Huizhou Xunliao Bay Complete Guide: A Journey to the Blue Sea and Sky of the Oriental Maldives

Overview

Huizhou Xunliao Bay, hailed as the “Chinese Maldives” and the “Oriental Hawaii”, is renowned for its three unique features: exquisite rocks, crystal-clear water, and snow-white sand. Located in Huidong County, Guangdong Province, this coastal resort boasts a winding 27-kilometer coastline and 8 pearl-strung bays, making it an ideal weekend getaway for those in the Pearl River Delta. As a seasoned travel enthusiast, I’ve prepared an ultra-detailed guide to Xunliao Bay, covering attractions, food, accommodation, and itineraries to help you fully experience the charm of this “God-given Platinum Beach”.

Top Attractions: Explore the Three Unique Scenic Wonders

Platinum Coast: A Sandy Paradise with Silky-Soft Shores

• Highlights: An 11-kilometer stretch of white sandy beach with 99% sand content, crystal-clear seawater with a visibility of up to 5 meters
• Ticket Info: Partially free (e.g., Lanwan Beach); some sections charge fees (e.g., Golden Bay, Deze Garden)
• Recommendations:
  • Visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat
  • Walk barefoot to feel the soft sand and embrace the allure of the “God-given White Sand Embankment”
  • Enjoy a range of water sports like beach volleyball, sunbathing, and jet skiing (starting from ¥100 per person)

Mozishi Park: A Museum of Strange Rocks and Internet-Famous Check-In Spot

• Highlights: The wind-driven “Wind and Wave Grinding Stone”, listed in China’s Top Geographical Wonders for its “strangeness, danger, and swaying”; a variety of uniquely shaped reefs
• Ticket Info: Free
• Recommendations:
  • Go at sunset for stunning golden-hour photography with rocks and sunlight
  • Wear comfortable shoes as some reef areas are slippery
  • Gather tide pool creatures like fiddler crabs and periwinkles during low tide

Delta Island: China’s Own “Maldives”

• Highlights: A private island with clear water and fine sand, known for its “clear water, exotic rocks, and silky sand”
• Ticket Info: ¥128 per adult (includes ferry and entrance fee)
• Recommendations:
  • Snorkel (excellent water quality for viewing coral reefs and tropical fish)
  • Try thrilling activities like cliff swings and jet skiing
  • Climb to the island’s peak observation deck for panoramic views of the blue sea
  • Recommended duration: 3-4 hours

Tianhou Palace Lingnan Folk Culture Street: Millennium Mazu Culture

• Highlights: Guangdong’s largest Tianhou Palace, integrating ancient opera stages, coastal bar streets, and specialty shops
• Ticket Info: Free
• Recommendations:
  • Visit Tianhou Palace to pray for peace
  • Sample local snacks and buy souvenirs
  • Watch traditional folk performances at night to experience fisherman culture

Chisha Tide-Fishing Park: Harvest the Gifts of the Sea

• Highlights: Vast tidal flats exposed during low tide, home to shellfish and small crabs; experience authentic fisherman life
• Ticket Info: Free
• Recommendations:
  • Check the tide table in advance and go during low tide (usually around the 1st and 15th of the lunar calendar)
  • Bring rain boots, a small bucket, and tools for a fun tide-fishing experience
  • Have your catch processed at nearby restaurants for fresh seafood feasts

Other Can’t-Miss Attractions

• Rose Auditorium: A romantic white building, perfect for photos
• Pigeon Island: Watch seagulls circling and enjoy island vibes
• Fengchi Island: A quiet retreat ideal for relaxation
• Xunliao Fishery Village: Experience Tanka culture and taste freshly landed seafood

Transportation Guide: Multiple Ways to Reach Easily

Self-Driving (Highly Recommended)

Route from Shenzhen:

• Nanhai Blvd → Binhai Blvd → Binhe Blvd → Yanhe South Rd → Luosha Hwy → Eastern Coastal Expwy → Yanba Expwy → Huishen Coastal Expwy → Renshan Exit → Xunliao Bay
• Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours, 180 km total
• Tips:
  • Navigate to “Xunliao Bay Coastal Resort” and exit via the cross-sea bridge
  • Only one main road leads into the resort—no risk of getting lost, with stunning sea and mountain views along the way

Route from Guangzhou:

• Guanghui Expwy → Lingkeng Interchange to Shenshan Expwy → Baiyun Exit (Huidong Renshan) → Turn right to Xunliao Bay
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours, 200 km total

