Captain Jack and First Mate Mike, two self-described “sociable boys,” recently built their own coastal bar, Futian Beach – miles inland from the South China Sea.
“It was a horrible night when they came,” Jack tells us, referring to the sand delivery. After ordering 61 tons of fine granules to be conveyed to the Xiangmihu location, the driver told them they needed a smaller truck to transport it across the parking lot without cracking the cement. Shortly after the second vehicle arrived, it began raining. The pair, along with extra hired hands, worked through the storm from 11pm to 5am, unloading the cargo bag by bag.
Less than two weeks later, the guys sorted out their landscaping, experiencing new levels of fitness in the process, like “six-pack fingers,” according to Mike. Now, Futian Beach has sand a foot deep, two basic wooden bars in the lemonade-stand style, blue and white striped deck chairs and plenty of island food and drinks to pass around the giant Jenga set in back.
Go with the tropical theme and order Captain Jack’s Malibu coconut (RMB30). Full of fragrant coconut water and Malibu, it comes with a tiny umbrella on top and enough electrolytes to stave off dehydration from the alcohol. Our other favorite here is the apple pie moonshine (RMB25 as shot, RMB30 with mixer). Spiced with cinnamon, it’s light enough to be had by itself and strong enough to give any mixer an apple cinnamon kick.
For food, the barbecue lady makes juicy chicken skewers (RMB35/one, RMB60/two) rolled in sesame seeds and served with pineapple and grilled red and green bell peppers for a savory, fruity combo.
While entry into the beach costs RMB30, patrons should be aware that drinks and food are purchased separately. Also, Futian Beach only opens Friday to Sunday at present.
Though small, the venue offers games, live music, eclectic playlists (reggae, electric swing and deep house) hula hooping and, at times, live music. Also, it’s the only bar in Shenzhen proper that encourages patrons to walk barefoot inside. During the day time, families come and play games, while at night, young adults drift in for the chilled-out, desert–island lounge vibe.
Jack and Mike have lots of ideas for improvements and are testing the waters (or more accurately sands, as Futian Beach has no ‘sea’ yet) in what they call “phase one” of the project. With time, they hope to get some Turkish rugs, bring water into the beach and put a skyline painting above the side fence.
As for right now, we say kick off your shoes, order a coconut, sit in a deck chair and gaze up at the night sky. It’s basic, but it’s a good time.
Price: Approx. RMB100 for entry, a drink and a chicken skewer
Who's going: People who hate the crowded natural shorelines, beach bums
Good for: Family day out, Coco Park pre-gaming, sunbathing, giant Jenga
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