Hailing Island: Yangjiang's most renowned coastal resort, known as both the "Beidaihe of the South" and "Hawaii of the East".
Dajiao Bay: A national 5A-level scenic spot with soft sand and gentle waves, ideal for swimming and beach volleyball. The lively coastal night market here is a must-visit in the evening.
Shili Yin Beach: One of Asia's longest beaches, with miles of white sand. You can try sailing, jet skiing, or simply enjoy sunrise and sunset walks.
Beiluo Secret Realm: Famous for its "unbeatable sea views + cliff swimming pool", it's a hit among social media users, featuring high-end resorts and pristine beaches.
Guangdong Maritime Silk Road Museum: Nicknamed the "Crystal Palace", it houses the Song Dynasty sunken ship "Nanhai I" and over 10,000 cultural relics (such as goldware and porcelain). High-tech exhibitions recreate the prosperity of ancient maritime trade, making it a core site to understand Maritime Silk Road culture.
Shapa Bay & Moon Bay: Shapa Bay is a tranquil fishing village beach where you can experience local fishing life and taste freshly caught seafood. Adjacent Moon Bay, named for its crescent-shaped coastline, has clear waters, perfect for family trips.
Yangchun Lingxiao Cave: Known as the "No.1 Cave in Southern China", it's a typical karst cave with diverse stalactites. Lit up, the cave resembles an underground wonderland, and you can boat through its underground river.
Yangxi Saltwater Mineral Hot Spring: A rare medical-grade saltwater hot spring rich in fluorine and strontium. Enjoy the lake view while soaking, especially pleasant in winter.
Must-Try Foods
Seafood Feast: Yangjiang's seafood is a highlight, including crab, mantis shrimp, scallops, and mackerel. Recommended dishes: steamed (to preserve freshness) and garlic vermicelli-steamed (aromatic and flavorful). Restaurants near Zhapo Fishing Port are top choices.
Zhuchanglu: Yangjiang's iconic snack, made of rice noodles wrapped around bean sprouts and vermicelli, drizzled with secret sauce and white sesame. Salty, slightly spicy, and commonly found at breakfast stalls.
Baisha Goose Rice: Stir-fried with female goose meat and silk 苗 rice, the rice absorbs the goose fat, making it fluffy and non-greasy. Served with pickles, it's a must-order for local gatherings.
Sheng Si Lian (Life and Death Love): A unique home-cooked dish of steamed salted and fresh fish, blending saltiness and sweetness—perfect with rice, reflecting Yangjiang's culinary wisdom of "using ingredients to their fullest".
Ye Tie (Leaf-wrapped Cake) & Radish Cake: Traditional rice snacks. Ye Tie is glutinous rice flour with peanut filling, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Radish cake with shrimp and preserved meat is fragrant, ideal for tea time.
Accommodation Suggestions
Hailing Island: For sea views, choose hotels near Dajiao Bay or Beiluo Secret Realm (e.g., Haizhiguan Hotel, Beiluo Secret Realm Resort). Budget options include B&Bs in Zhapo Town, a 10-minute walk from the beach with nearby dining.
Yangjiang City Center: Recommended hotels (e.g., Hualuxe Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton) offer convenient transport. Try local snacks (e.g., Zhuchanglu stalls near Shishan Park) and visit Dongping Road Pedestrian Street at night.
Shapa Bay/Moon Bay: Fisherman B&Bs predominate, with some sea-view rooms offering 涛声. Affordable, perfect for slow-paced vacations.
Itinerary Planning
3-Day Leisure Tour
Day 1: Arrive at Hailing Island → Visit Maritime Silk Road Museum → Seafood lunch → Dajiao Bay in the afternoon → Zhapo Night Market in the evening.
Day 2: Morning walk at Shili Yin Beach → Water activities → Goose rice lunch → Visit Beiluo Secret Realm → Try "Sheng Si Lian" for dinner.
Day 3: Watch sunrise at Shapa Bay → Explore fishing port for seafood → Return after lunch.
5-Day In-Depth Tour
Days 1-3: Same as above.
Day 4: Drive to Yangchun → Visit Lingxiao Cave → Lunch with Chunsha Chicken (local herb dish) → Afternoon at Chunwan Stone Forest → Stay in Yangchun.
Day 5: Visit Yangxi Saltwater Hot Spring → Relax in the springs → Lunch with Yangxi Eel Rice → Return.
Transportation Guide
External Transport:
High-speed Rail: Guangzhou South Station → Yangjiang Station (≈1.5 hours); Shenzhen North Station → Yangjiang Station (≈2.5 hours). Take bus or taxi to the city/hailing Island from the station.
Self-Driving: Access via Guangzhou-Zhanjiang Expressway or Shenhai Expressway. Hailing Island is reachable via Hailing Bridge, with scenic routes.
Internal Transport:
City to Hailing Island: Bus 31 (≈1 hour) or taxi (≈40 minutes, ¥50-80).
Between Attractions: Rent an electric car on Hailing Island (≈¥50/day) for flexibility. For cross-city trips (e.g., Yangchun, Yangxi), self-driving or chartered cars are recommended.
