Volcanic Cake-Layered Cliffs at Yangmeikeng | Generated by AI

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Question: How is the Meirengyu Cave (or beach area) in Yangmeikeng, Shenzhen? Why does it form such a cake-like structure on the coastal area?

Answer:

Yangmeikeng (杨梅坑) in Shenzhen’s Dapeng New District is a renowned coastal scenic area, often called one of China’s most beautiful coastlines by National Geographic. The “Meirengyu Dong” likely refers to the Mermaid Cave (人鱼洞 or 美人鱼洞), a famous sea-eroded cave featured as a key location in Stephen Chow’s movie The Mermaid (美人鱼). This cave is located along the cliffs near Luzui (鹿嘴) Mountain Villa, at the eastern end of the Yangmeikeng coastal trail.

As of late 2025, Yangmeikeng remains a popular destination for its natural beauty, clear waters, sandy and rocky beaches, and activities like cycling along the seaside path, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. It is well-preserved with high forest coverage, clean sea water, and features like sea cliffs and platforms. Access is free for the main area, though some parts (like boat rides to certain spots) may have fees. It’s open year-round, with best visits in good weather. Recent updates include ongoing ecological protection and wetland restoration in the broader Dapeng Peninsula.

The “cake-like” structure on the coastal area refers to layered rock formations visible in the cliffs and eroded platforms. These appear stratified, resembling layers of a cake due to differential erosion. The geology of the Dapeng Peninsula, including Yangmeikeng, stems from ancient Mesozoic volcanic activity (Jurassic to Cretaceous era, about 145 million years ago), forming tuff and other volcanic rocks. Over time, wave action, weathering, and sea erosion have sculpted these into horizontal layers, sea cliffs, caves, arches, and platforms. Softer layers erode faster, creating the distinctive banded or layered appearance common in volcanic coastal areas.

This combination of volcanic origins and ongoing marine erosion creates the unique, dramatic “cake-like” coastal landscapes.

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