Not Overseas! Guangdong's Seriously Underestimated Island

🚢Zhuhai Guishan Island Travel Guide | Unlock the Dual Charm of a "Red Harbor" and Healing Island! I. Island Introduction Guishan Island is located in the central part of Zhuhai's Wanshan Archipelago and is the closest island to the urban area in Zhuhai's "City of a Hundred Islands" (just 17 nautical miles from Xiangzhou Port) 🏝️. Named after a poem by Wen Tianxiang and the historical "Guishan Warship Landing" during the Liberation War, it features both red cultural heritage sites and blue seas with reefs, a windmill mountain, and a lighthouse. It's a treasure trove combining history, sea fishing, and family fun ✨! II. Best Time to Visit - April-June & September-November: Comfortable temperatures, clear waters, ideal for island hiking and beachcombing 🦐. - July-August: Peak summer season, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but be mindful of sun protection and typhoons 🌞⛈️. - December-March: Fewer visitors and plumper seafood, though water temperatures are lower, good for sea fishing 🎣. III. Transportation Guide 【Getting to the Island】 1. From Zhuhai: - Take a boat from Xiangzhou Port, approximately 50 minutes direct, standard cabin 100 yuan/person (book tickets in advance through the "Xiangzhou Port" WeChat account 🚢). - Depart from Hengqin Port, about 45 minutes journey, convenient for those visiting after Chimelong. 2. From Shenzhen: Direct boats from Shekou Port to Guishan Island, 50-minute journey, 150 yuan/person (1-2 sailings daily). 3. Self-driving parking: Xiangzhou Port parking lot costs about 5 yuan/hour, capped at 60 yuan/day 🅿️. 【Island Transportation】 - Electric cart island tour: 30-50 yuan/person (sectional pricing), or charter a vehicle for sightseeing 🛵. - Bicycle rental: 20 yuan/hour, recommended for riding along the coastal boardwalk 🚲. - Walking: The entire island is about 7 square kilometers, with main attractions clustered together 👣. IV. Must-See Attractions and Experiences 【Cultural and Historical Sites】 1. Guishan Warship Memorial Park: A red education base where you can climb to pay respects at the martyrs' memorial, overlook the "Guishan Warship" shipwreck site, and view the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in the distance 🌉. 2. Wen Tianxiang Cultural Square: A giant statue of Wen Tianxiang facing the sea, inscribed with his poem "Crossing Lingding Ocean," especially atmospheric at sunset 🌇. 【Natural Scenery】 1. North Mountain Reservoir (Windmill Mountain): Hike or take an electric cart to the summit, where white windmills contrast with the blue sea, creating a fairyland-like scene with mist and clouds at sunrise ☁️. 2. Dolphin Bay Beach: The island's only beach, with slightly coarse sand but clear water, suitable for swimming and kayaking in summer 🚣. 3. Guishan Lighthouse: A blue and white Instagram-worthy lighthouse that becomes super romantic when lit in the evening, perfect for photos with the reef clusters 📸. 【Special Experiences】 - Fishing Paradise: Rent a boat for sea fishing for yellow-fin sea bream and grouper (about 300 yuan/2 hours, fishing gear available for rent 🎣). - Island Cycling: From Guihai Village → One Bay Beach → Lighthouse, about 5 kilometers total, incredibly therapeutic with the sea breeze 💨. - Beachcombing: Collect sea snails and mussels on the rocky beach during low tide (tools can be borrowed from guesthouses). - Chinese White Dolphin Watching: Take a boat to the waters near Niutou Island, with relatively high chances of sightings (about 80 yuan/person) 🐬. V. Special Cuisine - Guishan Clams: Local specialty shellfish, delicious steamed with garlic or in porridge 😋. - Sea Urchin Fried Rice: Golden and perfectly textured, full of wok flavor (about 68 yuan/serving). - "General's Hat" (abalone-like shellfish): Tastes like abalone, excellent blanched and dipped in sauce. - Dog Paw Conch: Uniquely shaped, sweet and chewy. - Recommended Restaurants: - Jiangxing Seafood Restaurant: Next to the pier, select your own seafood for cooking (processing fee 15-30 yuan/500g). - Hong Kong-style Wonton Noodles: An island institution, with thin wonton wrappers and plenty of shrimp filling 🍜. VI. Accommodation Recommendations - High-end Sea View: Daohe Pushu Island Garden Hotel (cliff-side pool + stargazing rooms, about 1,200 yuan/night 🏨). - Value-for-money Guesthouse: Blue Coast Guesthouse (near the pier, terrace with sea view, about 400 yuan/night). - Backpacker's Choice: Guishan Island International Youth Hostel (beds from 80 yuan/person, great atmosphere). ⚠️ Tip to avoid pitfalls: Book rooms at least 2 weeks in advance for weekends/holidays! VII. Important Notes 1. Sun and Mosquito Protection: Strong UV rays on the island, bring sunscreen and sun hats; mosquitoes are prevalent in grassy areas, remember insect repellent 🧴. 2. Environmental Guidelines: Don't collect coral or shells (may be inspected when leaving the island), take your trash with you 🌍. 3. Cash Backup: Some seafood stalls and electric cart drivers only accept cash 💴. 4. Safety Tips: Reef areas are slippery, wear non-slip shoes; don't take photos or enter military management areas 🚫. 5. Medical Resources: The island has only one health station, bring common medications (motion sickness pills, band-aids) 💊. VIII. Suggested Itineraries 【Two-Day In-Depth Tour】 - Day 1: Arrive from Xiangzhou Port → Guishan Warship Park → Wen Tianxiang Square → Dolphin Bay water activities → overnight at sea view guesthouse 🌃. - Day 2: Watch sunrise at North Mountain Reservoir → cycle around the island → take photos at Guishan Lighthouse → shop at the seafood market → return 🛍️. 【One-Day Quick Tour】 - Take early boat to island → Guishan Warship Memorial Park → North Mountain Reservoir → lunch at Dolphin Bay → hike around the island → afternoon tea (wonton noodles) → boat back 🚢. 【Nearby Connections】 - Dong'ao Island: 20 minutes by boat, visit the "Little Maldives of Zhuhai" at Gree Hotel (requires separate boat ticket). Guishan Island offers both historical depth and island leisure. Whether you're beachcombing with family, chasing sunsets with your partner, or taking photos, you'll find plenty of joy! Bring your good mood and come experience the salty sea breeze and slow life~ 🌊🚴♀️🦀