Shenzhen → Guishan Island Complete Guide｜70 Minutes Direct to "Little Kamakura of Guangdong," Unlock the Island's Slow Life

Shenzhen → Guishan Island Complete Guide｜70-Minute Island Hopping! Unlock the Healing Time of a Lesser-Known Island [Congratulate] Departing from Shenzhen Airport Pier, the boat cuts through the blue waves of Lingdingyang, and in just 70 minutes you can reach a "hidden treasure island" in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area—Guishan Island. Here, there is no over-commercialized noise, only the whispers of jellyfish seas and reefs, the embrace of the lighthouse and sunset, and the aroma of seafood hidden in the alleys. This "transportation + original activities + dining & lodging + practical tools" full guide helps you avoid typical tourist traps and discover Guishan Island’s true charm. [Clap] 1. Island Arrival Transportation: Choose the Right Way, No Detours, No Rush 🩷1. Shenzhen → Guishan Island: 3 Ways to Get to the Island 🩷(1) Direct from Shenzhen Airport Pier (Fastest Island Hop) - Schedule: One round trip daily, departure at 09:50, return at 16:30 (peak season April-May/September-October may add a 14:30 departure and 18:00 return) - Duration: About 70 minutes; during the trip, you can see the bridge piers of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the arc of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the white wind turbines of the offshore wind farm up close - Ticket Price: One-way standard cabin 160 RMB/person; tickets available 3 days in advance on the "Shenzhen Airport Pier" WeChat official account; tickets are tight on peak season weekends - Suitable for: Those living in Bao’an, Nanshan, or travelers seeking efficient island access 💚(2) Depart from Shenzhen Shekou Port (Flexible Schedule) - Schedule: 3-4 trips daily, departures at 08:30/10:30/14:00/16:00 (weekends add 09:30/15:00); return trips are one hour later than departure - Duration: About 60 minutes; Metro Line 2 goes directly to Shekou Port, no need to rush to the airport - Ticket Price: One-way standard cabin 130 RMB/person; tickets available on the "China Merchants Shekou Cruise Homeport" WeChat official account - Suitable for: Those living in Futian, Luohu, or travelers wanting flexible island arrival times 🩵(3) Self-Drive + Ferry (For Families/Groups) - Route: Drive from Shenzhen to Zhuhai Xiangzhou Port (about 2.5 hours), parking capped at 60 RMB/day, then take a 50-minute ferry to the island - Ferry: Xiangzhou Port → Guishan Island has 7 trips daily, one-way 85 RMB/person; Zhuhai residents enjoy 20% off - Advantage: Suitable for families with kids or camping gear; sightseeing vehicles on the island can carry luggage directly, no need to carry heavy bags 💚2. Island Transportation: 3 Ways to Explore the Whole Island - Island Sightseeing Bus: 30 RMB/person for an all-day pass, stops on demand, covers all attractions, drivers share island history, perfect for lazy travelers - Convenient Electric Scooters: Short trips cost 3-5 RMB each, e.g., from the pier to Dolphin Bay Beach; faster than walking and more flexible than the sightseeing bus - Coastal Cycling: Rent a single bike for 15 RMB/hour; ride from Lighthouse Park to Guishan Ship Memorial Park, the sea breeze is incredibly healing 💚2. Original Activities: 5 Unique Experiences Beyond the Usual 💚1. Lighthouse Sunset: Find the Right Angle for Your Exclusive Silhouette Most people only photograph Guishan Lighthouse during the day, but the golden hour is actually the hour before sunset: stand on the rocks to the left of the lighthouse, let the sun set behind the lighthouse, and position yourself at the edge of the rocks with the sea as the background to capture a clean silhouette of "person between lighthouse and sunset." After shooting, sit on the bench under the lighthouse, wait for the last glow to fade, and listen to the waves hitting the rocks—this undisturbed tranquility is incredibly healing. 🩵2. Rock Pooling: Hunt for Seafood with Locals To the right of Dolphin Bay Beach is an undeveloped rocky area. At low tide (check tide tables in advance), join locals in rock pooling: flip over rocks to find small crabs and green mussels, and if lucky, colorful shells. Remember to wear non-slip shoes (rocks have algae) and bring a small bucket. The fun is in the surprise of discovery—not the quantity—so release the small crabs back into the sea and only keep shells as souvenirs to protect the island’s ecology.🌸🌸 🩷3. Guishan Ship Ruins: Listen to a Sea Story🌊 Guishan Ship Memorial Park is not just about the monument; walk up the rocky boardwalk to see the "Hero Landing Point" stone carving. In the evening, chat with local elders taking a stroll—they will tell stories of "how the Guishan Ship covered troop landings" and "how residents helped with rescue," oral histories warmer than text, adding depth to this sea. From the top, you can enjoy a wide view of Lingdingyang. 