Public Transportation: Eco-Friendly Options

High-Speed Rail + Shuttle Bus:

• Shenzhen North/Guangzhou South → Huidong Station (40 mins)
• Huidong Station to Xunliao Bay:
  • Tourist express bus (1h 20 mins, ~¥20)
  • Taxi (40-50 mins, ¥100-150)
  • Bus: Huidong-Huizhou Express → Wanda Plaza Station → Huidong H2 Bus → Xunliao Bay Station

Long-Distance Bus:

• Direct buses from major Shenzhen bus stations to Xunliao Bay (3 hrs, ¥60-80)

Accommodation Recommendations: Ocean View Options for Every Budget

Xunliao Bay offers diverse accommodation, from budget homestays to five-star hotels, catering to all needs:

Ocean View Hotels: Ultimate Sea-View Experience

High-End Luxury (¥500+):

• Ramada Hotel Xunliao Bay: Panoramic sea views, water park, beach tide-fishing—ideal for family vacations
• Jiuming Yuhai Resort Hotel: 180° sea-view terraces with comprehensive facilities
• Price Range: ¥800-2000/night on holidays; ¥500-800/night on weekdays

Mid-Range Comfort (¥300-500):

• Xunliao Bay Banshan Seaview Resort Hotel: Close to Shuangyu Island, great value for money
• Xunliao Bay Ocean World·Xianghai Time Hotel: Near the sea park, perfect for family trips
• Price Range: ¥300-450/night on weekdays; ¥450-600/night on weekends

Unique Homestays: Cozy and Private Choices

Sea-View Homestays:

• Sunset Sea-View Room at Jiuming Yuhai: Starting from ¥98/night (flash sale), two beds, with beach gear provided
• 3-bedroom apartment 780m from the beach: ¥1088/night, suitable for families or small groups

Villa Resorts:

• Jiuming Wenlai Holiday Homestay: 9-bedroom pool villa, ¥2188/night, with KTV, mahjong, billiards, and kitchen/barbecue facilities
• Whale Fall RV Camp: ¥300+/person, beachfront RVs with direct access to the shore

Accommodation Tips:

• Couples: Choose ocean-view rooms in Jiuming Yuhai or Ocean World for maximum romance
• Families: Hotels with kids’ facilities (Ramada or Sheraton Xunliao Bay)
• Groups: Villas or multi-room homestays (Jiuming Wenlai) for better value and privacy
• Budget Travelers: Homestays 10 mins’ walk from the beach (as low as ¥200/night)

Food Guide: Seafood Feasts and Local Snacks

Must-Try Seafood: Freshly Caught and Cooked

Recommended Restaurants:

Must-Order Dishes:

• Boiled Flower Snails: Served with wasabi soy sauce, refreshing and appetizing
• Ginger and Scallion Fried Crab: Rich crab roe with savory sauce, perfect with rice
• Steamed Grouper: Tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat
• Sea Urchin Fried Rice: Golden rice infused with sea urchin flavor, fluffy and flavorful
• Boiled Sea Prawns: Fresh, sweet, and bouncy, served plain to highlight natural taste

Local Snacks and Drinks: Taste of Xunliao

• Xunliao Ginger Candy: Warms the body, a local specialty
• Mazu Peace Cake: Sold near Tianhou Palace, symbolizing safety
• Seafood Rice Dumplings: Unique combination of local red beans and seafood
• Divine Desserts: Various flavors (e.g., coconut milk peach gum), mostly under ¥5

Seafood Shopping Guide:

• Bijia Village Seafood Market: Direct sales from fishermen, affordable prices (Red Mullet ¥25/kg, Silver Pomfret ¥15/kg, Crab with Roe ¥85/kg)
• Qunyi Market: Wide variety of seafood, bargaining allowed
• Shopping Tips:
  • Visit between 4-6 PM for the freshest catch
  • Compare prices and bargain 10-20% off
  • Ask vendors to clean seafood or have it processed at nearby restaurants (processing fees: ¥10 for boiling, ¥15 for steaming)

Souvenir Shopping: Bring the Taste of the Sea Home

1. Dried Seafood:
   • Xunliao Fisherman’s Three Treasures: Dried fish, dried shrimp, dried squid tubes, handmade with traditional methods
   • Recommendations: Squid shreds, cuttlefish slices, small whitebait, shrimp sticks (¥30-80/bag)
   • Where to Buy: Tianhou Palace Golden Bay Specialty Store, Xunliao Bay Golden Bay Specialty Store (15-year-old shop)
2. Handicrafts:
   • Hand-painted shell art, handmade pearl necklaces, coral crafts—unique ocean-themed souvenirs
   • Price Range: ¥ 几十 to ¥ 几百 based on craftsmanship

