Shanwei Bai'an Beach: The Underrated Vacation Paradise in Eastern Guangdong

Just a two-hour drive from Shenzhen, you'll arrive at Shanwei Bai'an Beach. Compared to Hongwan Beach and Jinting Bay, this lesser-known beach surprised me with its soft, fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and an almost completely undeveloped coastline. With prices more affordable than Sanya, it's truly a "hidden gem" vacation spot in eastern Guangdong. 【First Impressions: Love at First Sight】 Arriving at Bai'an Beach at dusk, the sunset painted the entire beach golden. Unlike crowded seaside resorts, this coastline stretches for kilometers with only a handful of visitors. The fine white sand feels like walking on cotton, with the sea and sky blending in the distance while gentle waves lap the shore. The air carries a faint salty breeze mixed with the fragrance of coconut trees. The biggest surprise was the beach's cleanliness—hardly any trash, just naturally fallen coconut shells and seashells scattered about. 【Must-Try Activities: N Ways to Enjoy Bai'an Beach】 1. Sunbathing and Beach Strolling Rent a lounge chair (¥20/day) to sunbathe under coconut trees or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline. At low tide, the beach extends hundreds of meters, perfect for collecting seashells or catching small crabs in the shallows. 2. Snorkeling and Water Sports Unlike the over-commercialized Sanya, snorkeling here is more affordable (around ¥50/hour), and local fishermen can take you to less crowded spots. If you prefer staying dry, try: - Banana boat rides (¥80/10 minutes) - Jet skiing (¥100/15 minutes) 3. Beach Barbecue and Seafood Feast At dusk, many visitors set up grills on the beach (rental available, ¥30/set). Must-tries: - Fresh seafood barbecue (30% cheaper than in the city) - Shanwei's specialty vegetable tea (perfect for breakfast) 【Accommodation Recommendations: Stay in the Scenery】 Several resorts and guesthouses surround Bai'an Beach. Our picks: - Luxury option: DoubleTree by Hilton Shanwei (private beach) - Budget-friendly option: Apartment-style hotels near Bai'an Beach (with kitchens for cooking your own seafood) 【Nearby Attractions】 1. Windmill Island (requires boat ride): A fairytale scene of windmills against blue seas and skies 2. Jinting Bay: A 15-minute drive for a livelier beach experience 3. Shanwei city food: Don't miss the snacks on "Erma Road" and "Beef Brisket Hotpot" 【Practical Tips】 📍 Transportation: - Self-drive: Navigate to "Bai'an Beach"—free parking available - Public transport: Take bus 12 from Shanwei city to "Bai'an Village" stop, then a 10-minute walk to the beach ⏰ Best Times to Visit: - Sunrise: 6-7 AM (fewer people, stunning views) - Snorkeling: 2 hours after low tide (ideal water levels) - Sunset: 6-7 PM (golden sand makes perfect photos) 🎫 Admission: - Completely free! Even parking is free - Water activities charged separately 💡 Important Notes: - Sun protection essentials: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen (UV rays are strong) - Bring a light jacket—it gets windy - Recommended to bring your own beach mat and drinking water 【Travel Notes】 During my days at Bai'an Beach, I finally understood what "slow living" means. No itinerary pressure, no checklist—just watching the sea, daydreaming, eating seafood, and sunbathing. Simple yet deeply satisfying. Without Sanya's noise or Gulangyu's crowds, Bai'an Beach offers scenery and service rivaling any top resort. If you're looking to escape the city and unwind, this is the perfect choice. "Bai'an Beach—where time slows down."