🎢4. Hilltop Café: A Hidden Viewing Spot for the Twin Bridges On the mid-slope of Beishan Mountain, there is a no-sign "Hilltop Café" (locals all know it), about a 20-minute walk. Order an iced Americano and sit on the terrace rattan chair to see the distant views of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge "twin bridges," wind turbines turning on the hills, seabirds skimming the sea—no tourist crowds, just coffee aroma and sea breeze. 🐙5. Seafood Night Stalls: Let the Owner Choose Your Meal Don’t stress over the menu; just tell the stall owner "number of people, want fresh seafood," and let them prepare a meal based on the day’s catch. For example, for 3 people, the owner might recommend "steamed grouper + salt and pepper mantis shrimp + garlic scallops + stir-fried seasonal vegetables," about 80 RMB per person to eat until full. Be sure to sit at an outdoor table, enjoy the sea breeze and watch the pier lights reflecting on the water—so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows drop. 🛏3. Accommodation Recommendations: 3 Warm Guesthouses, Not Tourist Traps 1. Island Language Guesthouse: A Homey Feel in Old Alleys Near the pier in an old alley, run by a couple, rooms are small but clean, sheets smell like sunshine. At 7 AM, the owners prepare white porridge, eggs, and local pickles, like visiting friends; in the evening, they share tips like "best rock for sunrise" or "authentic fish balls." About 200 RMB/night per person, perfect for travelers who love local vibes. 2. Ocean Rhythm Cottage: Terrace with Starry Sea View On the island’s west side, the second-floor terrace faces the sea; no light pollution at night, stars overhead, and the owner provides a telescope. Rooms have small kitchens; if you buy seafood at the pier, the owner helps prepare it so you can cook yourself. About 260 RMB/night per person, ideal for couples or those who prefer quiet. 3. Guishan Inn: Top Choice for Families with Kids Has special family rooms with small tents and toys; the yard has a small pool for kids to play in. The owner organizes "shell crafts" and "beach cleanup charity walks." A 5-minute walk to Dolphin Bay Beach, many dining options nearby, about 320 RMB/night per person including breakfast. 4. Practical Tools: Tide & Ferry Schedules for Precise Planning 1. Latest Shenzhen → Guishan Island Ferry Schedule (Reference for 2025) Route Departure Time Duration Price Notes Airport Pier → Guishan Island 09:50 (14:30 added in peak season) 70 minutes 160 RMB Return at 16:30 (18:00 return added) Shekou Port → Guishan Island 08:30/10:30/14:00/16:00 60 minutes 120 RMB Weekend additions at 09:30/15:00, return one hour later Ticket Tips: Check real-time availability on official WeChat accounts "Shenzhen Airport Pier" and "China Merchants Shekou Cruise Homeport." Book 3 days in advance during peak season. Canceling within 2 hours before departure incurs a 10% fee; no refunds within 30 minutes of departure. 🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮 2. Guishan Island Tide Table Guide (1) 3 Accurate Ways to Check - WeChat Mini Program "Global Tides": Search "Guishan Island" to check high and low tides for the next 7 days; for rock pooling, choose "1 hour before low tide to 1 hour after low tide" - Ask guesthouse owners: They recommend rock pooling spots and times based on the day and warn about typhoon effects - Pier bulletin board: Check the daily tide table for last-minute reference (2) Tide Recommendations for Different Activities (Example: May) Activity Recommended Time Notes Rock Pooling 1 hour before to 1 hour after low tide (e.g., 08:00-10:00) Wear non-slip shoes and gloves to avoid scratches Beach Play Mid-tide (halfway rising or falling) High tide beach is small, low tide exposes mud, mid-tide best for wading Rock Photography Low tide Rocks are mostly exposed, great for panoramic shots, avoid getting wet 🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺🗺 5. Pitfalls & Essentials: Don’t Overlook These Details 1. Pack Light: The island has many uphill paths; just bring a backpack. Essentials: non-slip shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket (cool at night by the sea), power bank (few charging stations) 2. Return Tickets: Sunday afternoon return trips are busy; buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting for the next boat 3. Ecological Protection: Don’t litter or pick plants; release small crabs after rock pooling to keep Guishan Island clean ⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️⛱️ Departing from Shenzhen, you can escape the city’s fast pace in 70 minutes. On Guishan Island’s slow time, watch an exclusive lighthouse sunset, listen to a sea story, and taste freshly caught seafood. There are no crowded tourist spots here, only the island’s original healing and everyday charm—definitely worth adding to your weekend list.