2025 Recommended Comprehensive guides in Element Yangjiang Hailing Island (Updated October)

Gentle breezes, lush greenery The prelude to summer quietly begins This summer, take your kids to explore the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas. - Watch the sunrise by the sea The sun slowly rises from the horizon Its rays scatter across the rippling waves The entire sky is painted in warm shades of orange Some hotel rooms offer sunrise views - Fun with tidal foraging When the tide recedes Search for crabs, clams, and other sea creatures... Endless fun awaits Tidal foraging spots: Washai Bay, Mawei Island - Guliao Village An ancient fishing village from the Southern Song Dynasty Transformed into an art-filled vacation destination - Nanhai Release Platform Unique architectural design Expansive views, perfect for stunning photos - Xionghaizi Cliff Lighthouse PARK The park features a sea-viewing platform, swings, Monet Garden, lighthouse, mermaid statues, and other photo-worthy spots Ideal for capturing atmospheric photos - Sunset by the sea The afterglow of the setting sun, radiant and beautiful The sky looks like a spilled palette From deep orange to soft pink Sunset viewing spots: Mawei Island, Nanhai Release Platform - A green eco-friendly brand under Marriott Hotel, Hailing Island, Yangjiang Book your room now, check the pinned post on the homepage.

"With the fishing ban lifted, a thousand sails set forth!" As the morning sun pierced the clouds, the whistles of ships at Zhapo National Central Fishing Port cut through the sea breeze, and over 1,000 fishing vessels raced toward the South China Sea like arrows released from their bows—this was the spectacular scene of the South China Sea Fishing Festival on August 16, and the highlight of our self-driving trip to Hailing Island. Fishing Festival: The Island's Grand Celebration We arrived just in time for the 22nd South China Sea Fishing Festival. At the sacrificial ceremony on the fishing port docks, Tanka fishermen dressed in traditional attire performed ancient rituals to pray for a bountiful harvest. The evening's fishing village feast was even more astonishing—the 2-kilometer-long Haibin Road pedestrian street was lined with nearly a thousand tables of seafood feasts, buzzing with excitement. Freshly steamed mudflat fish, crispy and fragrant salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp, and local snacks like Spanish mackerel fish balls and fried rice cakes—each bite felt like swallowing the vastness of the ocean. At noon the next day, as the fishing ban was officially lifted, drones captured the epic sight of a thousand ships setting sail: steel-hulled fishing boats plowed through the emerald waves, white foam churning, as the fleet sailed majestically into the open sea. A child pointed at the fleet and cheered, "They're going to bring back the ocean's treasures!" Island Adventures: From Shipwreck Mysteries to Dancing on the Waves • Exploring the "Maritime Dunhuang" At the Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum, the Song Dynasty shipwreck "Nanhai I" rests quietly in its crystal palace. While my child pressed against the glass wall counting celadon porcelain, I was awestruck by the reconstructed Tanka merchant ship—an 800-year-old vessel carrying 60,000 treasures, like a seafaring dream transcending time. • The Liveliness of the Cultural Street Zhapo Fishing Village Cultural Street is a living showcase of Tanka culture. In a shrimp paste workshop, my child eagerly stuffed silver fish into earthen jars as the master craftsman chuckled, "This is called 'overnight pickles'—just one night of marinating will make it delicious enough to knock your socks off!" At a corner shop, we savored authentic fish noodles paired with pearl water chestnut soup, the flavors bursting on our tongues. • The Blue Pulse of Dajiao Bay Surfers zoomed down rainbow slides, their laughter mingling with the splashing waves. We rented jet skis to slice through the waves and strolled hand in hand along the beach at sunset. The moment the waves lapped at our ankles, all the summer heat melted away. Family Bonus: Mangrove Foraging and Salted Fish DIY The mudflats of the Mangrove Wetland Park were a natural classroom. Armed with small buckets, we ventured along the boardwalk, where fiddler crabs danced in the mud. My child shrieked with delight upon digging up a live clam: "Mom! The shell is sticking out its tongue!" In the evening, we joined a hotel workshop to make "overnight pickles" salted fish. As we coated the gleaming Spanish mackerel with salt, my child carefully wrote a label: "This is the treasure I caught!" Accommodation Recommendations: Sleeping to the Sound of Waves • Budget-Friendly Pick: Pingzhou Seaview Hotel's 180° ocean-view rooms offer stunning views of Dajiao Bay's waves, lulling you to sleep with the sound of the tide (¥499 per person, including meals and lodging). • Luxury Option: Element Hotel by Marriott boasts full ocean-view balconies overlooking the Ten-Mile Silver Beach, just a 3-minute walk to the sand (around ¥800/night). Self-Driving Tips • Route: A 3-hour direct drive from Guangzhou; avoid holiday traffic peaks. • Foraging Gear: Non-slip rubber boots and small shovels/buckets (rentals available at Washai Bay). • Sunscreen Alert: One "slow-to-learn" dad forgot to apply sunscreen to his feet and ended up with a pair of "red-braised pig trotters"! On the way back, the children cradled their seashells and whispered, "These are gifts from the ocean." Perhaps the meaning of travel is to let the salty sea breeze etch itself into our memories, so that every journey forward carries the echo of the sea. (The 2025 Fishing Festival runs until August 18—don’t miss the Tanka wedding customs parade!)

