ranging from Persians to Scottish folds to British shorthairs, with prices ranging from 1,800 RMB to 4,800 RMB.  

3) Nanshan Flower Expo Pavilion View In Map
If you fancy brushing up on your flower knowledge, then head on down to the Nanshan Flower Expo Pavilion (南山花卉博览馆), where you’ll find all the information you’ll need on flowers (open from 10:00-20:00). A large number of touch-screens educate visitors on everything from the various flower species in China to the national flower of each country in the world. Bet you didn’t know that the national flower of the Balearic Islands is the carnation?

Site Information:

Add: 3008 Yueliangwan Dadao, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (near Xinghai Mingcheng)
地址：深圳市南山区月亮湾大道3008号(近星海名城)     
Tel: 0755 8603 4028
Price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Getting there: take bus 42, 201, 223, 324, b623, b688, b699, b702, b813, m364, m370, or m375 to Xinghai Mingcheng (星海名城站)

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Keywords: Netherlands Flower Town Nanshan Flower World flower town in shenzhen