Hailing Island, the private back garden of Guangdong people
[RedHeart] Hailing Island is like a piece of emerald inlaid in the blue waves south of Yangjiang River. It is jokingly called "Maldives at home" by the locals in Guangzhou. There is no hustle and bustle of Sanya here. The ten-mile Silver Beach has clear water and white sand. The sunset on Mawei Island dyes the entire sky red. The waves kiss the reefs lightly, and the sea breeze carries a salty fragrance.
[RedHeart] In the early morning, fishing boats return to the port, and the fish market at the dock is bustling with flowers and crabs and mantis shrimps jumping in bamboo baskets. In the afternoon, walk along the mangrove boardwalk, and egrets fly over the emerald waterway. When dusk falls, the smell of fireworks in Dajiao Bay rises with the barbecue smoke. Guangdong people understand this kind of relaxation that is "close but not boring" best - there is no need to travel across the ocean, a three-hour drive will take you to the gentle folds between the sea and the sky.
Game guide:
1. Overview of Hailing Island
Location: Southwestern end of Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, about 40 kilometers from downtown Yangjiang. It is known as one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Islands in China".
Best time to travel: April to October (summer is suitable for playing in the water, seafood is plump in September and October, avoid the typhoon season in July and August).
Features: fine sandy beach, clear water, rich seafood, and fishing culture.
2. Transportation Guide
1. How to get to Hailing Island?
airplane:
Nearest airport: Yangjiang Heshan Airport (few flights). It is recommended to fly to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport or Zhuhai Jinwan Airport, and then take the high-speed rail/bus to Yangjiang.
High-speed rail:
Take the high-speed rail to Yangjiang Station, and take a taxi or bus (about 1 hour) to Hailing Island (cost about 80-100 yuan).
Self-driving:
It takes about 3-4 hours from Guangzhou/Shenzhen to navigate to "Hailing Island" and take the Shenhai Expressway to Hailing Island Bridge.
2. Island Transportation
Rent an electric car: about 50-80 yuan/day, flexible and convenient.
Bus: Bus routes on the island cover major scenic spots (such as Mawei Island and Dajiao Bay).
Charter/Taxi: Suitable for family or group travel.
3. Accommodation Recommendations
[Zhapo Town]: Central area, convenient dining and shopping, rich nightlife.
Recommended: Luoyue Hotel, Lanbowan Hotel.
【Shili Silver Beach】: Quiet sea view, suitable for watching the sunrise.
Recommended: Poly Crowne Plaza Hotel, Agile Gold Coast Apartment.
[Beiluo Secret Land]: A popular check-in spot with an infinity pool and a private beach.
Recommended: Beiluo Secret Land Luoyue Hotel.
[Agile Gold Coast]: Suitable for families, with a water park.
Budget reference: B&B in the off-season is 200-400 yuan/night, and in the peak season (summer vacation/holidays) it is 500-1500 yuan/night.
4. Must-see Attractions
1. Classic Beach
Dajiao Bay (5A scenic spot): swimming, water sports (motorboat, banana boat), tickets are about 48 yuan.
Shili Silver Beach: The longest beach in Guinness Book of Records, open to the public free of charge, where you can visit the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum ("Nanhai No. 1" Song Dynasty shipwreck).
Mawei Island: Free, a great spot to watch the sunset, and you can go fishing at low tide.
Beiluo Secret Land: Cliff plank road, sky-high infinity pool (must be a guest or purchase a ticket to enter).
2. Natural scenery
Mangrove National Wetland Park: The wooden boardwalk on the sea is suitable for family exploration (ticket price: 25 yuan).
Windmill Hill (Fei Eling): Overlooking the entire island, taking photos of windmills and the coastline (free).
3. Cultural Experience
Fisherman Culture Exhibition Hall: Learn about the life of Danjia fishermen.
Zhapo Fishing Port: Watch the fishing boats return to the port in the early morning and experience the bustle of the fishing market.
5. Food Guide
1. Must-eat recommendations
seafood:
Recommended restaurants: Qiandama Seafood Restaurant (chain), Qiujie Gourmet Restaurant, and Xincheng Fishing Village.
Purchase and process by yourself: Buy seafood at Zhapo Farmer’s Market and have it processed by a nearby restaurant (processing fee 10-20 Yuan/catties).
Special snacks:
Pork intestine rolls (Yangjiang version of rice noodle rolls), fish balls, mackerel rice, and clay-baked chicken.
Sweet drinks/drinks:
Jiuji Sugar Soup and Hailing Island Check-in Juice Ice Company.
2. Tips for avoiding pitfalls
Avoid restaurants that solicit customers at the entrance of scenic spots, and choose stores with clearly marked prices or high review scores.
Ask clearly about the price of seafood (by pound/by portion) to avoid being misled by "current market prices".
6. Itinerary Suggestions
2 Days 1 Night:
Day 1: Play in the water at Dajiao Bay → Beiluo Secret Cliff Trail → Mawei Island Sunset → Zhapo Night Market.
Day 2: Mangrove Wetland Park → Shili Silver Beach → return.
3 Days 2 Nights:
Added sunrise at Windmill Hill, Nanhai Release Platform, and experience of catching seafood or going out to sea for fishing.
VII. Precautions
Sun protection and mosquito protection: Ultraviolet rays are strong, so prepare sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent.
Swimming safety: Swim only in designated areas and pay attention to tide warnings.
Avoid pitfalls when renting a car: Check the battery level of the electric vehicle to avoid deposit disputes.
Avoid peak seasons: There will be a large number of people during summer vacation and National Day, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak hours.
Environmental protection: Do not litter and protect the marine environment.
8. Other experiences:
Go fishing at the beach: Washa Bay or Mawei Island. Bring your own tools or rent them on site (check the tide table).
Night fishing/night catching: You can sign up to experience fishing activities at local travel agencies.