Huizhou Riviera: Double Moon Bay & The Sea Turtle Reserve
Surf the "Maldives of the GBA" and find the clearest glass-like sea
Huizhou boasts the longest and purest coastlines in the GBA. When urban noise becomes stifling, driving to Xunliao Bay and Shuangyue Bay to enjoy the sea breeze, glass-like waters, and sea turtles is the perfect weekend escape.
If you want to find the clearest waters and finest beaches in Guangdong, Huizhou's Huidong Peninsula is the ultimate choice. Home to top-tier coastal resorts like Xunliao Bay and Shuangyue Bay, it's known as the "Maldives of the Greater Bay Area." This is a healing journey of sea breezes and sunshine.
Xunliao and Shuangyue Bays: Nature's Masterpieces
The journey starts at Xunliao Bay. With over 20 kilometers of coastline, the water here is crystal clear and the sand powdery white. You can rent a sailboat or enjoy various thrilling water sports on the beach. Continuing south along the coast, we arrive at Shuangyue (Double Moon) Bay. This is a geographical wonder—two adjacent half-moon bays formed by Daya Bay and Honghai Bay. We highly recommend taking the shuttle up to the Daxingshan Observatory. From the peak, you overlook the inner bay (calm as a mirror on the left) and the outer bay (crashing waves on the right). The two perfect arcs intertwined are absolutely spectacular.
The Turtle Sanctuary and the Cliffside Boardwalk
At the southernmost tip of Shuangyue Bay hides a precious ecological secret: the Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve (Turtle Bay). This is the only sea turtle nesting site on the Asian mainland. The water here presents a jelly-like gradient blue, dubbed the "glass sea" by tourists. Walking along the cliffside coastal boardwalk as waves crash against the reefs rivals any top international island destination. Inside the reserve's education center, you can get up close with rescued rare sea turtles, making it highly educational for families.
Sunset Cycling at Daya Bay Mangroves
On the way back, we make a stop at the Daya Bay Mangrove Urban Wetland Park. This is the "green lung" of Huizhou's coastline. Rent a bicycle and ride along the wetland greenway flanked by dense mangroves. At dusk, flocks of egrets return to their nests under the setting sun, casting a golden glow over the calm waters. Finish off with a meal of freshly caught seafood at a nearby seafood street for a perfect ending to this azure journey.
Huizhou's coastal attractions are spread out, so renting a car and driving is highly recommended (via the Hui-Shen Coastal Highway). If taking the high-speed rail, alight at Huidong Station and take a bus or taxi to Xunliao Bay. Shuangyue Bay and Turtle Bay are adjacent and should be done on the same day.
Traffic on the coastal roads to Xunliao and Shuangyue Bays is notoriously bad on summer weekends and holidays; travel off-peak (e.g., Friday night or weekdays). The boardwalk at Turtle Bay offers zero shade—bring strong sun protection and water. Always confirm prices before ordering at seafood restaurants.