Zhuhai is incredibly beautiful, but I honestly don’t recommend visiting in July because...
Zhuhai: The Seaside Romance of the "City of a Hundred Islands" – A Slow Travel Guide from Lover’s Road to Hidden Island Escapes
Keywords: Lover’s Road, City of a Hundred Islands, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Macao Night Views, Lingnan Gardens, Island Getaways
1. Why Visit Zhuhai?
**Natural Gifts of the "City of a Hundred Islands":**
- 146 islands: Dong’ao Island’s "Diamond Beach," Wailingding Island’s mineral lake, and Guishan Island’s artsy fishing village—each with unique charm.
- Coastal wonders: A 604 km coastline linking Lover’s Road, Yeli Island, and the Love Post Office, dubbed China’s most romantic seaside drive.
- Ecological paradise: Qi’ao Island’s mangroves (egret habitat) and Hebao Island (Butterfly Valley & Danan Bay Beach).
**Convenience as a Greater Bay Area Hub:**
- Gateway to Hong Kong/Macao: Direct access via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge for easy day trips.
- Transport hub: Zhuhai Airport connects to major cities; Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity rail links to Guangzhou/Zhongshan.
- Visa-free policy: Hengqin Port offers "cooperative inspection, one-time clearance" to Macao in just 10 seconds.
**Cultural Fusion & Local Flair:**
- Lingnan charm: Yuanming New Garden (replica of the Old Summer Palace) and Beishan Village (blending artsy cafés with ancient alleys).
- Macao next door: A 5-minute walk from Gongbei Port to savor Portuguese egg tarts and Lingnan dim sum.
- Heritage: Traditional events like Doumen’s water weddings and Qianwu’s "floating colors" performances.
**Year-Round Comfort:**
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon, avg. 22.5°C; warm winters (15-20°C Dec-Feb).
- Blooms: Doumen’s rapeseed flowers (Feb-Mar), Seaside Park’s cherry blossoms (Mar-Apr), Hengqin’s lotus ponds (Jun-Jul).
2. Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences
**1. Lover’s Road: China’s Most Romantic Coastal Drive**
Highlights:
- **Love Post Office:** Pink lighthouse and seaside mailbox—a couples’ photo hotspot.
- **Zhuhai Fisher Girl:** China’s first large seaside statue, holding a pearl symbolizing "fishermen’s bounty."
- **Shell Theatre:** World’s first island opera house, lit up like a glowing shell at night.
- **Yeli Island:** Bike rentals (¥20/hour) for views of the Shell Theatre and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
How to enjoy:
- Cycling/hiking: 28 km route; ride from Love Post Office to Shell Theatre (~1 hour).
- Sunset shots: 6:30–7:00 PM for silhouettes of the Fisher Girl against the sun.
- Night cruise: "Zhuhai-Macao Night Tour" (¥198/person) for bridge lights and Macao skyline.
**2. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge: Engineering Marvel**
Highlights:
- Artificial islands: Blue Dolphin Island (view from afar; limited access).
- Undersea tunnel: World’s longest immersed tube tunnel (48m deep).
- Observation deck: Zhuhai Port’s rooftop for panoramic bridge views.
How to enjoy:
- Shuttle bus: Zhuhai Port → Hong Kong Port (¥58, 40 mins).
- Helicopter tour: 10-minute aerial views from Jiuzhou Airport (¥980).
- Self-drive: Rent a car (requires HK/Macao license; or take the shuttle).
**3. Island Escapes: One Island, One World**
**Dong’ao Island:**
- Highlights: "Diamond Beach," Honeymoon Pavilion overlook, sunrise at Windmill Hill.
- Activities: Hike from Gree Dong’ao Hotel → Nansha Bay (1.5 km, rocky shores); speedboat to Xiaozhu Bay (picnic-perfect secluded beach).
- Seafood: Try goose barnacles and "general’s cap" (local specialties).
**Wailingding Island:**
- Highlights: Tiffany-blue mineral lake, jade belt-like coastal walkway, Beidi Temple.
