Maoming

Maoming lies in western Guangdong, with coastal scenery and ecological spaces created from former mining sites. Prices are relatively low and crowds are smaller, making its coconut groves, beaches and lakes well suited to a relaxing weekend or short holiday.

• Open-pit Mine Ecological Park: Ecological restoration transformed an abandoned mine pit into today's Haoxin Lake. Cycle along the lakeshore or take the sightseeing train. Evening is a good time to enjoy the sunset reflected on the water.

• China's No. 1 Beach: This free, 12-kilometer stretch of white sand has a fine, soft texture. A seaside sightseeing train runs through coconut groves, offering coastal views along the way.

• Yanjing Ridge and Tongzi Bay: This stretch of coast is known as Guangdong's “Little Kenting.” The climb up Yanjing Ridge takes about 20 minutes, with views from the top over a crescent-shaped bay and fishing boats returning to port. Around sunset, you can photograph the lighthouse against the colorful evening sky.

• Romantic Coast: This scenic area stretches along 5.3 kilometers of natural coastline, with a white Crystal Chapel, an infinity pool and fireworks displays over the sea. It is a place for couples to relax or for visitors to take seaside photos.

• Hutou Mountain: This natural bay has relatively few visitors, a long shoreline and clean seawater. Come early to watch the sunrise, or explore the shore at low tide and collect shells. There is also a sightseeing train.

Suggested Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Maoming and explore the city

After arriving in the morning, head to Open-pit Mine Ecological Park to cycle along the lake and enjoy the water and surrounding greenery. In the afternoon, visit Nanyue 1959 Cultural and Creative Street and People's Square to admire and photograph European-style buildings. For a late-night meal, try local snacks at Shuidong Food Street or He Village.

• Day 2: Explore the coast and plan activities around sunset

Watch the sunrise over the sea at Tongzi Bay or Tangxia Li Street, then head to China's No. 1 Beach for a ride on the seaside sightseeing train. Next, climb Yanjing Ridge for views over the bay. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood at Bohe Fishing Port, then stay overnight at a sea-view hotel in Dianbai District.

• Day 3: Relax by the sea or explore the natural scenery

Option A (relaxation): Visit the Crystal Chapel at Romantic Coast, then unwind on the beach and by the infinity pool. Option B (nature): Drive to Gaozhou Xianren Cave or Changpo Reservoir to enjoy waterfalls, mountain and water scenery, and the natural surroundings. Head home after your visit.

Local Food Specialties

• Shuidong Duck Congee: This smooth, soft rice porridge is usually served with poached duck and a special sauce. Its light seasoning brings out the duck's natural sweetness.

• Huazhou Chicken with Fragrant Oil: A signature Maoming dish featuring firm, pleasantly chewy chicken. The fragrant oil is made with sand ginger, tsaoko cardamom and peanut oil, then poured over the chicken skin, combining the spice aromas with the chicken's savory flavor.

• Maoming Tossed Rice Noodles: Thin, translucent rice noodle sheets are tossed with garlic chive oil and soy sauce, then topped with crushed peanuts. A common local breakfast, they combine the fragrance of rice with rich, aromatic oil.

• Boji Chui (Layered Steamed Rice Cake): Rice batter is steamed layer by layer to make this cake, then served with garlic-infused oil and sesame seeds. It is soft and springy, with a delicate rice flavor.

• He Rice Cakes and Dumplings: Tian'ai he, shubao he and guzong he are traditional snacks commonly found on Maoming's streets, with ties to local intangible cultural heritage. Fillings vary by type, and the wrappers are generally soft and chewy.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to stay: If your focus is city sightseeing and local snacks, stay in Maonan District, near Nanyue 1959 Cultural and Creative Street or the railway station. For a seaside break, choose accommodation in Dianbai District, around Wanda Plaza or within the Romantic Coast scenic area, for convenient access to the shore.

• Getting there and back: Take a high-speed train to Maoming Railway Station, then continue by taxi or rental car. Maoming has no airport; if flying, arrive at Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport and transfer to a high-speed train.
• Getting around: Attractions are spread out, particularly along the Dianbai coast. Driving your own car or renting one makes it easier to visit several sights and travel along the coastline. Visitors who do not drive can take taxis or share rides.

Travel Tips

• Sun and sea breezes: UV levels are strong by the sea. Use sunscreen rated SPF 50+ or higher, and bring sunglasses and a sun hat. Sea breezes can be strong in the morning and evening, so pack a light shirt.
• Exploring the shore at low tide: Before digging for crabs at Tongzi Bay or on the tidal flats, check the tide tables and bring a small bucket and shovel. Rocks can be wet and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. Do not swim at unsupervised beaches.
• Buying seafood: Before ordering at seafood markets or casual food stalls, confirm prices and units of measurement. Watch the scale readings when seafood is selected and weighed to help avoid disputes over the bill.
• When to visit: October through April generally brings cooler, more pleasant weather and plump, flavorful seafood, making it a good time to visit. For lychees, plan a trip in May or June, but be prepared for hot weather.