Huizhou

Huizhou summers are hot and humid. Check the weather before heading to the coast and bring sun protection.

Huizhou offers forested mountains, lakes and stretches of unspoiled coastline. High-speed trains from Guangzhou and Shenzhen take about half an hour, making it suitable for a weekend trip or a longer holiday break.

City Culture and Leisure Route (Huicheng District)

• Huizhou West Lake: This free, 5A-rated scenic area has ties to Su Dongpo's time in Huizhou. Walk along Su Causeway, then visit Sizhou Pagoda and Nine-Bend Bridge for lake views and a taste of Lingnan culture.

• Hejiang Tower: One of Guangdong's six celebrated towers, it overlooks the meeting point of the Dongjiang and Xizhijiang rivers. Visit at night to see the lights along both riverbanks.

• Shuidong Street: This old street retains well-preserved arcaded buildings, with snack shops and creative boutiques among them. Explore everyday life in the old town, then stay after dark to enjoy the illuminated streets.

• Dongpo Shrine: This is the site of the home Su Dongpo built during his exile in Huizhou. The shrine and gardens feature Lingnan architecture and landscaping, making it a good stop for a history and culture itinerary.

Huidong Coastal Getaway Route (Sea Views and Water Activities)

• Shuangyue Bay: The two bays have different sea conditions, and the hilltop viewing platform reveals their crescent shapes. The western bay has calmer water and is a good place to watch the sunset; the eastern bay has larger waves and offers water sports.

• Turtle Bay: Home to China's only sea turtle nature reserve, this area has a coastal boardwalk and an educational center, with places to stop for photos along the way.

• Xunliao Bay: Fine sandy beaches and well-developed facilities make this a convenient choice for families with children who want to play in the water. You can also take a sailing trip or visit Mozishi Park to enjoy the clear seawater.

Forests, Hot Springs and Summer Retreats (Boluo/Longmen)

• Mount Luofu: Known as the "finest mountain in Lingnan," this is also a sacred Taoist site. Take a cable car up the mountain to see seas of clouds and visit Chongxu Taoist Temple. Hot spring resorts at the foot of the mountain offer places to stay.
• Mount Nankun: This national forest park has dense woodland and fresh air, making it a pleasant summer retreat. Nearby resort facilities include Yunding Hot Springs.

Suggested Itineraries

• Weekend: 2 Days, 1 Night (Coastal Trip):
  • Day 1: Visit the Shuangyue Bay viewing platform in the morning to see the two bays, then walk along the coastal boardwalk at Turtle Bay in the afternoon. Stay on the beach for sunset and have seafood for dinner.
  • Day 2: Enjoy the beach and water at Xunliao Bay, with an optional sailing trip. Have local kiln-roasted chicken for lunch, then head home in the afternoon.
• Weekend: 2 Days, 1 Night (City Walking Trip):
  • Day 1: Explore Huizhou West Lake in the morning, then visit Dongpo Shrine and the Zhuwu Lane creative district in the afternoon. See the night views from Hejiang Tower before heading to Shuidong Street for dinner.
  • Day 2: Head to Honghua Lake early in the morning and cycle along the 18-kilometer greenway through the forested hills. Have Hakka food for lunch before heading home.
• In-Depth Trip: 3 Days, 2 Nights (Mountains and Coast):
  • Day 1: Focus on West Lake and the old town, staying overnight in Huicheng District.
  • Day 2: Drive about 1.5 hours to Huidong and visit Shuangyue Bay and Turtle Bay. Stay in a sea-view room at Xunliao Bay or Shuangyue Bay.
  • Day 3: Hike Mount Luofu in the morning, or stay by the coast to relax over coffee. Finish the trip in the afternoon.

Local Food in Huizhou

• Hengli Rice Noodle Soup: A common local breakfast, made with a broth slowly simmered from pork bones and dried flatfish for a savory flavor with little fishiness. Add braised pork trotters or handmade meatballs.

• A Ma Jiao: A snack unique to Huizhou and recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Shredded white radish, dried shrimp and chopped scallions are mixed into rice batter and fried until golden, with a crisp exterior and a sweet interior.

• Dongjiang Salt-Baked Chicken: A signature Hakka dish with crisp skin, tender meat and a rich, salty flavor. It is served at many well-regarded local restaurants.

• Hakka Kiln-Roasted Chicken: Roasted in an earthenware vessel, the chicken stays tender and juicy, releasing its aroma as you tear it apart. It works well as picnic food or a snack on the road.

• Seafood Feast: Choose seafood at the harbor markets in Shuangyue Bay or Xunliao Bay, then have a nearby restaurant cook it. Dishes to consider include salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp and sea urchin fried rice.

Where to Stay

• City Culture Route: There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels near West Lake East Station and Shuidong Street, costing RMB 150–400 per night. Dining and transport are convenient, and the sights can be explored on foot.

• Coastal Getaway Route: Sea-view apartments and resort hotels at Shuangyue Bay and Xunliao Bay cost RMB 300–800 per night. Beachfront rooms offer sea views from your room. When choosing a location, consider noise from weekend fireworks.

• Hot Spring Wellness Route: Hot spring hotels at the foot of Mount Luofu or Mount Nankun cost RMB 500–1,200 per night. They are good for a relaxing autumn or winter soak and for family holidays with children.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting There: For high-speed rail, choose Huizhou North Station for the city center or Huidong South Station for the coast. Driving from Shenzhen or Guangzhou takes about 1.5–2 hours.
• Getting Around: Attractions in different areas are far apart, and travel between the city center and the coast takes considerable time. Driving makes it easier to combine stops. City-center sights are closer together, and you can also take taxis or rent shared electric bikes.
• Travel Tips:
  • Check the weather forecast before a coastal trip. Typhoon season runs from June to September; cancel boat trips in severe weather.
  • Before ordering at a seafood stall or buying seafood at a market, confirm the price and unit of sale. Check whether the charge is per jin (500 grams) or per item to avoid price disputes.
  • UV levels are high by the sea, so bring sun protection. Some beach chairs at Xunliao Bay may cost extra; bringing your own picnic mat can save money.
  • Huidong's coastal roads can get congested on weekends. Leave early and return late to avoid peak traffic.