Nan'ao Island - Must-visit spots: Enter via Nan'ao Bridge and check out Changweishan Lighthouse. Drive along the island loop road passing Tianzai Geological Park and Qian'ao Bay Lighthouse. The Song Well in Yun'ao Town has miraculously fresh water despite being near the sea. The cliffside Sancongya Lighthouse offers breathtaking views. Qing'ao Bay is a natural bathing beach with the "Nature's Gate" Tropic of Cancer landmark. Also worth visiting: Golden Silver Island and Commander-in-Chief's Residence. - Stay: Qing'ao Bay area is ideal. Try ibis Styles Nan'ao Seaview Hotel near the beach, or Nan'ao Shuxin Yunhai·Shiyuzhou Seaview B&B for tide-pooling experiences. - Eat: Try Yu Xiang Seafood Restaurant or Sister Xu's Kitchen for local seafood and Chaoshan-style stir-fries. Hailing Island - Must-visit: Dajiao Bay Maritime Silk Road Tourism Zone surrounded by mountains is perfect for water activities. Explore ancient shipwrecks at Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum. Stroll along the 10-mile Silver Beach, go tide-pooling at Washai Bay, or catch stunning sunsets at Mawei Island. - Stay: Yangjiang Hailing Island Zhapo Haizhiguan Hotel at Dajiao Bay entrance offers great sea views. Element Yangjiang Hailing Island features high-floor ocean vistas. - Eat: Numerous seafood stalls serve freshly caught local specialties. Xiangshan - Must-visit: Experience fishing culture at China Fishing Village. Xiangshan Film Studio (where "Nirvana in Fire" was shot) offers behind-the-scenes glimpses. The 100-year-old Shipu Fishing Port features Ming-Qing architecture. Songlan Mountain Resort is great for beach fun, while Hua'ao Island's sea stone forest is uniquely spectacular. - Stay: Crowne Plaza Ningbo Xiangshan offers sunrise views and beach activities. Xiangshan Banshan Guantang provides tide-pooling experiences. - Eat: Try Yu Mancang Seafood or Haixia Seafood Restaurant for authentic Zhejiang-style seafood. Shitang - Must-visit: The Ring Viewing Platform overlooks sea and stone houses. Golden Beach offers various water sports. Colorful Xiaoluo Village is dubbed China's "Cinque Terre". Qilin Mountain provides panoramic sunset views. The free 8km coastal greenway is perfect for photos. - Stay: Wenling POCOaPOCO B&B features stylish design, while Wenling Zaihaibian offers premium sea-view rooms. - Eat: Shitang Renjia serves delicious local seafood specialties.

