Huizhou: Your Perfect Summer Getaway
As the mercury rises and summer rolls in, there’s nothing like a beachfront escape to soothe the soul. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore and falling asleep to their calming lullaby—this is the dream that many of us yearn for. With the arrival of summer, the buzz around coastal cities and island retreats has skyrocketed, making it the perfect time to discover Huizhou, an underappreciated gem in Guangdong province.
Huizhou: A Hidden Coastal Treasure
Recently highlighted in CCTV’s “China’s Beautiful Life Survey,” Huizhou emerged as one of the top travel destinations for young people during the May Day holiday. Despite this, Huizhou remains relatively unknown beyond Guangdong, which is truly a missed opportunity for travel enthusiasts. The city boasts over 280 kilometers of coastline adorned with more than 160 islands, enriched with abundant marine resources.
From the starting point of Yapo Cape to the resort paradise of Xunliao Bay—dubbed the “Maldives of China”—and the crescent-shaped Daya Bay Golden Coast, Huizhou’s coastline offers a diverse array of scenic splendors. What sets Huizhou apart is that many of its islands remain in a natural state, perfect for those craving in-depth exploration. If you’re after excitement and convenience, fear not: Huizhou also has well-developed beach resorts that are lively with visitors from Shenzhen and Guangzhou on weekends.
Huizhou’s beach resorts offer stunning landscapes and top-notch amenities. Among these, Double Moon Bay and Xunliao Bay stand out as premier seaside spots.
Double Moon Bay
Pros:
– Spectacular natural beauty
– Excellent accommodation options
Cons:
– Overcrowding
– Potential for overcharging
Attractions:
– Sea Turtle Nature Reserve
– Daxing Mountain Viewing Platform
– Pingsai Ancient City
Double Moon Bay consists of two adjacent crescent-shaped bays, each with its unique charm. The left bay is serenely calm, while the right bay teems with rolling waves. Double Moon Bay also offers one-of-a-kind family activities, with a 20-kilometer coastline and a beach width of about 200 meters. It hosts the only sea turtle nature reserve in Asia, where you can learn about the life stages of sea turtles.
However, some tourists have noted that prices can be pretty steep, and there’s a risk of being overcharged. For a more budget-friendly culinary experience, consider dining at Pingsai Town, which has affordable restaurants and historical sites, such as the 600-year-old Pingsai Ancient City.
Transportation:
You can reach Double Moon Bay by taxi or ride-share from Huizhou East Station, which costs around 120 yuan. Alternatively, you can take the Express Line 3 bus.
Accommodation:
Stay at Vanke Double Moon Bay for the best facilities, as it’s conveniently located at the beginning of the coastal road.
Xunliao Bay
Pros:
– Advanced facilities
– Variety of activities
Cons:
– Crowded
– Higher prices
Attractions:
– Beach Combing Park
– Mozi Stone Scenic Area
– Leisure Beach
– Tianhou Palace
Xunliao Bay has more established commercial amenities and is renowned for its cleanliness. This bay features the unique Beach Combing Park, which is themed around beachcombing and suitable for families. For photography enthusiasts, the “Little Kamakura of Huizhou” offers striking coastal views.
If you prefer water activities, the public beach from Double Fish Island to Leisure Beach is a hive of fun. For something a bit less crowded, head to the Mozi Stone Scenic Area, known for its picturesque volcanic rocks and serene environment.
Transportation:
Driving is recommended for the scenic coastal road, though congestion is expected during holidays.
Accommodation:
Xunliao Bay offers a range of hotels and campgrounds, including major chains like Sheraton.
Golden Coast Beach
Pros:
– Wide, gentle sands
– Convenient transportation
Cons:
– Smaller area
Golden Coast Beach, though less grand than Double Moon Bay, offers excellent sand quality, ideal for barefoot walks. A scenic, dark red boardwalk winding up to the coastal path makes it perfect for biking.
Ease of Access:
– Golden Coast > Xunliao Bay > Double Moon Bay
Completeness of Development:
– Xunliao Bay > Double Moon Bay > Golden Coast
Natural Scenery Quality:
– Double Moon Bay > Xunliao Bay > Golden Coast
Exploring the Treasure Islands
Huizhou’s islands, particularly those in the Daya Bay area, are largely unspoiled and hold immense ecological value. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect from some of the main islands:
Delta Island
Pros:
– Sea sickness-friendly
– Good infrastructure
Cons:
– Small island, poor signal
Transportation:
Reachable via a short speedboat ride from Xunliao Bay.
Delta Island is easily accessible and ideal for those prone to motion sickness. Despite its size, the island offers various activities, such as jet skiing and snorkeling.
Three Door Island
Pros:
– Great ecological environment
– Strong exploratory potential
Cons:
– Poor accommodation
Transportation:
A 20-minute speedboat ride from Dongchong Pier in Shenzhen.
Three Door Island boasts untouched natural beauty, perfect for snorkeling and exploration of ancient air defense tunnels.
Daliaojia Island
Pros:
– High exploratory potential
– Less crowded
Cons:
– Overnight camping only
Transportation:
Best reached via a tour group’s chartered boat.
This ex-military base offers excellent hiking and snorkeling opportunities along with remnants of its historical past.
Dongsheng Island
Pros:
– Vibrant local life
– Fishing experiences
Cons:
– Focused more on culture than natural scenery
Transportation:
Speedboat from Aotou Pier.
Unlike the other islands, Dongsheng Island is lively and bustling with activity and offers authentic fishing village experiences.
Why Choose Huizhou?
Huizhou is a city steeped in happiness and natural beauty. It features one of the most stunning coastlines in Guangdong, renowned hot springs, and a gastronomical delight waiting to be discovered. This summer, make Huizhou your ultimate seaside destination and relish a perfect balance of tranquility and adventure.
Conclusion Huizhou might be underappreciated, but its coastline, beach resorts, and treasure islands make it an unmissable destination. Whether you’re looking for a serene getaway or an adventurous escape, this coastal gem offers something for every traveler. Come and experience Huizhou’s unparalleled beauty and make your summer unforgettable.
