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.