The world is vast, but there are always places that transport you into a dreamlike painting at first sight. Hailing Island is precisely such a mesmerizing coastal paradise. Located along the southwestern coast of Yangjiang City in Guangdong Province, Hailing Island is the fourth-largest island in Guangdong. It boasts endless stretches of pristine white beaches, crystal-clear azure waters, a rich variety of seafood delicacies, and a unique marine culture, making it an ideal destination for leisure vacations and seaside getaways. Recommended Attractions: 1. **Dajiao Bay Maritime Silk Road Tourist Zone**: A national 5A-level scenic area featuring a 2.45-kilometer crescent-shaped beach with fine sand and clear waters. Beyond the beautiful shoreline, it offers a water park with over 30 attractions, including high-altitude wave slides and lazy rivers, ensuring endless fun for water sports enthusiasts. Single-day tickets cost 85 RMB, while a two-day pass is 120 RMB (includes access to the water park). 2. **Shili Silver Beach**: Holds the Guinness World Record for the longest coastal beach, stretching 9.7 kilometers. The Poly Silver Beach section is free to enter and is the best spot for sunrise views. You can also try thrilling ATV rides on the sand for 150 RMB per 30 minutes. 3. **Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum**: The museum's crown jewel is the "Nanhai No. 1," a sunken Song Dynasty shipwreck with 100,000 artifacts on display—a truly awe-inspiring sight. Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (closed Mondays), it features a VR shipwreck exploration experience (advance booking required). Admission is 70 RMB. 4. **Mangrove Wetland Park**: Home to 480 acres of subtropical mangroves and a habitat for 189 bird species. At low tide, you can explore the wooden boardwalks and dig for shellfish—a delightful activity. Tickets cost 30 RMB (half-price for children). 5. **Mawwei Island**: The perfect spot for sunset views. As evening falls, fishing boats return to the harbor, and the sky paints the sea in vibrant hues, creating a breathtaking scene. At low tide, you can also forage for crabs and seashells here. 6. **Beiluo Secret Realm International Tourism Resort**: Features a viral infinity pool and cliffside walkway, offering incredible photo opportunities. Hotel guests get free access; standalone tickets cost around 100 RMB. Culinary Experiences: 1. **Fish Noodles**: Made from fresh fish, these noodles are chewy and flavorful. Recommended spot: Xincheng Fishing Village, around 40 RMB per person. 2. **Spanish Mackerel Rice**: A traditional fisherman's dish—fragrant, soft, and brimming with oceanic flavors, around 40 RMB per person. 3. **Leaf-Wrapped Dumplings**: A specialty snack originally for the Ghost Festival, now available year-round with a unique taste. 4. **Pig Intestine Rolls**: Rice noodle rolls stuffed with bean sprouts, drizzled with sesame-peanut sauce—savory and delicious, 5-8 RMB per serving. 5. **"Dog Tongue" Dessert**: Coconut-flavored treats served with brown sugar or crushed peanuts—refreshing and perfect for summer, 3 RMB each. 6. **Chicken Claypot Rice**: Tender chicken and rice simmered in a claypot, absorbing all the rich broth, around 30 RMB per person. 7. **Seafood Feast**: Buy fresh seafood at Zha Po Seafood Market and have it cooked at nearby stalls. Options like mantis shrimp, oysters, and flower crabs are affordable. Cooking fees: 10 RMB per pound for steaming, 15 RMB for stir-frying. A satisfying meal costs 100-150 RMB per person. Accommodation Recommendations: 1. **Near Dajiao Bay**: Convenient location with vibrant nightlife. Yangjiang Hailing Island Zha Po Haizhiguan Hotel (rated 4.6) offers stunning sea views and a rich breakfast, priced at 300-800 RMB. Homestays (150-300 RMB) let you fall asleep to the sound of waves. 2. **Shili Silver Beach**: Premium sea views, ideal for family vacations. Yangjiang Hailing Island Element Hotel (rated 4.8) features panoramic ocean vistas from higher floors, starting at 400 RMB. Budget homestays begin at 100 RMB per person. 3. **Zha Po Town**: Abundant dining options and great value, with accommodations ranging from 80-200 RMB per person. Travel Tips: 1. **Best Time to Visit**: April to October. Summer averages 28°C, perfect for swimming, but expect crowds during July-August school holidays. Note: June-August is the fishing moratorium, so seafood options may be limited. 2. **Transportation**: - **Getting There**: Take a high-speed train to Yangjiang Station, then a direct bus to Hailing Island (1.5 hours, ~25 RMB) or a taxi (~100 RMB). For self-drivers from the Pearl River Delta, navigate to "Hailing Island" via the cross-sea bridge. - **Local Transport**: Rent an e-bike (~80 RMB/day), take infrequent buses (2-3 RMB), or opt for taxis/sightseeing shuttles. 3. **Essentials**: Pack high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—reapply every 2 hours. Borrow free foraging tools from homestays (book in advance). Some attractions offer discounts for teachers/students—bring ID. Hailing Island, the dreamy pearl of the South China Sea, enchants visitors with its stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, and unique charm, promising an unforgettable coastal escape. Come embrace the sun, sand, and serenity of this island paradise!

