Lifang Dessert Shop: Shenzhen’s Best Tong Sui Spot

Why Locals and HK Day-Trippers Queue for This Dessert Shop

Tucked inside a residential building on Lifang Yi Jie (荔芳一街) in Nanshan, 荔芳传统糖水铺 (Lifang Traditional Dessert Shop) does not look like much from the outside. Plastic stools spill onto the pavement, a handwritten calligraphy sign hangs above the counter, and the decor has not changed in years. But the queues tell a different story.

This unassuming shop currently holds the #1 spot on Dianping’s Nanshan District Desserts Hot List, backed by over 4,500 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 rating. The taste score alone sits at 4.7. On weekends, the wait can stretch to 30 minutes or more, with customers from all over Shenzhen (and increasingly from Hong Kong) lining up for bowls of traditional Cantonese tong sui that cost less than a cup of coffee back across the border.

The shop has earned a loyal following among Hong Kong visitors doing Shenzhen day trips. Social media posts from HK-based food lovers consistently highlight the value: generous portions of classic Cantonese desserts at prices that feel almost unreal compared to what you would pay in Central or Causeway Bay. The shop also has a branch in Guangzhou’s Tiyu Xi area, but for anyone crossing from Hong Kong, the Shenzhen Nanshan location is far more convenient.

What to Order: Must-Try Dessert Soups

The most recommended dish, with over 145 votes on Dianping, is the Mango Pomelo Sago (杨枝甘露). Lifang’s version is loaded with fresh mango chunks, grapefruit pulp, coconut milk, and chewy sago pearls. It is creamy without being overly sweet, which is a common complaint at other shops. If you only order one thing, make it this.

The Double Skin Milk (双皮奶) is the second most popular order with 72 recommendations. The custard has a rich, milky flavour with a silky wobble. You can get it plain or topped with red bean (招牌红豆双皮奶) for a heartier version. Some visitors note it runs slightly sweet, so if you prefer less sugar, mention it when ordering.

Beyond the classics, we recommend the Green Bean and Water Chestnut Drink (绿豆马蹄爽), which multiple reviewers call the most refreshing item on the menu. The green beans are soft and fully peeled, with crunchy water chestnut pieces throughout. The Taro Ball and Taro Paste with Red Bean Milk Jelly (芋圆芋泥红豆奶冻) is another standout: a combination of chewy taro balls, smooth taro paste, and wobbly coconut milk jelly with red beans.

For something more traditional, try the Hand-Ground Sesame Paste (手工石磨芝麻糊), stone-milled for a deeply nutty, smooth texture. The Candied Sweet Potato (甘梅红薯) is a popular snack on the side: crispy, lightly sweet, and unlike any sweet potato fries you have had before. The full menu spans over 20 categories, from classic Cantonese tong sui to cold desserts, so there is something for every preference.

The Vibe: Old-School Cantonese Charm in a Nanshan Alley

Lifang is the opposite of Instagram-ready. The shop occupies the ground floor of a residential building, with a small indoor area and most seating arranged along the pavement outside. Folding tables and plastic stools line the narrow alley, and on busy evenings the entire street becomes an open-air dessert hall. The calligraphy sign reading “荔芳传统糖水铺” mounted on the wall inside is one of the few decorative touches.

Nearly 190 Dianping reviewers specifically mention the small shop size, and 48 describe the nostalgic, old-school alley setting. This is not a place you go for the ambience. You come for the desserts, and the no-frills setup is part of what keeps prices low. The shop does have large tables available for groups, and turnover is quick even when there is a queue.

The location on Lifang Yi Jie is worth noting: this is a food street with several other popular stalls and restaurants nearby. After your dessert, you can easily walk to other Nanshan dining spots, making it a good anchor for an evening of eating around the neighbourhood.

Tips for Visiting

Take a queue number online. Lifang uses Dianping’s queue system, so you can take a number on the app before arriving. This is especially useful on weekend evenings when the wait can be significant. On weekdays and during afternoon hours, you can often walk straight in.

Dianping check-in bonus. Several visitors report that checking in and collecting the shop on Dianping earns you a free bo zai gao (钵仔糕), a small steamed rice cake. It is a minor perk, but worth doing if you already have the app.

Getting there from Hong Kong. Take the MTR to Futian Checkpoint (福田口岸) or Lok Ma Chau, then transfer to Shenzhen Metro. Nanshan Station (南山站) on Line 12 or Line 11 is the closest stop: exit at Gate G and walk about 290 metres. The shop is on Lifang Yi Jie (荔芳一街), a small residential street just off the main road. Look for the red characters on the building facade.

Hours run late. The kitchen opens at noon and stays open until 2:00am every day, making it a great late-night dessert stop. If you are visiting Shenzhen for dinner and want something sweet afterwards, Lifang is one of the few traditional dessert shops still serving well past midnight.

Nearby alternative. The wildly popular 水牛奶皇后 (Buffalo Milk Queen) is located just a few minutes away on the same street. It regularly sees queue numbers in the hundreds (sometimes over 1,000 tables). Many visitors end up at Lifang after seeing that queue, and most agree it is an equally good (if not better) choice for traditional Cantonese desserts at a fraction of the wait time.

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