- Activities: Hike Shijing Mountain (1 hour; overlooks Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau); e-bike rentals (¥50/hour); seafood market DIY meals (~¥100 for lobster).
**Guishan Island:**
- Highlights: Artsy fishing village, Guishan Lighthouse, Wen Tianxiang Square.
- Activities: Dolphin Bay Beach (spot rare white dolphins if lucky); 2127 B&B’s seaside café; squid night-fishing (May-Jun; gear rentals at B&Bs).
**4. Lingnan Culture & Local Life**
**Yuanming New Garden:**
- Free replica of the Old Summer Palace’s 40 scenes; perfect for Hanfu photos.
- Rent Hanfu (¥50/hour) at Western-style ruins; watch *Dream Back to Yuanmingyuan* live show (¥100).
**Beishan Village:**
- Revamped ancient village with cafés (e.g., "Little Days") and vintage shops.
- Explore Yang Clan Ancestral Hall (Lingnan architecture); attend Beishan Music Fest (May).
**Doumen Old Street:**
- Qing-era Lingnan buildings + Japanese-style *Yut Hot Spring* town.
- Soak in Yut Hot Spring (24/7; wear yukata for temple fair feasts); book Doumen water wedding shows (intangible heritage).
3. Practical Tips
**Best Time to Visit:**
- Spring (Mar-May): Mild weather for islands.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Beach fun (watch for typhoons Jul-Aug).
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Fewer crowds, best seafood.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Warm retreat; hot springs ideal.
**Transport:**
- **To Zhuhai:** Flights to Jinwan Airport (¥80 taxi to downtown); trains to Zhuhai Station (near Gongbei) or Zhuhai North; ferries to islands (¥35–140).
- **In Zhuhai:** Buses (¥1/trip; use Alipay’s "Zhuhai Tong" e-card); taxis (¥10 base fare); shared bikes (Hello/Didi along Lover’s Road).
**Accommodation:**
- Luxury: The St. Regis Zhuhai (Lover’s Road sea views); Gree Dong’ao Hotel (private beach).
- Boutique: Wailingding’s Haixin Youho Resort (sea-facing); Beishan’s Blue Coast B&B (starry terraces).
- Budget: Yangliao Hostel (near Gongbei Port; easy Macao access).
**Food Guide:**
- Must-eat: Hengqin oysters (steamed/grilled); Doumen’s double-shell crab (steamed); Golden Bay prawns (salt-baked); Tangjiawan tea cakes (sticky rice snacks).
- Restaurants: Kingway Seafood (dim sum); Tui’s Café (Macao-style pork chop buns); Yu Kee Cha Chaan Teng (locals’ favorite).
**Notes:**
- Island mosquitoes: Pack repellent.
- Ferry tickets: Book early via *Xiangzhou Port* WeChat (peak season sells out).
- Macao visits: Required visa (Zhuhai residents can self-serve at kiosks).
- Eco-rules: Pack out trash; don’t litter on islands.
4. Sample Itinerary (3 Days)
**Day 1:**
- AM: Bike Lover’s Road (Love Post Office → Fisher Girl → Shell Theatre).
- PM: Yuanming New Garden photos + Beishan cafés.
- Evening: Night cruise.
**Day 2:**
- AM: Ferry to Dong’ao Island (50 mins).
- PM: Nansha Beach → Windmill Hill hike.
- Evening: Seafood feast + stay at Gree Dong’ao Hotel.
**Day 3:**
- AM: Ferry to Guishan Island (30 mins).
- PM: Guishan Lighthouse → Wen Tianxiang Square.
- Evening: Walk to Macao for egg tarts via Gongbei Port.
Final Thoughts
Zhuhai’s beauty lies in Lover’s Road hand-holds, island serenity, bridge marvels, and Lingnan-meets-coastal vibes. Skip the city bustle—embrace the "City of a Hundred Islands" with your camera and a slow-travel mindset!
**Pro Tip:** Sunscreen is a must! For empty beaches, arrive at Dong’ao’s Nansha Bay by 7 AM.