Hailing Island • Attractions: Shili Silver Beach offers various water activities with crystal-clear water and fine sand; Mazu Temple, built against mountains and seas, serves vegetarian food; Nanhai Release Platform features unique architecture; Dajiao Bay Beach is spacious with natural seaside bathing spots and nightly fireworks; Beiluo Secret Realm's cliff pool and coastal boardwalk are perfect for photos; Mawei Island is ideal for watching sunrise; Zhapo Fishing Port is one of China's first six major central fishing ports; Washai Bay is great for beach combing; Mangrove Wetland Park houses rare flora and fauna. • Accommodation: Crown Hotel Zhapo Hailing Island Yangjiang, Yangjiang Hailing Island Yuan Su Hotel, etc., offering sea views. • Dining: Qiu Jie Restaurant, Shanhai Fish Restaurant, Rui Ji Restaurant, etc., serve fresh seafood. You can also select seafood from Zhapo Town Farmers Market and have it cooked at restaurants. Bijie • Attractions: Zhijin Cave features magnificent natural karst landscapes; Baili Azalea Scenic Area has vast azalea fields and rich ethnic culture; Axilixi Prairie offers views of winding roads and grazing cattle and sheep; Caohai Lake is a natural freshwater lake with numerous rare bird species; Bijie National Forest Park-Gonglongping Scenic Area is a forest oxygen bar perfect for summer retreat. • Accommodation: Axilixi Grand Hotel Bijie, Hongshan International Hotel Bijie, etc., offering complete facilities and attentive service. • Dining: Authentic Old Kaili Miao Ridge Sour Fish Soup, Authentic Kaili Sour Fish Soup, etc., featuring rich and appetizing flavors. Wujiang Fortress • Attractions: Huilong Island features ancient architecture and natural scenery; Chen Ancestral Hall introduces the history and culture of Wujiang Fortress; terraced fields offer spectacular views and farming experiences. • Accommodation: Miao King Hotel is located in the core scenic area with observation deck overlooking the village and beautiful night views; Qian Academy Hotel features traditional style with free hanfu experience; Mushan Hotel offers good value but is slightly far from scenic spots. • Dining: The scenic area has a snack street and various restaurants serving Guizhou local specialties. • Activities: Take rowing boat tours along both banks; watch single bamboo drift performance and appreciate intangible cultural heritage skills; participate in fish lantern folk parade and bonfire party; enjoy musical fountain show and drone performance; release Kongming lanterns for wishes. Transportation • Hailing Island: First travel to Yangjiang, then transfer to Hailing Island. • Bijie: Fly to Bijie Feixiong Airport or take high-speed rail to Bijie Station. • Wujiang Fortress: From Guiyang, drive via Lanhai Expressway and Hangrui Expressway, or take high-speed rail to Zunyi Station or Zunyi South Station, then transfer by bus or taxi. Itinerary • Day 1: Arrive at Hailing Island, visit Shili Silver Beach, Mazu Temple, Nanhai Release Platform; watch fireworks and have BBQ at Dajiao Bay in the evening. • Day 2: Watch sunrise at Mawei Island, visit Zhapo Fishing Port, beach comb at Washai Bay, experience night views at Beiluo Secret Realm. • Day 3: Travel to Bijie, rest upon arrival or explore the city center. • Day 4: Visit Zhijin Cave and Baili Azalea Scenic Area. • Day 5: Travel to Wujiang Fortress, check in and enjoy night views, watch musical fountain show and performances. • Day 6: Take rowing boat tours, visit Huilong Island and Chen Ancestral Hall, experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts. This guide is for reference only and can be adjusted according to personal interests and time availability.