Itinerary Planning: From Day Trips to 3-Day Getaways

1-Day Essence Tour:

Morning:

• 9:00-11:30: Platinum Coast Beach (swimming, beach activities)
• 11:30-12:30: Seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant

Afternoon:

• 13:30-16:00: Delta Island (snorkeling, sightseeing)
• 16:30-18:00: Mozishi Park (sunset photography)

Evening:

• 18:30-20:00: Tianhou Palace Culture Street (dinner + night tour)
• 20:30: Return to accommodation for beach stroll or rest

2-Day In-Depth Experience:

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive at Xunliao Bay → Pray at Tianhou Palace → Lunch
• Afternoon: Delta Island (snorkeling, water sports) → Check into accommodation → Beach sunset
• Evening: Seafood feast → Beach bonfire party (bookable)

Day 2:

• Early Morning: Optional sunrise viewing (5:30-7:00)
• Morning: Mozishi Park (photos, tide-fishing) → Lunch
• Afternoon: Chisha Tide-Fishing Park (fisherman experience) → Photos at Rose Auditorium
• Evening: Depart or extend stay for coastal night views

3-Day Premium Tour:

Day 1: Same as Day 1 of the 2-day itinerary

Day 2:

• Full-Day Sea Trip:
  • 08:00-12:00: Charter a boat for fishing (¥2000/boat for 12 people, includes sea fishing, snorkeling, and drinks)
  • Have your catch processed for a meal of your own harvest
• Evening: Huajia Class Auto Stunt Show (drift, 360° spins)

Day 3:

• Morning: Pigeon Island + Fengchi Island (boat tour, pristine island scenery)
• Afternoon: Xunliao Fishery Village (Tanka culture experience, buy fresh seafood)
• Evening: Depart or stay another night

Practical Tips: Pro Travel Advice

Best Travel Time

• Year-round accessibility, but May-October is optimal (comfortable seawater temperature, ample sunshine)
• Avoid: Typhoon season (July-September), which may disrupt water activities and travel plans
• Off-Peak Tip: Weekdays are less crowded with lower accommodation prices than weekends/holidays

Money-Saving Hacks

• Accommodation: Book 15 days in advance or choose homestays 10 mins’ walk from the beach for lower rates
• Food: Opt for lunch set meals at food stalls (e.g., Jiuxian’s 7-dish seafood set for ¥158) to save 40% vs. a la carte
• Attractions: Prioritize free spots like Mozishi Park, Tianhou Palace, and Rose Auditorium

Essential Packing List

• Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+), sun hat, sun-protective clothing (strong coastal UV rays)
• Beach essentials: Swimsuit, flip-flops, towel
• Tide-fishing gear: Rain boots, small bucket, tools
• Waterproof phone/camera pouch
• First-aid kit: Gastrointestinal medicine, band-aids

Additional Tips

• Carry ¥500-1000 in cash (some small shops and seafood markets are cash-only)
• ATMs and card payments are widely available in the resort area
• Wear a rash guard for snorkeling (sun protection and scratch prevention)
• Best photo times: Sunrise (5:30-7:00) and sunset (17:30-19:00) for soft, colorful lighting

Conclusion: Xunliao Bay – A Coastal Haven for Urbanites

Xunliao Bay, known as “Guangdong’s Maldives”, captivates visitors with its “exquisite rocks, crystal-clear water, and snow-white sand”, offering a perfect escape from urban chaos. Whether it’s the silky beach, dramatic rock formations, clear waters, or fresh seafood, every aspect leaves a lasting impression.

This guide covers all aspects of Xunliao Bay travel, helping you plan a flawless coastal trip. Remember, the true joy of travel lies not in checking off attractions, but in immersing yourself in the sea’s rhythm and atmosphere. Next time you step onto the soft white sand, gaze at the endless blue, and listen to the waves, you’ll understand why it’s called the “God-given Platinum Beach”—a generous gift from nature.

Final Reminder: Confirm attraction opening hours and ticket prices before departure, as some details may change with seasons or policies. If possible, stay overnight to experience the soothing sound of night waves and starry skies—Xunliao Bay’s most magical moments.